Recovery Points.

I do intend on getting a tow hitch installed sooner or later. But as for now, what is a good other option(s) for rear tow/recovery points?

 

Back in the day I would rap the center section of the rear bumper with a strap. Just dont get to spunky or youll be buying a new bumper.

 

At the end of the frame rails are 2 hole each side, which is where the Class III hitch would bolt up. So that would be the best spot to rig a yoke.

But f it just buy a hitch and a rated shackle you can slip it. The hitch is easier and faster to install.

 

When the time comes you can get an off-road bumper like this one: https://trail-gear.com/armor/bumpers/rear-bumpers/rock-defense-1995-2004-tacoma-rear-bumper.html It includes a hitch receiver and two shackle mounts welded into the frame plates.

 

Once you have a hitch installed, go this route -

$71 Factor 55 00020-06 Hitchlink 2.0 Rated at 9500 lb Ultimate Failure at 51000 lb Convert Your Vehicles Hitch Receiver into a Recovery Point. Ideal for 4x4 Off Road Adventures – Gray

https://www.amazon.com/Factor-55-00020-06-Hitchlink-Gray/dp/B00JMBSC76/

Multiple colors to choose from if that's your gig.

 

If you are talking about the ~ 1-1/8" in diameter that are for access to the rear bed bolts right at the end of the frame you will tear and bend the frame if you put any real load on those. A hitch or full bumper is your only good option a mini J hook in the rectangular hole in front of the bumper mount would probably be my first pick in a pinch. You would also need a chain to get out from under the bumper because a strap could be cut rubbing on the frame and bumper. A single hole in a frame will start typically to bend at or less than 5000 lbs of pull. That all being said don't need to be recovered until you have a hitch installed.

 

Yeah I didn't bother going into any detail and just said get a hitch with a shackle. If anyone with running boards has an urgent and ongoing concern about recovery, it is probably from snow banks, but OP didn't elaborate.

 

This is pretty cool, just purchased one.

 

^These aluminum shackle adapters will get pulverized if dragged on a rock. If rock crawling, keep it in the tool bag along with the shackles and rope until you need to do a recovery.

 

Definitely plan on just tossing it in the back with the normal hitch. Got the fancy red one too. Normally red adds more horsepower but I believe in this instance it’ll be +3 strength

 

I got my stock truck decently stuck the other weekend. Ran into the same issue; but I do have a hitch- so I put a hitch bar in the receiver with the ball removed and put the bolt side of a shackle through it. Worked perfectly as a rear recovery point!

 

Got the Factor55 receiver installed. They include the testing results for the strength too - nothing to worry about using this thing. Something like a 50k breaking strength.