Any damage pulling myself out with this hook?

Hello TW,

I'm sure this question has been asked but just wanted to clarify I have a 16' TRD sport.

I got stuck in some mud last week and had a friend pull me out.. I was sort of in a rush because there were people behind me so I attached the tow strap to the loop that sticks out from the chin spoiler on the driver side. I thought it was a recovery point but later realized in the manual it's just a tie down point when towing..

I'm just concerned I damaged something. That hook must be able to hold the vehicles weight correct?

This is the hook I am talking about with the spoiler off

 

If it didn't rip off or deform then no damage done.

 

You should be good I've pulled people out using that point but I don't recommend it

 

You are correct that is just a tiedown. I wouldn't go around getting tugged out by it but in a pinch it works if you're gentle. Look into getting a tow hook from a TRD Off Road. It goes on the passenger frame rail and bolts right on. You can buy it new or watch for someone selling theirs. I just sold mine to another member after I got a front bumper.

 

I use mine all the time to pull me out. It's pulled the weight of my truck alone for a few feet a couple times and done fine.

 

Sorry for the noobish question, but what's the advantage to that over the recovery point already on the passenger side?

 

It's not rated for recovery is the easy answer. It's a small steel loop welded on in two places. The tow hook is a giant hunk of metal that is bolted through the frame that distributes the load better.

A good comparison would be the difference between the loops on a rear hitch that you connect safety chains to vs. the hitch receiver. Yes, I've seen people attach a tow strap to the safety chain loops but they're not designed for that and eventually will break.

 

So the recovery point isn't actually a rated recovery point?

 

Owners manual says it is for towing for short distances on a level surface.

 

The TRD hooks are fairly plentiful and usually go fairly cheap when users pull them off for bumper fitment. I've got one FS atm, but shipping would be hefty, shouldn't be difficult to find one local to you.

 

I just picked one up from a guy on here. Sure was way less than buying that part new.

 

Does the off-road model have a tow hook in the rear? Is a hitch mount with d shackle a good recovery point?

 

I'm kinda hoping the hitch w/ d-shackle will work 'cause I just bought one.

 

5 lugs only have 2 of those loops and no "recovery point"

 

I think that's what most people are using.

 

I have an Off Road and I've been pulled out on both front points. Are you saying the starboard hook is stronger than the port loop?

 

Yes

 

Never knew. Thanks

 

This is also news to me, I always thought that loop was for recovery.

 

I will usually use a strap to form a bridle between the hook and the loop to share the load. The ARB 10' tree protector strap works well.