[tuxj]

Hey all, looking to add recovery points to the front. Here’s the background. I have a front hitch installed. Typically I just use a recovery receiver mount designed for a soft shackle in front or rear hitch as needed.

19109902 Aluminum Receiver Mount

Overland Vehicle Systems Aluminum Receiver Recovery Mount Is Designed To Help Winch Yourself or A Friend, Built From Strong Aircraft Grade Aluminum

overlandvehiclesystems.com

I recently setup a winch to install into the front hitch. Since that keeps me from using my shackle mount for quick pulls without removing the winch, I want to add a safe recovery point(s) for when I have the winch mounted. I know Rusty’s and Rugged Ridge have a mounting kit, but they are expensive and looks like they may interfere with the steering bracing I have installed.

I have two of these at home, so want to put them to use:

https://www.westinautomotive.com/max-tow-hook

So wondering if either of two ideas would work, and which would be strongest/safest location for pulls/snatching when winching is not the best option or just need a little tug.

1) Add them to the base of my winch plate, the base that the winch itself is bolted to. To have a place to pull only when winch is hooked up. When not hooked up I would use the shackle mount.

https://www.westinautomotive.com/cradle-hitch-mount

2) Add to side of hitch, like IronRock does with their kit, which looks like a hitch minus the receiver.

https://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/XJ%20tow%20hook%20system%20install.pdf

What say you?


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[tuxj]

I have stock bumper, with front hitch installed. That is where my removable winch plate is installed. I thought about the hoops on the hitch, but I think those are for trailer safety chains and not suitable for recovery (though I may be wrong?).

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[tuxj]

Those hoops are fairly strong. But one thing you should do is put that bolt in the rear hole. That hole is for the factory tow point. It has a tub welded in for extra strength. As far as tow hooks go, by drillilng a hole, you could use one of these on each side

CURT 22411 Bolt-On Black Steel Tow Hook with Spring Clip, 10,000 lbs Capacity

Buy CURT 22411 Bolt-On Black Steel Tow Hook with Spring Clip, 10,000 lbs Capacity at Amazon. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision!

smile.amazon.com

At least I think that is tied into the rest of the winch plate

Which rear hole are you referring to exactly, the one under the frame behind the swaybar?


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[tuxj]

Those hoops are fairly strong. But one thing you should do is put that bolt in the rear hole. That hole is for the factory tow point. It has a tub welded in for extra strength. As far as tow hooks go, by drillilng a hole, you could use one of these on each side

CURT 22411 Bolt-On Black Steel Tow Hook with Spring Clip, 10,000 lbs Capacity

Buy CURT 22411 Bolt-On Black Steel Tow Hook with Spring Clip, 10,000 lbs Capacity at Amazon. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision!

smile.amazon.com

At least I think that is tied into the rest of the winch plate

I think I may go with these Curt hooks, or something similar. I pulled out the Westin hooks and didn’t realize how massive they are! Only way I could get them to fit on the side of the hitch, they would be angled downward 45degrees and look kinda funky. Plus hang pretty low if done that way.


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[tuxj]

I think I may go with these Curt hooks, or something similar. I pulled out the Westin hooks and didn’t realize how massive they are! Only way I could get them to fit on the side of the hitch, they would be angled downward 45degrees and look kinda funky. Plus hang pretty low if done that way.


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Here’s what I mean. To mount them horizontally, they would interfere with the hitch mounting nut, and also make it impossible to remove the nut later, should I ever need to remove the hitch. (Note these photos are passenger side)

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[tuxj]

I was thinking of another way to put one of these big Westin hooks to use, and thought of this. My brother welded it up for me. Also passed a bolt thru the tube and welded it in. The hook gives me a good spot to store my winch hook as well as a centered recovery point for when the winch is hooked up.

 

[tuxj]