Tacoma snatch recovery with an ARB bull bar

Hey all,
First post on here.

So I’ve done sliders on my 2012 Taco, and now I’m in the market for a front bar (eventually leading to a winch ). I was set on the ARB deluxe bar (p/n 3423140) and just about to order it, until I realized there’s no D-ring tabs on the front. Almost every other bar Ive seen has two big D-ring tabs on the front. I’ve been reading some other posts that mention things like the DOT /airbag compliance of the ARB bar, but haven’t found a thread talking about snatch recoveries using the factory tow hook. I’d like to hear what yall think about this, and any links to other forum posts would be cool too.

I guess what Im getting at is, do you guys ‘trust’ the factory recovery point on the front? (The big hook on the passengers side, not the smaller loop on the drivers side). Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that the hook isn’t strong enough. I mean let’s face it Tacomas aren’t that heavy, and Toyota engineers seem pretty smart haha. I’m more wondering about the ‘performance’ of it. For example what if the lead vehicle is pulling at an angle to the passenger’s side? Anyone ever had straps pop off the open hook (as opposed to a dedicated tab and closed D-ring)? Any thoughts as far as a low recovery point (hook) vs a higher point (bars)?

Seems like theres too many options to pick from when it comes to front bars haha

 

I got winched up a hill recently using a trd OR tow hook like you are mentioning, and it broke the welds on the inside where the threaded nuts are for the tow hook’s bolts. Bent my frame too, but thank god it held on and didnt hurt anyone. Id look into something like the BPF recovery point if youre set on getting an ARB. I have an ARB on mine and the lack of recovery points is literally the only complaint i have about the bumper

 

Yeah, kinda what I was worried about. Good to know its a solid bar though. Honestly its the style I like the most haha. Most other bars come down to a sharp point on the ends which I dont like. Seems like thats where you'd need to most protection for light scrapes in tight maneuvers.

How bad was your frame tweaked/what did you have to do to fix it?

And then theres this ARB tow point (see the awesome pics from TammiTheTaco). It seems seems stout as hell. But a bit overpriced..

 

Frame wasnt bent bad, just around the bolt holes for the tow hook. Havent done anything to fix it yet. If you arent running shocks with resivoirs, the ARB recovery point looks like a good option. I am running resis on mine, so thats why i havent gotten one.

I will probably just beat the bent portion flat and have my buddy weld on one of the bpf points whenever i get around to fixing it

 

Yup. Good point about the remote resis.

Hardest thing about a rig build is not being able to see all this stuff in person before you buy it haha!

 

I know what you mean, every rig is a little different, so its hard to tell what will work with each combo

 

I wish I would have saved links to whatever I read about ARB bar/bumper, and strength of front mounting points (front "horns" ) on the Tacoma . From what I remember ARB concluded that mounting points might not be strong enough for recoveries, therefore they didn't include recovery points....
With different bumpers that include recovery points, under extreme conditions and pulling angles the front horns on our tacos could twist/bend. Therefore some fabricators designed reinforcement plates to combat that shortcoming (like this one https://www.kore-4x4.com/products/2nd-gen-05-15-toyota-tacoma-weld-on-frame-reinforcement).
ARB wants us to use their recovery point. It bolts to the frame and front cross member... but yes, it's an extra expense
Our stock "Tow hook" is mounted to front cross member (kind of a frame extension), and I don't think is recovery rated. Yes it's strong, but it's location/mounting method is questionable.... @rjbiii just kinda proved that... BPF recovery point bolts to same location as our standard hook, but even though it uses an extra bolt, I'm not sure if it really is that much better.



BTW, I'm not trying to say that bumpers made by other companies are more or less safe than Summit by ARB, it's just that ARB did bunch of testing (air bag, frame etc...) and according to their findings , they want you to buy their bar and a recovery point.

 

Also, welcome to the forum

 

Thanks!

Anyone on here have an Alpha A/T bar from Pronghorn gear? http://pronghorngear.com/
Imo those are one of the best looking bars behind ARB (I like the style with a lot of meat out on the wings, not coming down to a sharp point). And they are aluminum..
Downside of course is the price. Oh well, still too many options haha

 

*bump. Anyone running a pronghorn gear bar on their 2nd gen?