Bolt On Tow Hooks - Opinions...

true_north · Feb 5, 2011

So I'm generally new to the whole 4x4 world, but I realize that a solid tow point in the back would be useful. But it occurred to me, I dont really have a solid tow point. If I were to be towed out, or even to tow someone else out, what are my options for tow points?
I've seen the 10,000lb bolt on tow hooks, are those worth it for the back? I imagine they would need to be bolted to the frame, and that would cause the tow rope/strap to come up under the bumper. I guess the next step up would be a proper trailer hitch, right?

Any direction for this new trucker?

Captain Ledd · Feb 5, 2011

I had one of the 10,000lb jobs bolted to the frame, but it still wasn't really accessible. The Rangers frame stops many inches from the rear bumper.

I'd get a heavy duty rated hitch (heaviest possible, class III minimum!) and get a insert with a clevis on the end. That's the best I have found so far. I've yanked on several dozen assorted things that stopped my Ranger cold, hasn't touched my hitch.

bobbywalter · Feb 5, 2011

hooks front and rear, along with a decent hitch/k member out back should be considered mandatory on any type of off road rig.

racsan · Feb 5, 2011

ive got a couple of factory tow hooks from a chevy S-10 blazer im going to put on the fron of my grille guard, figure if they were good enough for a 5,000 pound mini suv they should work for my 4,300 pound ranger. for the rear i have a recevier hitch and run a heavy pintle hook in the rear during winter months. cant beat that for a rear tow point.

true_north · Feb 5, 2011

Thanks guys.

Ill look into getting hold of a hitch. My listjust got longer...

Captain Ledd · Feb 5, 2011

I have found you can get cheap/huge tow hooks from the slightly older full size Chevy's. I have those on the front of my '84.

bobbywalter · Feb 5, 2011

i regularly destroy the gm hooks.

the 8 dollar hooks available at most tsc-auto parts stores are much better then the earlier oem gm units. i generally keep a few sets in my truck to install on stuck vehicles.

the jeep wrangler hooks are nice too. :icon_thumby:

strvger · Feb 5, 2011

i prefer the full loop tow points used on earlier gm and ford trucks. the loops are big enough to get a recovery strap thru them, bolt on easily enough, and will certainly be heavy duty enough for an rbv.

true_north · Feb 6, 2011

In terms of front hooks, would any of you trust the stock hooks? I had to get pulled from a ditch last weekend, and the front hook held.

superds · Feb 6, 2011

I would trust the stock tow hooks on your Ranger, they should be pretty durable. At least you have a second one if the first one were to break.

bobbywalter · Feb 6, 2011

the ford type are fine, the gm type i been busting and straightening since my truck was stock.....not every time but often enough that if you gave me them for free i would throw them away.

and sometimes it was my truck that was stuck and being pulled by the gm when they failed. so i am not in agreement they are fine for an ext cab rbv or sploder. i am sure a 2wd 4 cyl turd would be ok if unladen.

i buy the tsc ones(thats just a generic term for these link) on sale for 3-4 bux when they go on sale and really keep them in the truck as i generally have a dewalt setup to install them on anything as well and have to do it often. i put them on and take them off depending on the situation. though usually i just use my recovery f/j/k setups. depends on what the situation calls for.

for the cost of the tsc units and the availability of them i would not hunt down the earlier gm units....a free set or something you have laying around certainly.....but if your really really fawked, your gonna wreck them if something with some traction and motor is needed to get you out.

of course all of them can fail. not like the gm units though. not for snatching-just dead pulling in my experience. installation is key and not always easy, the gm blazers can be a pia.

RatDog8o8 · Feb 6, 2011

I'm most likely going to add some hooks w/clips to the front; the rear is going to get a custom bumper similar to my CJ-7, with welded-in clevis mounts. I've used the bolt-on hooks on a previous truck with good results, though. Then again, might do the custom thing in the front, too.

Bolt On Tow Hooks - Opinions...

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