Rear tow hook options?

Post by **Merlin** » Tue Jun 03, 2014 12:34 pm

What options do I have for rear tow hooks?

One of these?

How could I attach a towing strap to the OEM rear tow hook?

Thanks

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Tue Jun 03, 2014 12:49 pm

Merlin wrote:How could I attach a towing strap to the OEM rear tow hook?

Two plates with a hole in to sandwich the central rear OEM hook. One of the plates could have a lower hole to attach the tow strap.

Or if the plate of the tow strap works, you'll only need one additional plate with a hole in.

The strap will hang low though, so you might want to be able to hang it up when you're not using it.

Alternatively you could cut a hole in your bumper and bolt the strap to one of the chassis rails.

Post by **Drax** » Tue Jun 03, 2014 1:04 pm

I have a Datum (same as that Benen) at the back and a TRS strap at the front - works fine for me as both can actually be used.... but hopefully it will never come to that

Post by **vanzep** » Tue Jun 03, 2014 1:08 pm

The solid tow hook looks the better option imo. Its easy to fit and comes with all the hardware needed to bolt it up to the oem tow point - easier for the marshalls to hook up to as it would be very visible and easy to access. No need to mod bumper or anything.

Post by **RattyMcClelland** » Tue Jun 03, 2014 1:42 pm

From experience use the strap. If you pull the car at an angle like I did you bend the aftermarket hook around the oem eye. The strap will be a better option.
I pulled my lude off the drive with my van and bent the aftermarket hook pulling it at an angle since I couldn't do it straight.

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Tue Jun 03, 2014 1:47 pm

I have always imagined they'd be easy to bend if not pulled head on.

Post by **Merlin** » Tue Jun 03, 2014 2:31 pm

Thanks for the replies

RattyMcClelland wrote:From experience use the strap. If you pull the car at an angle like I did you bend the aftermarket hook around the oem eye. The strap will be a better option.

Yup that is what I was thinking too. Would a carabina be up to the job of clipping the towing strap on? That way I can quickly take it off for road driving?

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Tue Jun 03, 2014 2:40 pm

Climbing Caribinas wouldn't be any good (nothing like enough load). A marine shackle would do nicely though.

But to save some expense, if you're going down that route you could just get a short section of double looped rope (this kind of thing but much shorter!);

And when you need it, pass one loop up through the rear towing eye, then pass that loop through the other, pull tight et voila! One nice neat towing loop on your car...

Post by **Donald** » Tue Jun 03, 2014 3:16 pm

I have several of these type safety lanyards Merlin:

I don't really have a use for them apart from being kinky. Can see exactly what I have and dig one out, yours for postage if you want it? Even if the clip/carabina is no good the actual strap material is very tough and has a decent length to it, probably enough to sort something out like wot wurly sez.

Player101 · Post by **Player101** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 8:23 am

I don't know what material is the solid hook made from, but i made one from 10mm steel plate, cut with laser, then powder coated red. Looks like the real thing(without the signs) and it's tough enough to hang the car from a tree

. I think i still keep the drawing file somewhere if interested.