Tow Strap size ???

you want a chain. 3/8 links or bigger. with hooks. preferably 2 chains.

you'll also want a big hook mounted to the frame. sticking out through the bumper.

straps won't work. and most trucks won't have hooks.

you also need to think about the rear end. it's not capable of pulling 2 semis full loaded. that's 160,000 pounds plus the force needed to pull.

i used to drive a dump truck. with a trailer i weighed upwards of 100,000 pounds. when loaded. come winter time. you get stuck A LOT.

don't know what you plan on pulling or you being pulled but the weight is pretty extreme. i don't think most semi's are rigged up for being pulled. you'll tear them apart. or your own rig. best off leaving the job for tow trucks.

i pull flatbed so i have chains. i've helped cars but won't attempt semi's. the one time i did. i shattered the rear end housing. and that guy only needed to be pulled 4 feet before he had traction to move his rig.

 

I don't know what to tell you in regards to tow strap size but its just fine to do what you're thinking of doing. Its like anything you have to use some common sense and not get crazy.

Only way you're going to shatter your equipment is to not use common sense and have a heavy right foot.

 

A good chain will be fine. My bumper is bent out quite a bit from one too.

 

Sounds like you want a minimum range.

Why not go for the gusto and get the best?

Face it, pulling any big rig out is not 'light duty'.

 

do not use a chain, if a chain breaks it will do far more damage, also a proper tow strap will have some stretch witch increases pulling power without increasing load, if that makes any sense sorta like a sling shot. also if your pulling someone else do not spin your tires, first try to ease the slack out of the strap and give a light pull if that doesn't work back up about 2 feet low gear try again. hit it lightly to snatch the vehicle, remember the weight of your truck being pull to a stop is a tremendous amount of force so it does not take much of a bump, if it doesn't work with a light bump unhook and call a wrecker.

this is the type of strap that i recommend
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200232524_200232524

do not get a rope that has attached hooked, as these hooks could potentially become deadly projectiles.

use clevis d-shackles for your attachment. hooked threw the i of the attachment point every semi iv ever dealt with has had proper recovery points on the front, some of them are a removable receiver style others are pull pins located behind the license plate a few other styles as well make sure that you are hooked to a proper place. and that your d ring is securely attached to the attachment point do not pull your rope threw or around your attachment point and then hooked back to its self. this is both to maintain the integrity of your rope but also to keep your d-ring from becoming a deadly projectile if the strap were to break. (the same reason for not getting a strap with attached hooks or using chain) also do not use open faced hooks for the same reason mentioned above.

make sure your rope is appropriately sized. min 100k lb load rating if you are even going to think of hooking it to a semi

 

if your in a bind and choose to use a chain hang a blanket over the chain before trying to pull, if the chain were to break it will absorb the shock and make the chain fall to the ground rather than becoming a projectile.

anyone that has ever seen a chain or cable pulled under a 80k lb load break knows why i keep bringing this fact up. i have seen a chain leave dents in 1/2 inch thick steal before.

check your local tractor/farm supply stores for your best deals on recovery straps. normally $250-$400 will get you a appropriate tow strap. min 100k lb load rating

 

Never use a chain, cable (wire rope, yes). Chains kill people, they like to snap. We pull each other alot in our industry, just because of the nature of the bulk loads and bottom, chains are the quickest way to the er room or morgue.

Straps and cables should be rated for at least 4 times of the load weight (minimum 100K). Straps are the best way to go and you will not regret the investment.

 

Since you obviouslyalready know better than all experience here, why would you ask. this is not really a question.