Front tow recovery hooks?

[Forty Deuce]

Ok, as a Land Rover rookie here allow me to ask a question. I see a posted picture of a tow hitch recovery attachment. It also appears this would mount directly below the tow hitch receiver at the rear of the vehicle.

First, am I correct? Second, based on on training I received for the recovery procedures & use of a Cayman MRAP (admittedly, clearly a VERY different beast in both weight, construction, and use than a Land Rover) we were strongly cautioned to only use hard recovery points and never the tow hitches. We were explained that tow hitches were designed for direct pull/force in a single direction and not recovery points which exert different forces in a different manner. Are tow hitch recovery accessories common use in Land Rovers?

I ask because I had a small degree of comfort with recovery operations based on this training but am I a victim of my own ignorance? Admittedly my training was vehicle specific and therefore it may be absolutely worthless outside that realm and/or simply stated as a risk reduction measure.

I intended to attend a Land Rover Experience class as well as join a local Land Rover club before I went on any off road excursions of my own. I'd prefer to learn from experienced operators and instructors than just "trial & error" my way through learning.

 

[mbw]

The big recovery ring on the bumper is meant for recovery... a hitch mounted one would reduce clearance due to the hitch and be less strong I would think...

 

[Daniel Hull]

The easy answer is that you have much better recovery point right above the hitch, so there is no reason to use the hitch. That's an LR4-centric answer.

In general, a tow hitch could be used as a static recovery point (e.g. pulling with a winch) but I wouldn't use it for a dynamic (****** strap) point. As you say, they are designed and rated for static loads. I've seen plenty of instructors show how to use one as a recovery point though. Similarly, if you are planning to pull someone out using a ****** strap, attach it to your recovery point, not your trailer hitch.

 

[umbertob]

Forty Deuce, you are correct in all your assumptions. The photo of that hitch recovery attachment was posted by a member unfamiliar with the LR4's built-in recovery points, and based on his experience with Disco 1 and Disco 2, which are very different animals.. For several reasons listed here, a hitch receiver is NOT a recommended recovery point for the LR4, but the factory points hidden under removable covers on both front and rear bumpers are, along with some suitable D-shackles and ****** straps.

 

[Railey]

Yeah it was me. I was going by the OP which asked about locations to bolt on aftermarket hooks/rings, so I posted a couple photos of them. I am used to lifted D1 and D2's. Apologies.


Sent

 

[Secated]

Will a 3/4" D-shackle fit through the recovery points?

 

[umbertob]

Yup, 3/4" is what I use, with plenty of room to spare. I guess you could use a 1" shackle if you wanted too... Not that you'd need it, but you could.

 

[Secated]

Yup, 3/4" is what I use, with plenty of room to spare. I guess you could use a 1" shackle if you wanted too... Not that you'd need it, but you could.

Cool, thanks. I guess I should have bought the one I had in my hand today.

 

[umbertob]

You can get them in black even, for that important finishing touch... I leave mine permanently hanging from the rear towing eye.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Winches-....aspx?t_c=18&t_s=124&t_pt=6073&t_pn=S/B13047B

 

[Surfrider77]

Literally the same exact D shackle I use. I recover (other vehicles) probably more than anyone else in this LR4 forum. Living in the middle east, its sand recovery every other outing.

I always carry 2x:
Amazon.com: Smittybilt 13047B 3/4" Black D-Ring: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41EePDG6T4L.@@AMEPARAM@@41EePDG6T4L

And 1x:
Amazon.com: ARB ARB705US 2-3/8" x 30' Recovery Strap - 17500 lbs Capacity: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31O0BElwMOL.@@AMEPARAM@@31O0BElwMOL

I have imported quite a few sets of these for other friends with Jeeps, etc.

If I had a roof rack, I would probably buy a pair of Max Trax to make things even simpler.
https://maxtrax.com.au/