Which front recovery point is best?

Consider the Bull Bar as an even less functional add-on than mud flaps or a chrome exhaust tip when it comes to 4x4ing.
9 times out of 10, you'll destroy them and end up dealing with potential damage in the aftermath that's more of a headache.

I'd hate to think what getting a bull bar snagged on a recovery line in the event you were actually stuck and needed help would do to your front end.

Personally, my favorite mods are ones that don't cost anything:

Mud flap delete
Exhaust pipe chop (after turn at rear axle)
For-looks-only bull bar unbolting

/you can always put the bull bar up for sale in the 2nd gen parts section to see if someone wants to buy it who doesn't wheel their rig (profit!)

 

thread revival. Some will complain, others will complain about a new thread.

I like the looks of the Demon Brackets
A little bit of welding could greatly improve them.


https://amistyling.com/demon-brackets-toyota-9-19-tacoma

 

It really concerns me how much they're targeting the "hang these on your truck to look cool" crowd. Weird ass square aluminum shackles? Fake rivets or screws or whatever drilled into them? Who the hell puts screws into a shackle? That doesn't even make sense. I wouldn't use a shackle if it has holes drilled in it in a million years. Also $200+ for a pair of shackles weaker than a $20 pair of D rings? Everything about this setup looks terrible.

 

agreed on those points, but the design of the brackets seem strong. Wrap around the back of the frame (may be, but cant see). Would be better if the parts that actually held the shackle did as well, and the two larger discs were welded also (probably are, but cant see)

It's a good design that can be improved with a little time, a cutter and a welder.

 

I just bought a 2021 TRd off-road and came in here looking for this info. I have this on my Tacoma. Is it a proper recovery point? It looks pretty beefy.

also on the back hitch, each side has an oval loop. Are those proper recovery points as well or should I get a hitch recovery hook fitting?

 

The tow hook is fine to yank on.

Those holes by the hitch are for safety chains ONLY. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt a recovery from those.

Get a tow hitch shackle off Amazon and put that in the hitch receiver or carry it in the truck in case of "oh shit" moments. The holes for the chains are what you attach when you tow a trailer and if something majorly goes wrong, you trailer doesn't become an unattached missile on the highway.

 

Thank you, appreciate it. The truck manual doesn’t cover any of this, at least not that I could find anyway.

 

I think if you look up the part about towing it should but I have an '06 so who knows how different our manuals are, haha!

Getting the receiver hitch recovery shackle is a really good investment for your first recovery gear. That, along with a 20-30ft tow strap can really come in handy in a pinch. Watch videos too unless you go out with friends that can show you what to do. Personal experience goes a long way but there's some great Ozzie videos about the in's and out's about offroading and recovery techniques that are cool in general to watch. Them boys in Australia know a fuckton about 4x4ing.