There's no question in my mind the best way to go in the situation you describe is with a GOOD recovery strap. Not a tow strap. In most of the recovery operations I see where a winch is not involved, the rescue vehicle is usually in a low traction situation and the only way to unstuck the other vehicle is to jerk on it. Chains and cables are no good for jerking on. Either the chain/cable will break or parts will get ripped off. It amazes me how many bumpers I see out in the muddy woods around here. All methods of extraction are inherently dangerous and have the potential to kill someone unless much caution and common sense are used. Get a LONG (at least 20', longer is better) recovery strap at least 3'wide and rated at least 30,000 lbs and take care of it. Unfortunately, getting it in mud is the worst thing you can do to it, avoid it as much as possible. Keeping it clean will make it last and preserve it's strength. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />