Towing and Recovery

I just got a 99 Tacoma and it does not have a receiver hitch installed. I dont ever pull any trailers but would like to be able to pull other people out of the snow or stuck off roaders. I would also like to have a place to allow another truck to pull me out in case I get stuck. I know the truck has a tow hook in front, but is there anywhere in back to connect a tow strap? If not is there an easy way to add one without shelling the cash out for a receiver?

 

Get a hitch....it'll be much safer and better for your truck.

You could get an aftermarket rear bumper with a hitch in it and d-ring tabs, but that'll be much more expensive than buying a regular aftermarket hitch.

 

I gotta agree with him on this one. The only place you could really attach a recovery strap without a hitch would be around one of the frame rails or the spare tire. Neither one is a good option. Maybe you can find a hitch for your truck in a junk yard--that'll keep the price down.

 

The bumper is rated for 3,500 pounds. Could I some how connect a strap to it?

 

Possibly put a ball into the hole in your bumper, and put the strap around the ball.............

 

Not a good idea... The strap will slide off the ball.

 

The bumper is not a good idea. Most vehicles you're gonna be yanking on are gonna weigh more than 3500lbs plus the weight/force of whatever they're stuck in (mud / snow).

Don't take any chances and destroy your rear bumper/brackets.

 

Great Googly Moogly then.

 

check ebay, and also places like u-haul and tractor supply............they sell hitches at pretty good prices, and using a hitch is the safest way..........and you can buy a tow hook or shackle for the receiver.

 

if you ever plan on getting a steel rear bumper this is the time. think about once you catch the mod bug, will you want a steel bumper? if so might as well do it now! it's worth it imo.