Demon Hooks... anyone try them?

What's the "heaviest" thing you've pulled or situation you've been pulled out of?

I noticed that my Pro has one recovery hook and one tie-down loop. I want to replace the tie-down loop with something else that will cater to a shackle. I saw some people pulling a huge downed tree with SOS' version. Wondering what experience you have with these.

Thanks for the feedback so far!

 

Pulled a 4 Runner from a ditch with straps and the hooks. They did well and used them in tandum so no flexing or issues. Again not sure how well they would do in a really tough situation but plenty for what I would ever use it for.

 

Can I get one last set of opinions here? I think I've settled on an ARB recovery point but they only make it for the passenger side. I'd like to replace the tie-down on the driver side and I'm looking for the best option for basic recovery's such as a ditch or pulling someone out of the snow. The tie-down is worthless so no need to keep it. What would people recommend as a good option for replacement. Seems the two top contenders are SOS's version (http://sosoffroadconcepts.com/factory-recovery-replacement/) or the Demon version (https://amistyling.com/demon-brackets-toyota-9-19-tacoma). Looking mainly for people who have used one or the other.

 

If you have the arb, you don’t really need another one do you?

 

I mean... sometimes it's more convenient to get to the driver's side point in weird recovery situations, right? Better to change out the tie-down for something that works for mellow pulls?

 

The manufacturers lingo skirts ever giving these demon brackets a rating, or even saying you can use them for recovery of the vehicle. In fact, they mostly describe them as decoration.

Seems kinda sketchy in comparison to the OEM hook, or other options. It would suck to have one come apart and hit someone or go through a window.

 

I don’t know, I know the bpf one is solidly built and uses 3 bolts instead if the 2 the factory tow hook uses. It also doesnt have clearance for hard shackle if you have pro skid plate. Im not sure about the sos one. Just spend twice the money and get the sos bumper. Looks pretty stock and had 2 shackle loops

 

ha! Trying to avoid spending twice the money for a bumper.

 

The misaligned washers on the one seems promising.

 

i emailed them a few days ago asking about the rating. they replied D-Hooks are more for aesthetics than performance gain. Though, the tow capacity is 18,000 lb Capacity (2:1 Safety Factor). so i guess its OK to put them to work.

 

Use at your own peril.

 

That makes sense, as towing implies both vehicles are level and the main force is horizontal. This design fails when the stuck vehicle is nose high (rear end buried in dirt). At that angle, the force is a 45 degree pull down and forward. Since the bracket does not fully wrap around the back of the frame rail, you are essentially pulling on a single bolt. I would be much more comfortable if they added a bigger bracket that fully enclosed the back side of the frame rail. It would only require a bit more metal and be much safer.

 

DO these bolt right up to the factory frame? Plug and Play?? Cheers

 

Yup, bolt right on to the frame

 

Will these also fit 2021 SR5 ?

The website states 09-19.
What has changed on the frame since 19?

Thanks!

 

They should fit. Just an old product description I would assume. Pretty sure people have already put them on their 20/21 years SR and SR5's around here

 

They will fit any Gen 3. I have them on my 2020.

 

Those look really clean - did you paint them yourself to match?

 

I did - got a spray can of Army Green and a can of clear coat from The Auto Paint Depot and sprayed over a set of black shackles. Make sure you clear coat them if you do it otherwise the paint will wear off pretty easily.

 

Solid tip, and great work. Looks suuuuper clean.