I think that's a great idea, no hardware and infinitely adjustable.  You just need to remember how to tie knots. ( I can tie a bowline knot)

Just need to be careful at the contact points, I use to sail and anytime a line is rubbing or turning you need to protect is from chafing or getting cut on an edge. Putting a thimble in the eye is a way to help this.

Happy Friday!

-Dick-

----- Original Message -----
From: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Fri, 31 Jul 2015 12:27:54 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Soft shackles

It's ok Ben, safe for work.

A bit of a Friday topic. Yesterday a rigger friend dropped by work and we started talking about the tow points on my rear bumper. I told him I had some mighty shackles to fit them, he suggested soft shackles. He quickly spliced and tied one up using 1/4", 12 strand spectra ( not sure if it is actually spectra, might be amsteel).

Interesting idea, the soft shackles certainly are easier to store. 5/16" spectra would be better, 9,000 lb vs 6,000 lb breaking strength.

Pic here, tails have yet to be cut off. Do that after I give the shackle a serious pull ( compacts the stopper knot).

https://shufti.wordpress.com/2015/07/30/vanagon-soft-shackles-on-tow-points/

Alistair