I'll be heading to Alpe d'Huez for a week at the end of the month and I'm thinking of taking a tow rope with me in case I have to help someone who gets stuck or if someone has to pull me out of a snow drift. I've been to the Alps in the winter before and haven't had any Problems as the locals keep resort access roads clear usually but I thought it would be wise to have a rope in the car. Can anyone recommend which type of tow rope I should pack? Should I go for the snatch/kinetic type or just a regular tow rope? I have the Westfalia tow bar fitted. 2012 Vogue 4.4 TDV8 automatic (LHD), Santorini Black
2008 Vogue 3.6 TDV8 automatic (LHD), Java Black

Just take a flat nylon strap - and some way to attach to both vehicles - so hooks or shackles. I keep one rolled up in the side boot cutout.

A kinetic rope should only be used by someone who knows what they are doing. They are incredibly capable and dangerous in equal measure. They are basically an elastic rope and can impart very high forces. I have seen one rip a tow ball off a vehicle and put it straight through the back window of the recovering vehicle - fortunately no one hurt, but scary none the less.

Nylon is best
First Four sell some nice kits
https://www.firstfour.co.uk/12-tonne-nylon-tow-rope.html Gone to a good home: 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
2025MY Defender D350 90 in Silicon Silver on coils
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
Many, many other Landies over the years
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
--------------------------------------------------

Buy a good tow strap - the legal max length in GB is 4.5 metres, therefore buy a 9 metre strap and use it doubled up if need be on the road - you also then have a strap long enough for recovery from a decent distance to avoid the tow vehicle becoming stuck I.e. in a field etc. Also buy 2 x decent shackles that will fit the recovery eyes on either end of your RR.

I keep 2 9 metre straps and 2x 3.25 ton shackles in the tyre well just in case - they have been used on 4,occasions in the last 3 years to recover others x3 and myself x1 - should I get stuck I know I am good to go and can be recovered from a distance without compromising the other vehicle 2021 L405 Vogue SE 4.4 V8 DIESEL ~ #17

Got mine from Aldi purpose made with the shackles on the end not expensive and came in a nice little bag Tidy?

Mine is nylon rope with looped ends and metal shackle, rated for commercial vehicles, ordinary car ones may be too light duty.

In snow & ice you might in some cases get a better result from digging yourself an exit or route forward with a decent sharp edged spade that can cut through ice/packed snow than towing. Deep ruts that head off to a direction you don't want may be hard to steer through, especially in a tight space, I found I had to cut through something like that a few winters ago, adding momentum would just have taken me into the side of a parked car. Only Range Rovers since 1988

8ton recovery straps and soft shackles, I have seen a rated metal shackle give way and it’s not funny.. luckily it went through the back window of a D4 and just bent the frame, would have been a different story if it hit someone.

I’m sure a soft shackle would come keen mind!

Tbh it all lives in the Defender along side a trifor which works magic and I would always prefer. Sold - Bell a 2015 MY16 Loire Blue Autobiography 4.4 SDV8
Previously George a 2007 MY07 Java Black VSE 3.6 TDV8
Previously a 04 MY04 Defender 90

I prefer to use a strap rather than a rope and find them easier to store.

Mine lives with a bag of various size and strength shackles next to the spare wheel.

TJH1985 wrote:

8ton recovery straps and soft shackles.

just get a regular tow rope, you wont use it..

dont forget the tyre snow chains ..

...and enjoy your holiday  ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

Thanks for all the feedback! I'll look for a nylon tow strap.

Quote:

dont forget the tyre snow chains

I'm chancing it without chains. As I don't drive on snow much I didn't fancy shelling out 400€ for a pair of Thule chains.
Instead I opted for a pair of Autosocks. They are a lot cheaper but are not so hard-wearing as chains but still legal for France, apparently. 2012 Vogue 4.4 TDV8 automatic (LHD), Santorini Black
2008 Vogue 3.6 TDV8 automatic (LHD), Java Black

are snow chsins not a legal requirement for the alps in winter? ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

Depends on the region/resort I believe. 2012 Vogue 4.4 TDV8 automatic (LHD), Santorini Black
2008 Vogue 3.6 TDV8 automatic (LHD), Java Black

Chains are a requirement in France - anywhere there is a B26 sign, which will include ALL their ski resorts.

Snow socks are always a grey area and you can expect some debate if it’s a snowy AND busy day where the is likely to be a checkpoint set up.

There’s only 1 brand that claims to be certified - but they helpfully put the certification on their web site so that you can print and apply to your packaging, so I guess you can apply that to any other brand too......

http://www.autosock.co.uk/autosock-for-car...tosock.php

Most of the time you’re likely fine without them.

I see plenty of discarded partially shredded socks over the season, so not sure how long they last. I can’t see how they can ever be as good as a chain, but better than nothing I suppose.
All the socks I see in Andorrà seem to be on Spanish cars, but possible that there are french too, I’ve not really looked.

I just buy a cheap set of chains and keep them in the boot. Then they are there if needed.

Have got a set of these, have never had them out of the bag.....

https://www.snowchains.com/suv-4x4-van-chains/polar-16mm There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
Fiat 500x 1.4 multiair Lounge 2015
2010 LR D4 Commercial 2.7 TDV6