Wondering how people attach Recovery straps to the front chrome tow loops. The Geniuses at Ford decided to use loops instead of hooks so it is impossible to connect a strap with 2 looped ends to 2 vehicles.


I hesitate to use a clevis, shackle, grab hook, J hook or other hunk of metal for fear of flying projectiles. I also would prefer to avoid metal to metal contact. The straps are rated 30,000 lbs while a clevis may be 4-5 tons. The manual states of course not to exceed GVWR.


I have also seen people just loop it on their rear trailer ball... bending the heck out of the ball mount.


What is the solution?

 

Trailer ball is a tremendous safety hazard. Only fools do that.

You can simply loop the strap through itself.

 

This is what I have a pintle hitch in my toolbox for. lol

 

shackles

 

I don't think Ford has ever done a hook instead of a loop?

On my Expedition I just use straps that have a hook on the end, or loop my strap through itself if I have a connection point on the other vehicle that will accept it.

 

Shackles. I've towed out quite a few vehicles in the Marine Corps, I've seen tow cables break before, but the shackles never went flying off and hit anything. The rope or cable would break before the shackle would.

 

I have not done it but i have seen people put strap inside rear receiver hitch and then put hitch pin into receiver through the strap . i would guess it would work if you could get a pin with a high enough rating .

 

From the front, loop the strap itself through the front hook.


From the rear, D-Ring receiver or shackles.


As for using the pin, keep in mind if you bend that pen you will most likely cut if off to get it out.

 

This reminds me, I need to source a decent shackle setup for the receiver. I'd always rather pull in a forward gear.

 

good catch i never thought of that