After the tow strap/poll discussion a while ago here on Yotatech I'm a little concerned about using my rear "tie-downs" for recovery points.
Two Questions:

1) Is my concern justified? I'd hate to have one of those tear off and become a projectile.

2) What can I do besides buying a hitch and using a receiver shackle?

Thanks for your help.

Scott

 

1. I'd say yes, your concern is justified. Take a close look at the tie down anchor point's thickness. They are about 3/8" thick or so. Now go look at your front end recovery hook that comes stock on all 2nd gens. It's a good 1" thick and Im betting case hardened too. Im betting the anchor/tie down points are probably just mild steel which I wouldn't trust. especially after watching that winching vid.....

2. Dont get stuck. That's probably your only other option other than a hitch mounted winch.

Steve

 

1. Yes

2. Get shackle hangers built and replace the tie-downs, that's what I'm doing. Then put 3/4" D-ring shackles on those for recovery. I don't know if the 3rd gen. specs will work for the 2nd gens. but if they do the pdf is on Steve Shaefer's site.

Al

 

I am not an expert, but I do have an opinion. You can add rear mounted shackle hangers. Steve Schaefer makes them Steve's Site

Or add rear mounted tow hooks. You can get them at just about any auto parts or 4x4 store. Just take off your tie down points and bolt on the hooks in the same place.

 

does anyone know how strong the pin that holds the reciever shackle in is? are there like "super duty" ones that someone sells??

 

On my 2nd Gen. I believe the tie downs are welded onto the frame. Can I drill holes thru the frame to mount the hooks?

 

1. Absolutely. Those things are your worst enemy. They give you a feeling of security, but they are just an accident waiting to happen.

2. The hitch/shackle combination is the easiest, but depending upon how hand you are, there are other options. Most will require you to do a bit of fabbing. It would be odd for the tie downs to be welded on, but I suppose it's possible... I have seen shackles placed through a hole in the frame before, but that tends to deform the hole

The problem with drilling holes to attach hooks is that there is nothing to thread the bolts into. You can "plate" the frame rail, sort of a "frame sandwich" if you will and that can work, but if you were to screw directly into the frame or even put nuts on the bolts, they can pretty easily tear out The shackle hangers I have seen look pretty stout, but most are going to require either welding or some fancy wrench work.

As you are considering options, jsut ask yourself if you would bet your life on that option. It might someday come to that. With that in mind, it's easy to see why the tie downs are not sufficient.