Rear mounted tow hooks?

AZS10Crew · Post by **AZS10Crew** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 4:46 pm

After my off-roading adventures this weekend, I realized that there's really nothing to hook a tow strap to on the rear of our trucks. Is there any place that offers a tow hook that can be bolted to the frame or something? Or could I just get a clevis and attach it with the pin through the hitch mount hole in the rear bumper? Any ideas?

Post by **HenryJ** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 6:40 pm

After the 2" body lift , I raised my hitch by re drilling some holes. It left the perfect place to mount two hooks (available at NAPA or any 4x4 shop)

AZS10Crew · Post by **AZS10Crew** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 8:18 pm

Since I don't have a hitch, do you think I would be able to mount a couple hooks right to the frame?

Warnoffroad · Post by **Warnoffroad** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 8:44 pm

if i were you i would take it to a welder or if u have a welder. I would have them make the bumper stronger and keep pulling from the bumper, thats the easyest and cheapest way. your tires can dig u into any thing deep enough to pull it off

Post by **HenryJ** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 8:55 pm

AZS10crew wrote:do you think I would be able to mount a couple hooks right to the frame?

I guess it depends on how stuck the rig you're pulling on is! (Because of course you won't get stuck , right?)

I've installed hooks to the bottom of the frame on several of the company rigs. It is better than nothing. I used the older model S-10 hooks ('83-'93?) that way you have a back plate to help reinforce the frame. They are the same as the ones I put on the front of mine here.

If you pull too hard on them bolted to the bottom of the frame , you will bend it and the bumper hangs lower so it puts quite a bit of stress on it too.

What ever you do don't let someone hook a chain if you mount them there, it reaks havoc on the frame and bumper.

If you bolted a support between the lower lip of the frame rails it might help to support them and hold up better to the bottom mounted hooks.

The side would be another option but, I think it would be too high to be practical.

As for a clevis in the bumper, I'm not real comfortable with pulling on bumpers, but that is just me

Edit: "warnoffroad" has an idea there. What about running a couple reinforcing straps from the frame to the bumper hitch and then use the clevis?

quickbiker · Post by **quickbiker** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 9:53 pm

Here is how I did mine. And I've used them allot, both getting pulled and pulling. This is the best pic I can find, but can get a closeup if anyone needs it. I drilled 2 holes each in each side of the bumper supports that go to the frame. I just used generic ones from a tractor supply store.

AZS10Crew · Post by **AZS10Crew** » Tue Feb 04, 2003 9:05 am

quickbiker wrote:Here is how I did mine. And I've used them allot, both getting pulled and pulling. This is the best pic I can find, but can get a closeup if anyone needs it. I drilled 2 holes each in each side of the bumper supports that go to the frame. I just used generic ones from a tractor supply store.

If you could get me a closer pic of those, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

quickbiker · Post by **quickbiker** » Tue Feb 04, 2003 3:37 pm

K, how's that for a closeup? I just replaced the link pic.

AZS10Crew · Post by **AZS10Crew** » Tue Feb 04, 2003 4:52 pm

Perfect...thanks.

I don't really think I'll have to worry much about pulling hard enough on something to bend the frame there (knock on wood). More than likely all I'd be doing on the trail is assisting someone. If I ever have to pull the full weight of another vehicle, I'll just put a tow strap on each hook to distribute the weight evenly.

a2b · Post by **a2b** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 12:53 am

yeah, pauls set up is cool, but those of you that arent familar with towing, just know that you will bend that frame when you get to towing alot or just something really heavy. the best way to tow from the rear is thru a tow hook that is in your class 3 reciever hitch. and use a tow strap WITH NO HOOKS

John · Post by **John** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 7:46 am

I know not all of you have rear hitches with a 2" receiver, but the best thing I found was the Warn plug-in. It was $35 at Tractor Supply Co. here in town and includes the plug and a detachable shackle. It's a no s**t piece. Nice to just pin it when you need it. The rear hitch was only $99 for the complete setup and bolted right on. Came with the hitch, ball mount, pin, and cotter. Any one else got the Warn piece?

MikeyZR5 · Post by **MikeyZR5** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 10:13 pm

Why no hooks?

a2b · Post by **a2b** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 10:17 pm

if the strap breaks, or comes loose, the hooks will break stuff and hurt really really bad

and ya, i have seen lots of frames bent by mounting a tow hook on it. as long as you just use it for recovery and take it easy, you might not bend the frame. but the strongest way is with a reciever hitch and a shackle for the strap

MikeyZR5 · Post by **MikeyZR5** » Thu Jun 26, 2003 5:10 am

ok....sorry if i am totally off the subject, but where would you tie a tow strap for a vehicle with no hooks and stuff like that...around the axle?

Warnoffroad · Post by **Warnoffroad** » Thu Jun 26, 2003 11:10 am

No, that in a very easy way to break an axle housing. If you are them arent in too deep, I would try the bumper. If you dont have tow hooks or a back up plan you really shouldnt be off roading unless you dont care about your truck.

a2b · Post by **a2b** » Thu Jun 26, 2003 11:17 am

i have towed very many vehicles without tow hooks, like cars and stuff.....growing up in lousisana, i was always the recovery vehicle during flash floods for many stranded motorist.

i would find somethihng to grab onto, like i said before, tow trucks are for long towing, tow hooks on our trucks are for recovery, so if you take it easy you will be alright sometimes...i would pull cars out of water real slowly and as soon as we got them clear of danger we would stop and i would give them a ride to their house.

MikeyZR5 · Post by **MikeyZR5** » Thu Jun 26, 2003 12:48 pm

Oh ok...I see...Thanks fellas!!

00BlazerZR2 · Post by **00BlazerZR2** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 1:15 pm

Hello all. Im a past crew cab owner, now i have a ZR2. But to the tow hook subject, i never got towed in my crew or had to tow in it but i had to be towed once in my zr2. Id like to say the frame wont bend if the puller is a good with the throttle. My battery died about 3 miles into the woods, 15 miles from home total

. My buddy in his Isuzu Vehicross pulled me home with no damage to the frame. Its all in how well the person being pulled uses his brakes. if it get's jerky then you gotta worry. when i got pulled home i had a few damn decent jerks

, never did anything. Now i know the subject of the frame strength differences of a crew cab and a zr2 come into play. My point is though the crewcabs are just as strong structural wise as a ZR2. so i wouldnt worry to much about bent frames from getting towed.

S-10CREWCAB.NET

Rear mounted tow hooks?

Rear mounted tow hooks?

Warn shackle.