Front recovery point

Lots of threads mentioning this and saying something like the front hook (not the tie-down loop) "should be good" for recovery. I cannot find a definitive rating or authoritative source for this info. I would love to hear from you if you know of concrete information on this matter. I'm really not too worried, I would just like to know if Toyota has committed to a rating or ever states it is suitable for recovery.

Thank you if you would like to tell me your experience, but I don't need to know what you've done with yours. Not trying to be snotty, but a lot of people have posted that they have used theirs for heavy-duty pulling and I know it's quite strong.

However, I am also thinking about replacing the tie-down loop with an aftermarket recovery point, or at least trying to add one to supplement the hook, and I would be interested in your experience regarding that.

Thanks

 

Bump. Anyone?

Maybe I already figured it out that Toyota doesn't give numbers.

 

Couple of mentions of this:
http://store.arbusa.com/2005-On-Toyota-Tacoma-Recovery-Point-2823010-P22953.aspx
A bit pricey but I'm sure it's well engineered

 

Thanks. Yes, I've seen that. It would provide 100% confidence, which would be great. But that kind of confidence comes in a bit spendy, as you say.

 

This is the 2nd gen manual. Says hard surfaces, short distances. Most interesting to me is the sr5 and sport models show the welded loop as a tow point.

 

Sorry I just realized I didn't really answer your question lol. I read through my manual (all 1 billion pages) when I got the truck, and if I remember correctly the hoop on the front driver side is specifically only a tie down point, not rated for recovery. Less confidently, I remember the off road models also(/instead?) have an actual hook on the passenger side that is rated as a recovery point. TLDR; manual is our friend.
Edit: I will look in AM

 

https://www.bpfabricating.com/products/tacoma-recovery-tow-hook

Weight rated, closed loop for shackle, 3 8.8 bolts rather than 2.

Don't use your tow hooks unless you like projectiles. Or do, that's fine too.

 

Well, you got me to look at my manual again, anyway. I thought it might say and I'd feel like an even bigger dope than I already do, but mine doesn't seem to do anything but acknowledge there's something there. But thanks anyhow.

 

I saw that one, also. Why do this and the ARB replace the real hook, I wonder? It seems to me the thing to do is replace the tie-down loop so you have two strong points.

 

The passenger loop/hook is bolted on and easy to replace, most aftermarket points use the same existing two weld-in nuts. Drivers side is welded and would require cutting and lacks the weld nuts in the hollow subframe, so not sure how one would attach a new point there though I'm sure it could be done. One aftermarket point uses an unused 3rd hole (I forget who), and the arb attaches similarly but also to the frame. Except for the arb I would say both the aftermarket as well as the factory loop/hook weak point is not the point itself but the weld in nuts/subframe to which it attaches.

 

Just more of a reason for me to install a front receiver.

 

I think the tie-down is welded to the frame while the hook is bolted on.

 

I replaced the factory hook with this... Luckily have not had to use it yet.

Brian

 

Stupid question but why is the factory OR tow hook shaped the way it is? Why is there a big hook in the front and a little hook in the back?

 

Like one of these?

http://mobtownoffroad.com/product/front-recovery-bar/

 

The front drivers side tow hook worked for me when I needed to be recovered on a hunting trip in Wyoming.

 

For a 3rd gen. that is exactly what I am looking for. I've reached out to Mobtown to see if something similar is in the works for us 3 gen owners. I'd buy one in a heartbeat! Three recovery points plus the ability to use a hitch mounted winch both front and rear? Now that's what I'm talking about!

A money making venture for someone/vendor willing and capable to pick up the ball and run with it!

Update:
Reached out to Joe Beyer at Mobtown and in fact they do make the same recovery system for us 3rd gen. owmers. Asked about the possibility of a group buy. Some considerable interest here may help him to consider it. Excellent option if you want to maintain the look of your front end and considerably cheaper than a new, heavy front bumper. Check it out I think it might be a great option for those of us not wanting to drastically change the look of our front end.

If Joe offers a group buy I'm in and if he doesn't I'm in anyway!

 

They do look real nice

 

Very nice and not overpowering as far as changing the look of the front end. I definitely see one in my not too distant future.
Nice looking Taco!

 

Keep a lookout in Deals And Cupons section ( https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/deals-coupons.28/ ) they often offer 15-20% discounts