trailer tow best tie down methods, connection points

[rockwind1]

question for the experts. i was going to trailer tow my 5 gen 4runner, lifted and all that fancy stuff. was going to use axle straps on the rear axle but for some reason my 4runner doesn't have a front axle (must have lost it somewhere, still runs fine though). i was thinking of putting the axle straps thru my front rims, maybe at the 8 or 7 oclock position,, maybe even put 2 per wheel,, there doesn't seem to be any sharp edges. there is a very strong frame member up where the the swing arm connects to frame but obviously it will go up and down with the suspension so not ideal. was also thinking of a tire harness type thing but i am leaving tomorrow and don't have time to order one, not sure if i can find one here in town. i would need a tire strap where i can exert a force forward but at a slight angle outward since that is where the anchor points are on my trailer. any thoughts,, any trailer tow a bunch of different vehicles? i have tons of decent straps but just thinking outside box.

 

[Humble Leader]

there are two recovery loops on on the front end. you can use them for tie downs. they will be plenty strong. see picture below

 

[rockwind1]

i saw those but i didn't want to tie down on anything that was above the suspension. i was worried as the vehicle bounced up and down while traveling on the travel, the straps would get worked,, or if they didn't have any snap closures on the hooks, they could come off. it turned out that an axle strap thru the lower a- arm, or control arm, worked out great. since it was so close to the wheel,, there was hardly any travel, so it was almost like using the rear axle.

 

[5thToy]

If stock lower control arms were cast iron, I would be comfortable with that. They are not however.

You mention a lot of off-road goodies... If you have aftermarket, aluminum lower control arms, that would be a definite no go for tie-down IMO.

Given the choice, I would use the factory, front tie-down/recovery loops.