Rear Recovery Point - Factor 55 Hitch Link

[Mick1]

I researched the options for a Rear Recovery Point. I was not going to get one of the cheap poorly crafted Smitty or Warn or whatever options so those are ignored.

The Viking is the prettiest, strong, and the most expensive at approximately $120 w/o the shackle to $150 with the shackle. Neat feature is that is can be turned in two directions. Price was too much and I didn't even bother to see what it would cost shipped. Recovery Hitches

Viking also has the U.T.P recovery hitch for about $50, but by the time shipping is added it comes to around $75. Viking Winchline UTP Recovery Hitch Kit- Yellow Zinc Plated

I have also seen the UTP Viking hitch advertised as the U.D.S receiver hitch and it is shown in all black. I was going to go with this one, but shipped brought it to around $75 again and that slowed my eagerness. Poly Performance JEEP/TRUCK & BUGGY*::*Winches & Accessories*::*Winch Accessories - Fairleads, Hardware, Lines, More*::*Hardware & Accessories*::*U.D.S. Receiver Hitch with 3/4" Shackle and Pin - 4X4 Off-Road Parts, JK Synergy Suspension Systems, Fox

The other option I looked at was the 12,000 Eye Two O-Ring. OK offroad sells the XD 2" Receiver Recovery Eye for $71, but I found the same thing on ebay for $37 shipped. OKoffroad.com Recovery - 2" Receiver Recovery Hooks
I was close to ordering this, but realized it would stick out further than the shackle mount options and take away from departure angle. About 13 lbs of ruggedness. Hmm what to do?

So with the Turkey day sale I found the Factor 55 Hitch Link for 10% off and free shipping. Factor55.com, Safer - Stronger - Smarter Came to ~$68 and I already have several ARB shackles and a couple different Curt Mfg. hitch pins, so I figured I would be good to go. The nice thing about this options is that it is so LIGHTWEIGHT. I think I read it is 1.9lbs, but have not weighed it.

Got it the other day and found that NONE of my ARB shackles fit it. Doh!

Not even close. Since Factor 55 does not supply a shackle with the hitch link it would be nice if they at least had a list of shackles that will likely fit without modification. I used a hand file initially, thinking it was just the rough high points on the shackle preventing installation, but it was soon apparent that it was no where close to fitting. Out came the power tool. It took a fair amount of grinding on each of the shackles to fit them. I then repainted all the shackles.

Pictures at this link: http://rhino4runnersuspension.shutterfly.com/pictures/1178

End result is a pretty nice option I think. Light, compact, with a good strength rating. Just be aware that you may not be able to fit shackles w/o grinding.

 

[limamike]

I've got a Smitty and I've not had any issues with it. Any reason in particular you feel it's "cheap" other than its price?

 

[Mick1]

I'm not really sure on the brands, I just didn't want one of the cast hollow ones. I looked at a less expensive receiver recovery shackle in a 4 wheel parts store and was not impressed. I think it was a smitty built. Also, I read about some of the cheaper ones not being square, and not fitting the receiver properly, that is as far as I looked at them.

 

[BigredTEX]

I've also got the Smittybuilt and the thing's indestructable. I believe you're over thinking it.

 

[limamike]

I'm not really sure on the brands, I just didn't want one of the cast hollow ones. I looked at a less expensive receiver recovery shackle in a 4 wheel parts store and was not impressed. I think it was a smitty built. Also, I read about some of the cheaper ones not being square, and not fitting the receiver properly, that is as far as I looked at them.

Ah, gotcha. Someone else has mentioned the Smitty being hollow, but the one I have is solid. Joneseyyy pulled me off a high center up in Colorado with it. :cheers: That Factor 55 is nice looking!

 

[Mick1]

So the pros for the Factor 55 is that it is light and won't rust. Con is that it cost 2x

Have either of you tried to fit other shackles than what came with your Smitty receiver recovery point?

 

[harper7]

I have the Smittybuilt one too ,heavy duty and built like a brick **** house! I don't really care what it looks like as I don't keep it on all the time anyways and resides in my rear secret antman compartment.

 

[Vegas]

I tried this one a few weeks ago from amazon but it did not fit into the receiver... I was so sad :crybaby: I should have used it for an excuse to buy a grinder.

Amazon.com: Smittybilt 29312B Receiver Hitch D-Ring with 3/4-Inch Shackle for 2-Inch Receivers: Automotive

 

[K O]

^^ Sorry to hear that. Mine fit fine, even a little loose.

 

[Antman]

I have the Smittybuilt one too ,heavy duty and built like a brick **** house! I don't really care what it looks like as I don't keep it on all the time anyways and resides in my rear secret Harper7 compartment that I discovered before Antman was even on this forum that everyone keeps thinking was discovered by Antman..

Whew... Fixed it for ya pal! Credit where it's due.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

I went with the Viking cause that is what I do spend lots of money on parts. It is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I call it a piece of art and the thing weighs a TON!

 

[limamike]

So the pros for the Factor 55 is that it is light and won't rust. Con is that it cost 2x

Have either of you tried to fit other shackles than what came with your Smitty receiver recovery point?

Yes, sir. As a matter of fact, I had to give Joneseyyy my Smitty shackle because the one he had wouldn't fit on his Factor 55 thimble. I then took his shackle and put it on my Smitty recovery point. I'm not sure what kind of shackle it was, but if Joneseyyy sees this then maybe he can clarify.

 

[mrvandelay]

I bought a Smitty for something like $20. Had to grind one side to make it fit in the hitch receiver.

I haven't had to use it, and don't plan on it. I'd rather just not get stuck.

It's built solid though, it'll get the job done.

 

[phillyd2]

Factor 55 up front with the winch but Smitty in the back. Its solid and works but needs once a year rust attention. I do keep it on 24/7 but the truck lives in a garage. :shrug:

Somebody was going to introduce a rust free anodized Alum version - I'll post if I can find the info later.

Thanks for posting the info Mick!

 

[joneseyyy]

Yes, sir. As a matter of fact, I had to give Joneseyyy my Smitty shackle because the one he had wouldn't fit on his Factor 55 thimble. I then took his shackle and put it on my Smitty recovery point. I'm not sure what kind of shackle it was, but if Joneseyyy sees this then maybe he can clarify.

I think my shackles are ARB. I need to get some more so i might as well get some that fit the pro-link.

 

[Mick1]

I would probably wire tie or at least zip tie the screw pin in place if you leave the shackle on all the time.

It would deter petty theft and prevent a couple pound chunk of metal coming loose on the highway. That could be a tragedy.

For example, my windshield was shattered from just a small fog light coming off a semi. I was passing him while climbing a mountain. I saw the light come loose, clank a couple times, then break and spray glass and light housing all over the front of my truck.

What was the dimension stopping your ARB shackles from fitting your front winch link? Same interior width as in my photos? If you don't want to do the grinding and are looking to buy new.

I think the Van Beest Green Pin Shackles look well made and seem to have a better dimensional fit in the photos I have seen.

Or maybe these Columbus McKinnon shackles. http://www.usariggingsupply.com/product/M652G

 

[BobsTrail]

Receiver Recovery

I must be really missing something. Maybe because I have only used a strap with a loop at the end so far. Pulled a Jeep Rubicon off a sand dune crest one day. Put the loop into the receiver and put the hitch pin in to hold it. Seems to work. Did this on both ends.

I'll check back for feedback, I'm sure I'm missing something. I did buy a shackle for the front loop of my TE.

 

[Mick1]

A pin through the loop works ok, but any side load might cause the receiver edge to cut the strap.

I have a kinetic recovery rope and it is big, I think I got the 1" and it won't fit into the receiver to fit a pin. Sucker is xpensive too, so getting the proper tool to prevent damage to another tool is always best.

You said that you hooked it to both ends, so I take that to mean that you hooked up to the rear of the Jeep with the rear of your truck.

I understand that for big forces it is best to always pull with the vehicle drive-line in a forward manner. Big reverse pulls can rip the suspension right off.

 

[BobsTrail]

Big Rope

That's a BIG rope, makes my ARB Snatch Strap look small. But mine has a better name.

The jeep was high centered and dug in on top of a sand dune he almost made it up. The only was to pull him down.

 

[Intruder]

Picked up a TJM receiver shackle a few weeks ago after I noticed my no-name one was starting to rust. It's pretty solid and half the price of the Factor 55. I think TJM is trying to break into the North American market so their prices are pretty competitive. Their recovery straps are easily the best I've ever used next to an ARB.

http://www.tjmsa.com.au/pdf/11-286_hitch.pdf