Rear factory tow hooks = too low?

[Theherofails]

For the guys who've played in the rocks already, are you dragging your two rear recovery points on every obstical? I'm talking the factory points on the steel bumper.

I must've scraped them 4-5 times today. They really kill the departure angle when dropping down waterfalls/steps. The issue is that they stick down AND out, so they tend to grab when your bumper would clear just fine.

Anyone notice this? I think some shackles would be a lot better instead of fixed loops. I'll need to find a solution or they won't be long for this world.

The only other spot to scrape was the rear lower control arm mount, and it was just barely. It also has decent factory armor already, but I'll be looking for skid plates.

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[lmarchetti]

I have noticed this as well, but I don't mind those hoops to be the first thing to scrape. Easy to paint or replace.

I think you could remove them, but what's next to gets scraped bumper, hitch or tire? I would be OK with the hitch..

 

[Theherofails]

I have noticed this as well, but I don't mind those hoops to be the first thing to scrape. Easy to paint or replace.

I think you could remove them, but what's next to gets scraped bumper, hitch or tire? I would be OK with the hitch..

You read my mind. After careful consideration and advice from my wife (smart lady!), I'm leaving them in place.. I don't have a hitch, and you are correct. I would much rather some throw away tow hooks scrape. Just odd that they stick out so far and at a downward angle. You must lose 4-5" of clearance because of it.. Im doing another trail tomorrow with a forum member, so we shall see if the tow hooks scrape again.

 

[Rubisquatch]

Had this on my Rubicon Jeep too and I much preferred hitting the tow hooks than scratching the bumper (even though it was steel). We ran Moab, Colorado and even the Rubicon trail and the tow hooks did not limit us at all and In fact saved me a bit.

 

[Theherofails]

Had this on my Rubicon Jeep too and I much preferred hitting the tow hooks than scratching the bumper (even though it was steel). We ran Moab, Colorado and even the Rubicon trail and the tow hooks did not limit us at all and In fact saved me a bit.

Ive always been a fan of just carrying a hitch with a recovery point on it. The tow hooks are somewhat new to me, but they do a GREAT job of taking hits. They arent damaged in any way other than some paint loss on the bottom. If you see the video from one of my recent posts, you can see hear that they strike pretty hard as I slide down the first step of the staircase. Perfectly fine still though.

 

[Rubisquatch]

I have a WildTrak coming (just got built email yesterday) and I already have a second tow hook which I got from someone here on the forum to put back there (as WT bumper only comes with 1) until I decide which steel bumper to run. This will balance it out but also give me some more protection, and another recovery point.

 

[HideoutBronco]

Ive always been a fan of just carrying a hitch with a recovery point on it. The tow hooks are somewhat new to me, but they do a GREAT job of taking hits. They arent damaged in any way other than some paint loss on the bottom. If you see the video from one of my recent posts, you can see hear that they strike pretty hard as I slide down the first step of the staircase. Perfectly fine still though.

This! it puts the tow point in the middle of the vehicle vs the side and keeps from an off-center pull.

 

[MHI OFF-ROAD]

You read my mind. After careful consideration and advice from my wife (smart lady!), I'm leaving them in place.. I don't have a hitch, and you are correct. I would much rather some throw away tow hooks scrape. Just odd that they stick out so far and at a downward angle. You must lose 4-5" of clearance because of it.. Im doing another trail tomorrow with a forum member, so we shall see if the tow hooks scrape again.

 

[chtucker]

I was thinking of bolting a piece of UHMW to mine so they don't make such a racket when the do drop on the rocks.

 

[Ironiguana]

Would something like this help?

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