Off-roading can be fun until it isn’t. That’s right! It can help you find solace with nature, especially for grease monkeys. And there is no shortage of tranquil and fun off-roading locations in the US. But, as fun as it sounds, off-roading can also turn into – well, not so much fun if your 4X4 vehicle gets stuck.
Fortunately, there are a few winching devices that will keep the off-roading fun going should your vehicle get stuck. One of the essential pieces of off-road gear includes tree saver straps. They are commonly used to anchor trees when winching a stuck vehicle. These simple flat sling-like straps do precisely what their name says, protect the tree when winching your stuck vehicle.
However, most off-road driving enthusiasts often forget about tree saver straps, how they work, and why they are important. So, here we are going to discuss tree saver straps in as much detail as we can. Let’s get down to it.
A tree saver strap, also called a tree protector strap, helps rig your winch line to a tree. Made from nylon or polyester webbing, it comes with looped ends. You have to use a D-shackle to connect the winching rope to the strap. It is suitable for winching because it stores energy under stretch. So, they are also called non-elastic straps.
Sometimes, a tree saver strap can come with an additional layer of nylon or polyester webbing. As tree protector straps come with various rated capacities and sizes, you will have to choose one based on your requirements.
Each tree saver strap also comes with an information tag. It provides users with details like rated load capacity, date of manufacturing, and usage guidelines. If this tag is worn out, don’t use the strap. Moreover, using a tree saver strap with lower rated capacity or without knowing the safe use can be dangerous.
People often use the terms tree saver straps and recovery straps interchangeably. Although both are used in winching, they have very different mechanical properties and specific applications. Let’s see how these two similar-looking winching straps are actually quite different.
Of course, the tree saver strap protects a tree from the damage caused by a winching rope. But, it also protects you from a potential accident. If the winching rope cuts too deep into the tree or snaps without protective gear, it can endanger everyone’s safety. And you don’t want to get even a scratch while off-roading in a remote location.
When selecting a tree saver strap, you need to be careful. If you choose the one with the wrong specifications, you could end up damaging your vehicle, or worse, getting hurt. So, when you go shopping for a tree protector strap, keep the following things in mind.
Tree saver straps are durable, and they may not go through frequent usage. However, they will wear out eventually. To ensure your safety, you need to keep an eye out for the revealing signs of damage. If you see any of the following signs, make sure to replace your tree saver strap immediately.
You must have realized by now that the tree saver strap is an invaluable addition to your off-road gear. It’s also an expensive one. So, you wouldn’t want to go through too many of them every year. Moreover, it’s a safety risk to use a tree saver strap that hasn’t been well maintained. To keep your straps in excellent working condition, you need to do the following.
As you can see, your off-road gear is incomplete without a tree saver strap. However, you will need to consider a lot of things when it comes to choosing a strap. Hopefully, this short guide will help you in this regard.
HHI sells different types of industrial rigging and lifting material, including tree saver straps. You can browse through our vast inventory both online or offline. For more details, check out our online store or reach out to our experts.