Front Recovery Points

I am reminded of a story involving a colleague of mine, another structural engineer, where he is standing in front of a large room of wealthier people. The types of people who pay for large construction efforts, or own enough land and have the resources available to finance large construction.

He starts off by asking them a seemingly simple question: "What is my number one priority when it comes to the structures that I design for you?"

The answers varied wildly: "To be as cost effective as possible." "To get me exactly what I want." "To create something that will last for 100 years." etc.

None were correct.

His number one priority, as is mine, is the protection of human life. That is it.

He went on to say other things, but the point had been made.

I will continue to inject myself into these threads, to continue to share my professional opinion about these garbage products (Demon Hooks).

I can hope that people reading this in the future don't fall for the completely unverified 'it's strong enough' argument. Sure, in a purely static situation, connect a strap to them and give them a gentle tug. But extractions aren't always so straightforward.

And please, to anyone reading this, do not believe what is quoted above.

The demon hook is in no way, shape, or form a suitable replacement for the OEM hook. They aren't in the same league whatsoever.

 

^What's this about? Recovery points can be used to tow. Tow points can be used to tie down for transport.

 

not a recovery point - just a mount to hold a shackle (what they call it in the listing)

 

no they are not as strong

 

I had the ARB. Sold it when I got my bumper with recovery points. I wouldn't buy anything other than the ARB if you want a legit recovery point.

There's a reason it's the only rated recovery point.

 

https://www.4xinnovations.com/2016--2023-Tacoma-Front-Hidden-Hitch-Receiver_p_191.html
I know it is not recovery rated, but if it's good enough to use a 9500lb winch on my 4,600lb truck, then I feel comfortable with using it to pull on. I normally keep a shackle in her and occasionally carry straps, especially in the wintertime, just in case someone else needs help. When I get to the woods, I install the winch, play in the sand and mud, and then go home to give her a bath. I am not, nor do I see myself doing any rock crawling, I will not be hanging the truck over a cliff or pulling it out of the ocean.

I added reinforcement brackets to mine for additional support as some of the older hidden hitch receivers had some unwanted flex. https://www.bayareametalfab.com/FBR...inforcement-brackets-2005-to-2023-_p_142.html

I am not an engineer, but this is my logic. I'm sure it's wrong in something, well I am married so I know I'm wrong on a lot of things, just ask my better half. What was I talking about? Oh right, recovery.... the ARB says to hook it up to a 4.75t bow shackle, making that the weakest link, which is what the front hitch receiver is rated at. I guess I'd rather have the shackle as the weakest link over the vehicle's recovery point but if you're reaching either limit, you're already screwed. Again, not an engineer but I'd gladly hear one out, it might not change my wee puny mind but we each have our opinions and what they're worth.

 

I actually had the bullet fabrication ones . They are nice, but the way that the hole is set up, you’d need spacers for the shackle when using. I ended up just selling them and switching to the Arb. It’s designed with actual load ratings and safety. PLUS the shackle goes through so it pivots correctly when you need to use it. It sucks they are so spendy…. But it’s worth it

 

Food for thought, pull =/= recovery. The steady loading of a pull from a winch is vastly different front the type of shock loading many do in recovery efforts. If I'm being recovered, I'm at the mercy of those doing the pulling to make sound decisions and not put either of us in dangerous situations. Ropes and soft lines/shackles make this much safer, but the risk to the vehicle is still present.

 

Yep, I don't care what you are using or have bolted to your truck, recovery is a risky thing to do for all involved. I have a cabin in the north Georgia mountains, and there is a rental cabin below mine with a steep gravel road leading down to that cabin. .

Occasionally a regular car gets stuck down there trying to get up the hill and I have been asked on multiple occasions if I could pull them up the hill with my Taco. I politely say no and give them the number to a local towing company. I'm not about to risk damage to mine or their vehicles or risk injury in what is a non-emergency situation like this.

 

I've seen several dozen of these "anchor point" threads over the years. As an experienced design engineer (of mining equipment) I have had to grin at some of the "interesting" attachments that come to light on here. Knowing that simple shear bolt-ons like the OEM factory (TRD) offering aren't the best way to deal with an unknown dynamic load - its easy to understand they have no Toyota rating. The welded loop on the lower cross-member probably does because it is the shipping tie-down and for insurance purposes it must handle some multiplier of the vehicle's gross weight. In my mind, that would qualify it as a useful TOW attachment - not a certifiable dynamic recovery point - but safe to tow your toy home so long as it remains in good condition.

I put a pair of shackle mount brackets into the ends of the lower front cross-member - for convenience and intentionally using two to share the loading. The welded boxes that go up to the frame are the weakest point - and probably won't fly off the truck. Even if I get crazy and really give the rig a solid whack.

 

Just here to monitor the thread tolerance level and check links.