TRD OR front hooks

Could anyone enlighten me on why there are 2 types of hooks on the front of my tacoma TRD OR?

So far, I have used only the smaller ''U'' shaped one for taking people out the ditch or unstuck them. Even once, a guy was so deeply stuck in the snow, that I had to violently rock his vehicle out, also using the ''U'' shaped hook, and it held very well the abuse.

So, if the ''U'' shaped hook does the job and is solid enough, why do I also have a bigger ''L'' shaped hook on the other side?

 

The "U" shaped 'hook' is supposed to be a tie-down point for the truck for transport. Everything I've heard here and in the owner's manual says that it's not supposed to be used for recovery purposes.

 

Oops!!! Thank you for the warning.

Anybody know if that is for security purpose or frame damage purpose?

 

In reading these forums I have seen several threads where people have ripped them off using them for recovery.

I'd use the passenger side.

 

I doubt it would cause frame damage, but there is a danger of that loop breaking, since it isn't made for recovery.

If you want a reliable front recovery point there is a thread somewhere on here to buy a really beefy one, but I cannot find it..

 

The OR has a recovery hook on the front passenger side. It is heavily built and securely bolted to the frame. The one suggested by StandingCow is one that a forum member built for the Sport. As has been suggested elsewhere, if you're going to pull another vehicle which is stuck, you're better off pulling in a forward direction, not in reverse. If you don't already have one, get a shackle mount for the rear hitch.

 

Excellent advice about the rear mount, I'll pass by my local trailer retailer a d get one of those.

 

I had 10 of these made but I sold all of them. If I can get more people interested in these I can get more made.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/buy-sell-trade/138900-2nd-gen-recovery-loop.html

 

if you get another batch going count me in!!!

 

You can get the OR tow hook. If you look um my name and tow hook or recovery or something, you'll find the part number.

Nothin like OEM.