Front Recovery Point Interest Thread

[Dalko43]

Regarding the factory tie downs, i've never seen or heard anything from Toyota that specifically states the intended use, what kind of loads they are designed to withstand, etc. They are certainly used to tie the vehicle down for shipping, but beyond that who really knows. I know my 4th gen points are load tested and certified to 13000 lbs, and these will have also receive a rating. They were designed specifically for recovery.


I had someone share this photo with me on instagram right after posting my 4th gen points. Don't have any backstory, but it is a factory tie down that broke at the weld on the frame. No bueno.

I've never seen anything from Toyota to suggest a weight rating for the stock tow hooks/tie down's whatever you want to call them. In fact, I've never seen anything from Toyota suggesting that these are only to be used as tie-down's for shipping.

I think we all take it for granted that these hooks are recovery points, as pretty much every 4x4 SUV and pickup sold in America comes from the factory with similar equipment. Now maybe our assumptions are not 100% correct; maybe they are. I don't know. But I do know plenty of people have used these hooks for recoveries without issue. I think as long as you are using a bridle or tree saver to evenly distribute the weight between the two front hooks, you should be fine.

Honestly, I feel better about using the stock hooks than I would about using the recovery points on most of the aftermarket bumpers I see, because I don't think most of those companies are rating those.

 

[Kfog375]

I've never seen anything from Toyota to suggest a weight rating for the stock tow hooks/tie down's whatever you want to call them. In fact, I've never seen anything from Toyota suggesting that these are only to be used as tie-down's for shipping.

I think we all take it for granted that these hooks are recovery points, as pretty much every 4x4 SUV and pickup sold in America comes from the factory with similar equipment. Now maybe our assumptions are not 100% correct; maybe they are. I don't know. But I do know plenty of people have used these hooks for recoveries without issue. I think as long as you are using a bridle or tree saver to evenly distribute the weight, you should be fine.

Honestly, I feel better about using the stock hooks than I would about using the recovery points on most of the aftermarket bumpers I see, because I don't think most of those companies are rating those.

I've never asked the question, but that's a good point on the aftermarket bumpers.


Regarding testing, off-axial is done in solidworks and axial is done on the sled. The steel points I have prototyped are going to get final fitment checked to verify no changes to the design need to be made. Once I have that squared away i'll run them through Solidworks and on the sled and post the results in here with a working load.

 

[phillyd2]

I’m guilty of using the tie downs as recovery points more than a few times but I always try to be as careful as possible. Usually not possible but I try.

I’ve seen and always liked the ARB version. As I would most likely now just use the winch I think there is utility in the OP’s product. If I didn’t have a winch I would most likely get a set. Good luck with it!

 

[Bootleg]

Honestly, I feel better about using the stock hooks than I would about using the recovery points on most of the aftermarket bumpers I see, because I don't think most of those companies are rating those.

This is exactly the reason that ARB does not put recovery points on their bumpers, as relayed by the guys at Uwharrie Offroad Training Center during their winching and recovery class. I've seen way more instances where recovery points on aftermarket bumpers fail than the factory recovery points.

 

[Kfog375]

Sounds like I should check fitment on as many aftermarket bumpers as possible then

 

[DEERUNNER]

The poll could be more useful if it were expanded.
--Yes. At $150.
--Yes. At $125.
--Yes. At $100.
--No. Too expensive.
--No. Not at all interested.
But even then, why would someone opt for $150 if one implies they could be cheaper? But it does show interest at lower cost. Simple yes/no does not account for those that do not bother with a poll that they have no interest in. What? Or those that would purchase at a lower cost. You know what I am getting at.

 

[Dalko43]

This is exactly the reason that ARB does not put recovery points on their bumpers, as relayed by the guys at Uwharrie Offroad Training Center during their winching and recovery class. I've seen way more instances where recovery points on aftermarket bumpers fail than the factory recovery points.

Actually ARB makes a few bumpers with integrated tow hooks (the older Ram 2500 bumpers are one example I can think of: http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-Sahara-Bar-For-Dodge-Ram-1500-2500-2006-08-3952120-P3351.aspx). Their bumpers and hooks are actually tested and rated, so I'd feel a lot more comfortable using one of their bumpers for a recovery versus using someone else's bumper. But in general I agree with you in that I'd rather use the factory recovery points than the ones created by an aftermarket bumper.

 

[Kfog375]

The poll could be more useful if it were expanded.
--Yes. At $150.
--Yes. At $125.
--Yes. At $100.
--No. Too expensive.
--No. Not at all interested.
But even then, why would someone opt for $150 if one implies they could be cheaper? But it does show interest at lower cost. Simple yes/no does not account for those that do not bother with a poll that they have no interest in. What? You know what I am getting at.

$150 is really the base line price, to have the base price set lower i'd need to use a lower grade of steel which I won't do. There will be a volume discount with the group buy, just have to figure all that out yet.

 

[SATSTRAIL]

$150 is really the base line price, to have the base price set lower i'd need to use a lower grade of steel which I won't do. There will be a volume discount with the group buy, just have to figure all that out yet.

I think your price point is reasonable for a quality product, which it seems that yours is. But again I just dont see the need considering it doesnt seem to be much of an upgrade over the factory recovery points. Im not knocking your product. It seems to be of high quality and Im sure those that want it will be pleased.

 

[jwkilgore]

Why even have a "no" option? You aren't interested in those people anyway. Even if you get 20 "yes" and 2,000 "no", all you're interested in are the 20 potential sales.

 

[Kfog375]

Why even have a "no" option? You aren't interested in those people anyway. Even if you get 20 "yes" and 2,000 "no", all you're interested in are the 20 potential sales.

good point, i'm going to remove the no

 

[jwkilgore]

good point, i'm going to remove the no

But to keep it a poll you'll need more than one option. So maybe,

Want to buy now!
Potential future purchase.
Too expensive at $150, but interested in a sale or group buy.

 

[Kfog375]

even better idea

 

[zashai]

need/want

recovery point any info ?
$150 sound good to me

 

[Thirty4]

Any updates on the progress or possibility?

 

[Kfog375]

sorry for the slow going, some other projects jumped ahead of this one and life got in the way a little bit. I've finally test fit the points on a 5th gen trail, and they bolted up exactly as they should. I'll be doing load testing this week!

 

[MossJenks]

Count me as interested.

 

[SwayzeExpress]

I like that I think - can you snap a pic showing the approach angle or how low it hangs?

 

[Heavy_GD]

Bumping this up... I hope you are safe after the storm.
[MENTION=144682]Kfog375[/MENTION]

 

[Kfog375]

man we got real lucky and stayed dry the whole time. I'm working through the proper hardware lengths right now and should be good to go. I'll get something posted up this month!