Recovery Points

Over the years a sling over the ball has got the job done quite a few times.

Unless one custom built a bumper that was all we had back then in the days before receiver hitches

 

Would this be a yay or nay set up for me recovering or me being recovered or does using a factory hook like in the front of the truck work?

 

Just based on the look of it, I would say no. But I can't really tell where that is. The photo is too cropped.

Is that just a single wall thinkness (~1/8") of the end of the frame rail? Looks pretty wimpy. Looks like the shackle would just tear thru that if a substantial tug was applied to it.

 

thats just 1/8" (when new) c channel basically. its guaranteed to bend the hell out of it and possibly rip off with enough force.

 

That is not a safe recovery point. I believe that piece of metal is welded to the frame and not a full weld at that. If it were to rip during a recovery, you run the risk of destroying a vehicle and or personal injury. Better to just install a purpose built recovery point then risk anything. Just my two cents.

 

Can you guys share some purpose built recovery point options that I can install at this pictured location? I'd just put a tow hook there like the factory one I have on the front but can't find any online.

 

It's the rear end of the frame here the bumper attaches. The original picture at the beginning of the most is zoomed farther out.

 

It sounds to me like you're looking to do something that can be done but you currently don't have enough experience and knowledge of forces, strengths, rigging and fabricating to do.

I was in the same situation regarding a truck with no rear recovery points. I bought a tow hitch that mounts to both rear frame rails and used a 2" shackle adapter in the receiver. It worked but it was heavy and hung low. Since then I learned how to weld and built an aluminum rear bumper with recovery points. I sold the tow hitch on CL for $20 or so.

If, in an emergency, you needed to recover your truck as it is currently configured, you could put a shackle in each rear frame member, as in the pic you posted, and connect them with a 20' or longer 20,000 lb. rated strap. Then you would, ideally, pull from the middle of the strap straight back, with no shock loading. This would be to recover your truck once only, from a low force situation, not a set-up to pull others. If your activities include getting stuck often, or in deep and/or complicated ways, don't go this route.

Before you do any recovering, you should read up on how to calculate the forces involved and how rig proper equipment. It's simple math and may prevent you from injuring or killing someone. You will still need to know the information even if you have a recovery point optioned bumper.

You may also find yourself safely and effectively helping others in need.

 

I looked again at the pic of the shackle through the frame and I changed my mind. The metal doesn't look sound. So nay.

 

Albinator, are you trying not to replace the factory bumpers and that's why you're looking for alternatives under the bed?

 

Yes, that is the route I'm wanting to take. I don't do much, if any, off roading so I'm not in the market or necessity of upgrading my bumper. I also don't plan to tow things (besides cars, which I have done, that may need some short distance assistance). I just want a recovery point on the rear for those moments that a car or my car may get stuck in the snow and needs assistance to get out. I'm not looking to be a beast of a "I'll help you get out no problem" paramedic type but a Good Samaritan first responder type.

That's why I'm seeing if installing a tow hook, like the factory one on the front of my truck, to where my pic shows the shackle would be the proper place to install it for what I'm looking for. Anything proper and made for recovering that I can attach my shackle to without doing damage. I know those holes in the frame is where to install a tow hitch so I'm assuming that would be the place to install a hook or whatever else.

 

The mount location for the front hook is very beefy. The frame is completely boxed at that location. Plus, it uses two large mounting bolts to spread out the load a bit. The rear location in the picture cannot be compared to the front location unless it gets reinforced quite a bit. Not sure there is an easy answer for this.

Its why most of us add a 2" receiver tow hitch. It is a simple solution and spreads the load over a much larger area by tying the to frame rails together.

 

I'll continue to think about it. Thanks for all the input!

 

Present day Feb 2021... finding myself in the same boat as Albinator was 5 yrs ago... anybody know how it turns out?

 

He's probably still thinking about it... and hasn't logged into this site in 3 years.

I don't think the options have changed. If you want rear recovery points, spend a little money on a 2" receiver or spend more money on a trail bumper.

Personally, I bought a receiver and slightly regret not putting the money towards a bumper.

 

Haha...thx for the input.. looks like guna have to tax the beer budget for a few weeks now

 

You guys are great

I actually ended up selling my Taco (engine light that indicated a burnt valve) and got a 2008 Tundra Crew 5.7 4x4. Growing family and more tow needed and it definitely has a great hitch that came with it

I only ended up needing to tow my sister in law who’s jeep broke down and put it around my bumper and ball since there wasn’t need for tugging, etc; just an easy pull.