Front Hitch Receiver for Recovery?

Obviously they are ideal for attaching a winch, but what about a hitch mounted D ring?

Have been advised they are not to be used to get snatched out of tough spots as it can result in frame damage, but I have also been pulled out of some thick clay like mud from my d ring attached to my rear bumper a few times. After going through countless forums for the last couple days, the conclusion I came to was it can work fine as long as its a smooth pull and not a running start. Correct or is that just in regards to the rear?

The two options I'm looking at:

https://www.etrailer.com/Front-Rece...html?hhyear=2019&hhmake=Toyota&hhmodel=Tacoma

or

https://www.4xinnovations.com/2016--2023-Tacoma-Front-Hidden-Hitch-Receiver_p_191.html

 

Hitches front or rear are wonderful recovery points. I would trust one more than most aftermarket bumpers I've come across the only thing you need to avoid is kinetic recoveries with non kinetic equipment but that goes for every attachment point. The wisdom I've heard with mud is kinetic isn't the best choice.

 

Where are you located?
I have the 4xInno hidden receiver for sale. post#2174
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/midwest-classifieds.393768/page-109

 

10-4 thanks for confirming. That's what I thought, just wanted clarity before pulling the trigger.

 

VA unfortunately, why you selling?

 

Had clearance issues with the winch hanging off the front, so moved on to a winch bumper.
Nothing to do with the receiver itself.
It's solid.

 

I'm not sure what shipping would cost for something like that.
4xinno says $30-40 to VA depending on your exact zipcode. (I just typed in a VA zipcode).
I've shipped 2 cv axles out to CA and it was $100. if that's any reference.

Kinda why I don't want to ship. Might not be worthwhile.

 

Yeah I can't see shipping being less than $50. Maybe TW express will come in clutch like I've seen it before. I'm leaning towards the curt hitch as it's 225 flat and I can pick up in two days.

I know you used a winch with it, but would you trust it as a recovery point via hitch mounted d ring?

 

I don't see why not....I don't know where the Curt receiver mounts but the 4xinno mounts to the same place on the frame the bumper does.

I briefly looked at the Curt reciver because I think they make them right here in Eau Claire, WI.
Briefly because it hangs down to low and you lose clearance.

 

Yeah, I think that's the only con. But not a deal breaker since I have it lifted. Do you have any pictures of the 4x when it was installed, I fear the shackle will bang on the bumper with the placement

 

Before I cut the plastic 'grill' piece. You can see it butts up right to the back of it. v

 

Oh there's no way that's holding a shackle, maybe if you removed the license plate holder?

 

Pros and cons. lol
Depends what you're looking for.
Rest the d ring on the bumper or let it hang down underneath the bumper where a branch can snag it?

 

I don't understand this. Did you lift your truck just so you had clearance to give up? I lifted mine, so that I had clearance to spare.

 

Feel like it would be less likely if I put the D ring sitting vertically. I'll send you a PM so we can discuss further!

 

I can see where the confusion comes from. It doesn't come down lower than the air dam (though I have mine removed). The last off road event I attended, I saw rigs that had a little bit of a lift and kept the air dam and they made it thru harder trails than I did

 

About three days ago I installed the Curt receiver you're considering. The install was easy and the TRD skid only required a slight trim. I'll be getting a mini skid for the front of the receiver, maybe slow the process of filling it with rocks and sand.

$30 Receiver Tube Skid Shield (RHSP-001) for 2" Receivers - Made in U.S.A. Black

Receiver Tube Skid Shield

 

I put the Curt front hitch on my 2021 MT Sport.

I've used it three times to pull others out of snowy ditches.

"Anyone can pull a boat and trailer down the highway. It takes a real man to PUSH one."

 

That's the exact shield I was looking at if I went with the curt. Looks like it doesn't hang too low past the skid.

Sweet- Ever have any problems with clearance??

 

I'm not much for off roading the truck. That sort of messing around is best done on two wheels.

So, No clearance issues! ;-) But I did refit the original air dam. That took a little triming.