Rear Recovery Hooks - General Recovery Question

[Steve5472]

Question here from an off-roading newbie about using the rear recovery hooks....(and please excuse me if this is a stupid question), are they what should be used for recovery or is it better to use a hitch-mounted recovery point?

I guess another quesiton I would have is if I'm helping someone that's stuck, am I best to use the front hooks and pull them out in reverse, or use the rear hooks/hitch mount and pull them out driving forward?

 

[sean80]

Doesn't matter really. I like using the front so you can see what's going on while you back up. Plus reverse is generally a lower gear which is better for pulling.

 

[Jstonk]

Doesn't matter really. I like using the front so you can see what's going on while you back up. Plus reverse is generally a lower gear which is better for pulling.

I would highly caution against reversing. The way the transmission gears work and splice together that's a quick way to ruin it.

Always drive forward while pulling someone out and always use both tow hooks. The pulling capacity is for both not 1. I've witnessed 1 being used and breaking right off. I personally use my hitch mounted tow hook, either or will work.

 

[FaKtor34]

You have cameras to monitor what's going on behind you, plus mirrors, I would much rather have it smack the tailgate if it was to pull loose, rather than having something flying towards the windshield. Just saying

 

[Jstonk]

You have cameras to monitor what's going on behind you, plus mirrors, I would much rather have it smack the tailgate if it was to pull loose, rather than having something flying towards the windshield. Just saying

Luckily we have a nice new camera on button to watch what's happening.

You raise a good point about tow hooks etc., flying through the windshield.

 

[FaKtor34]

Luckily we have a nice new camera on button to watch what's happening.

You raise a good point about tow hooks etc., flying through the windshield.

I've seen it happen, I've also seen what happens to a person standing in the wrong place when it snaps, instant hospital trip, wasn't pretty. If only the had listened and put a blanket on the cable to weight it down.....

 

[Yeti]

I've seen it happen, I've also seen what happens to a person standing in the wrong place when it snaps, instant hospital trip, wasn't pretty. If only the had listened and put a blanket on the cable to weight it down.....

Which is where the rubber mats come in. Our floor mats/liners aren't heavy enough to use. My Rebels rear factory mats were good heavy rubber

 

[FaKtor34]

Carry a moving blanket or two, tie rocks in the 4 corners presto, you have a good protection from flying cables, straps, ropes, etc. I prefer the blanket because you can wrap it around easier.

 

[sean80]

I would highly caution against reversing. The way the transmission gears work and splice together that's a quick way to ruin it.

Always drive forward while pulling someone out and always use both tow hooks. The pulling capacity is for both not 1. I've witnessed 1 being used and breaking right off. I personally use my hitch mounted tow hook, either or will work.

I guess it depends on what you're doing. I've pulled many vehicles, snowmobiles, you name it with front tow hooks without any issue. If you're potentially going to be snapping straps, ropes, cables, then yes use common sense and pull with the rear hitch.

 

[Jstonk]

I guess it depends on what you're doing. I've pulled many vehicles, snowmobiles, you name it with front tow hooks without any issue. If you're potentially going to be snapping straps, ropes, cables, then yes use common sense and pull with the rear hitch.

The spline gear in your rear end and design of the transmission are built for forward torque, using them in reverse can lead to damage and further problems.

Smaller items like snowmobiles are less of an issue, but pulling out a large item like another vehicle is definitely something I would reccomend not doing.

 

[sean80]

This was 10 minutes ago. Sometimes you don't have a choice. This worked just fine pulling by the front hook.

 

[Jstonk]

This was 10 minutes ago. Sometimes you don't have a choice. This worked just fine pulling by the front hook.View attachment 1682

Again you should always use both hooks together as that's where the tow rating is and design is meant for. I've seen too many ripped off and flung only using 1.

 

[sean80]

Yep, but chevy puts small little tow hooks that one end of the chain won't go through. Sometimes you have to use what you have, sometimes you can't get turned around to can't pull with the back. Sometimes you have a trailer on.

Not all the fancy tools are always on hand. Ideally, yes pull with the back tow hitch, but sometimes pulling by the front hooks is what you have to do. That's why they're there.

 

[Jstonk]

Yep, but chevy puts small little tow hooks that one end of the chain won't go through. Sometimes you have to use what you have, sometimes you can't get turned around to can't pull with the back. Sometimes you have a trailer on.

Not all the fancy tools are always on hand. Ideally, yes pull with the back tow hitch, but sometimes pulling by the front hooks is what you have to do. That's why they're there.

Wouldn't fly on any of my projects.

 

[Yeti]

Wouldn't fly on any of my projects.

Did you just say, "get off my lawn"? Lol. I'm going to have to include this on my old men need to cover stuff, thesis.

 

[sean80]

Again you should always use both hooks together as that's where the tow rating is and design is meant for. I've seen too many ripped off and flung only using 1.

To each their own. If you've seen them rip off, I guess someone f'd up lol. I've never seen one break, nor have I ever had a problem pulling something out in reverse. You do it your way and I'll do it mine. More than one way to skin a cat.

 

[bug892]

Good thread! I'm very particular about helping folks get "unstuck". A few years ago me and a friend went out after big snow storm and helped pull cars out of ditches. The last one of the day, the guy was giving his car way too much gas, got traction and rear-ended my friends truck. Be careful!

 

[Jstonk]

To each their own. If you've seen them rip off, I guess someone f'd up lol. I've never seen one break, nor have I ever had a problem pulling something out in reverse. You do it your way and I'll do it mine. More than one way to skin a cat.

I should actually thank you.

I used your photo for my safety topic in my meetings today.

 

[Jstonk]

Did you just say, "get off my lawn"? Lol. I'm going to have to include this on my old men need to cover stuff, thesis.

Glad I can help, plenty more where that came from! I thought 37 was not an old man yet but my busted knee and shoulder tell me otherwise

 

[sean80]

I should actually thank you.

I used your photo for my safety topic in my meetings today.

You're welcome. Wouldn't want your safety pants to run out of things to talk about. Truck got unstuck and work progressed with no downtime, no one hurt and nothing damaged. We have one of you at my work too, he's best left in his office haha.