Factory Tow Hooks - Purpose/Capacity

[JasonNewYork]

This might seem like a stupid question, are the factory tow hooks (front and rear) sufficient to pull a stuck 4Runner? I could not find any info in the owners manual or the forum. The OM just says to use them for securing on a flatbed tow truck. I see a lot of shinny aftermarket options out there. I recently bought a 4x4 beach pass for my area and plan on driving on sand. If I got stuck, can the factory hooks be used to pull the vehicle out? Does anyone know the capacities for the factory front and rear hooks? The marketing info for the aftermarket hooks make me feel like the factory hooks are toys - I guess that's the point .

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[mfoga]

I always assumed it was about visibility, accessibility and more importantly flare as for reasons to upgrade them . I assumed the factory ones are more than capable of doing that job.

 

[Joestac]

Yes, that is why they are there. The two front and the single rear are bolted directly to the frame and are perfectly fine for emergency recovery. I would recommend using soft shackles if possible. Carry your own. Looks like you can even tow on the road if needs truly dictate.

"If a tow truck is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be temporarily towed using cables or chains secured to the emergency towing eyelets. This should only be attempted on hard surfaced roads for at most 50 miles (80 km) at under 18 mph (30 km/h). A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in good condition."

 

[MikeD]

I've looked closely at the factory "tie down brackets"/"tow hooks" and they are very beefy, smooth curved edges for soft shackle and two BIG bolts directly into the frame. Only issue is the back there is only one (wish there were two). And I am virtually certain that the toyota red tow hook, and all the aftermarket versions replace the stock ones so mounting point is the same. Unfortunately in the only photo I could find of mine, its hard to see the frame attachment above the hook but it is attached to the frame. So I believe that, yes, those can be used for recovery (and I have been winched off a rock where I was high pointed on center frame member using the rear one.)

This thread shows what they look like off the vehicle (black and painted:>). factory tow hook photos in hereCompare heft to all the "tow hook" choices.

 

[Nodak]

just remember those oem transport tie downs have to deal with a vehicle heaving in sea's for 10-15 days from japan to portland. longer if they have to goto jax or newark since the ship goes thru the panama canal to the east coast.

 

[Oldhoosier]

I pull a Fedex delivery box truck out of the ditch in front of my house with them and there was a couple of pretty hard pulls with a 30K recovery strap; no problems.

 

[JasonNewYork]

Thanks for all the feedback. I thought they would be OK but wanted to make sure. I found it funny with all the lawyers out there, the OM didn't mention anything.

Joestac - For my first few trips out, I wasn't going to spend a lot in case I do not like it. I was looking at a cheap 20k tow strap with the hooks built in or a 20k tow strap with metal shackles. Either one meets my State's min requirements. If I really get into it, then I would upgrade to kinetic tow rope with soft shackles.

MikeD - I love your "TRD" tow hooks. Those are lot cheaper than the Toyota dealer . I like the red color - good idea.

 

[MikeD]

MikeD - I love your "TRD" tow hooks. Those are lot cheaper than the Toyota dealer . I like the red color - good idea.

Credit where due - I just stole those photos from this thread from JGR because I remembered seeing this view of the stock "tow hooks" off the vehicle:

This weekend, added Hood Struts and decided to paint the factory front tow hooks red.

For now, the factory hooks in red add the subtle pop I was looking for.

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