Unlike tow straps where you would let all the slack out before pulling, recovery straps contain much more "give" allowing the driver to get a running start. This is much more effective in a recovery situation for a couple of reasons. The first is that the vehicle doing the pulling can get momentum as well as traction.

If you need hardware to secure the strap, anchor shackles are great for recovery vehicles. As the first vehicle begins to move forward, the strap stretches and pulls the stuck vehicle free. Recovery straps are safer for this type of usage than chain.

It depends on the type of strap. Some can hold up to 7,500 pounds, while others can only manage 3,000 pounds. Again, this will depend on the weight capacity of the strap, as it needs to be three times the weight of your car. What is the difference between a tow strap and a recovery strap?

If space is tight, use the 20 foot option. Out west, you usually have more space on the trails and a 30 foot strap is usually perfect.