Tow hooks or rear receiver hook?
12-30-2012, 11:35 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Tow hooks or rear receiver hook?
I'm new to this, so wondered what is better and safer way to tow a vehicle, lets say out of a ditch or if stuck in snow? My truck has the front tow hooks, but I don't know how safe those are, and I see a lot of comments about not using the receiver ball/hitch and buying an actual tow hook and receiver bar to put into the hitch?
12-30-2012, 11:46 AM
#2
Senior Member
If I remember correctly the front tow hooks are actually part of the frame. They are really strong and can hold a decent amount of weight. What really helps is that they are fully enclosed. I was laughing at a ford commercial one year because
they showed a truck hanging vertically in the air by the 2 front hooks.
You Can buy a hook that fits into receiver as well. I would not recommend using a ball because the rope can pop off very easily. I found a receiver adapter that had a hook on amazon for like $40.
they showed a truck hanging vertically in the air by the 2 front hooks.
You Can buy a hook that fits into receiver as well. I would not recommend using a ball because the rope can pop off very easily. I found a receiver adapter that had a hook on amazon for like $40.
12-30-2012, 11:56 AM
#3
Senior Member
I'm interested to know the weight capacity on the front tow hooks as well.
I got this receiver shackle from etrailer.com. It's rated at 10K lbs.
I got this receiver shackle from etrailer.com. It's rated at 10K lbs.
12-30-2012, 07:32 PM
#4
I am a rock crawler guy and by its very nature, experienced in recovery. When I'm not using a winch, I always use the d-ring shackle receiver pictured above. I like that it puts the chain, or strap further from the bumper than the front tow hooks. With the front hooks, if you are pulling at an angle, can cause the strap or chain to bind against the bumper. I also have another style of tow receiver which lets the d-ring (more of just a stainless loop) swivel so it doesnt twist the strap. kind of neat. I only use it on my jeep though. For the life of me, I cannot remember who makes it.
12-30-2012, 08:32 PM
#5
Senior Member
I am a rock crawler guy and by its very nature, experienced in recovery. When I'm not using a winch, I always use the d-ring shackle receiver pictured above. I like that it puts the chain, or strap further from the bumper than the front tow hooks. With the front hooks, if you are pulling at an angle, can cause the strap or chain to bind against the bumper. I also have another style of tow receiver which lets the d-ring (more of just a stainless loop) swivel so it doesnt twist the strap. kind of neat. I only use it on my jeep though. For the life of me, I cannot remember who makes it.
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12-30-2012, 08:45 PM
#8
I Don't have an exact number for you, however if I thought my truck could pull it, I wouldn't think twice about using them. Same if I was stuck.
Last edited by 100; 12-30-2012 at 10:12 PM. Reason: Mis-spelling
12-30-2012, 10:13 PM
#10
Seems like your comment is a tad vague.
Also with the d ring shackle receiver, the eye of a strap can get pinched in the corner of the d ring if you are pulling at severe angle. you don't get that with a recovery point that swivels
Also with the d ring shackle receiver, the eye of a strap can get pinched in the corner of the d ring if you are pulling at severe angle. you don't get that with a recovery point that swivels
Last edited by 100; 12-30-2012 at 10:17 PM.