Stuck stock truck schmuck

Ok, I gotta bring up this topic. It might have been beaten to death in the past but I'm clueless about it, and figure some other newbies around here must be also.

How can us stock Xterra owners (ie: no ARB or rear tow hitch) prepare ourselves for the eventuality of needing a pull from somebody's winch or tow strap? I won't get an ARB until/if I trash my bumper, and I'm not crazy about the idea of getting a tow hitch since I'll never tow anything and I'm not crazy about the decreased angles back there because of it (unless this is the best/only answer).

A couple of things I've seen over the last few months have me curious, of course now I can't remember who did them or what the final verdict was, and I'd like some ideas so I can resolve this issue before next summer's trips.

I saw some pics of somebody who cut holes in their rear bumper, and added something to the frame which had u-bolts on it. Did that suck or not suck?

Somebody else put longer u-bolts right around the shackles. I remember they were orange, but I can't remember who's they were. Suck or not?

And as for the front, I know some people put aftermarket tow hooks on the frame, is that as good as it gets and is that enough?

And finally (I'm like a kid when dad is busy, what's that? what's this do? why are you doing that? who are you talking to? why are you beating me with a shovel?) what item(s) can we use to facilitate attaching somebody's winch cable to our trucks?

For example, could I use a chain with a hook at each end which would hang onto the truck, and the winch cable could grab the chain in the middle, hopefully dividing the stress to both attachment points? What about a superstrong rope?

Thanks.

Hey Jens,
For a pull strap I have a load-strap off of a trailer its around 15-20ft. tough nylon with a loop on one end. (cheap ,but works great)
The chain thing I don't go for ,I saw one let go it was like a grenade.
Nissan has hooks for the front. The back...??...I have a hitch.

I know exactly what you mean!

I have two aftermarket tow hooks up front, but nothing for the back.

I've read time after time that you're not supposed to recover using anything on the rear axle, or any suspension component.
But that eliminates everything on the back of the Xterra (except the tow hitch).

The only two alternatives I can see are a tow hook on the rear frame, but the rear bumper would be in the way causeing potential problems.
And Brent/OffroadX's solution of putting a large U shaped shackle around the leaf-spring hanger.

Neither is too appealing but there needs to be something. I'm leaning towards Brent's idea right now.

I like your idea for equalizing the load between both sides of the frame. I was thinking of something similar.
Two short chains, about 4' long, with hooks on both ends, one connected to each tow hook, the other ends connected to a 3/4" shackle, which a winch could be attached to.

It would only work for winches, because its not safe to use heavy equipment like shackles and hooks when yanking somebody.
And it would only work in a head-on pull.
Maybe if there was a way to adjust the lengths of the chains...

Sorry about the long post, I got lots to think about now. :)

The best way to add a rear tow point IMO, and keep the factory bumper would be to have a tow receiver framed up behind the bumper with the receiver coming through behind your license plate. Then you could jsut flip up the plate (have it spring loaded) and put a shackle insert in. Only two problems with this setup. You won't be able to put your spare underneath and it would cost probably $300 U.S. + to have it done. This can be done, I've checked. It also centers your tow point.

or you could do this:

Actually the easiest and cheapest way is to install rear tow hooks. Myself and several other FLXX members have front and rear tow hooks. By having four of them you can cross-tie the frame with a tree strap and gives you ample places to pull from when it comes time to pull or be pulled. Also, using the hitch reduces departure angle significantly, so don't add a hitch just for that.

Gordon, how do you clear the bumper with the frame-mounted rear hooks? Not that my solution is really much better in that regard, but it doesn't seem to be a problem for me so far.

And again, here is my solution. You can order these through any Ace Hardware outlet for about $15 each. Big Orange brand 5-ton deep clevis:
http://home.us.net/~stimpy/xterra/misc/rear_shackle-small.jpg

A pair of them and a 6' tree protector strap between them with the recovery strap in the middle will do nicely. The recovery strap can slide along the tree strap to keep equal force on both sides from any angle. You do have to watch the exhaust though, it's a good idea to pick up a couple of 2' length of radiator-hose or such to put over the strap to keep it protected from sharp or hot objects.

This shackle has worked for me under some rather severe conditions, including prolonged repeated running-start yanks with only one shackle. The point at which it attaches is Nissan's recommended recovery point for the rear, and is welded to the frame. There is negligible force transmitted to the leaf shackle itself. The orange shackle gets pulled horizontal with the pin against the hanger under load, it justs rests as shown unloaded because of the weight of the pin.

Brent

Heck, I forgot the best benefit to my solution: It's portable!
Doesn't matter if you have rear tow hooks or not, it doesn't do much for the other guy that doesn't and gets in a stuck requiring a yank from behind. Hook up a strap to your front tow hook, put the shackle(s) on the back of his, and voila!

Brent

(Dammit, I had a answer all typed out, hit reply and it vanished.)

The service manual does indeed point to that spot in the back as a tow point:

http://www.superjens.com/junk/towpoint.jpg

Brent, would you consider welding them on? I'm guessing that while you're driving they rattle around a bit. Also how do you put the strap on it, I'm guessing you have to pull out the pin, slide on the strap, etc. Not that big a deal but I'm just wondering.

Warmonger, any standard 3-hole tow hook will fit in the back? The only ones I've found here so far are these fancy Warn chrome hooks $50 (CDN), I thought these hooks were supposed to be cheap?

Can't weld them on, no way to put the strap on! Yes, you have to put the strap on the shackle then slip the shackle over the hanger and put the pin in.
I don't normally drive around with them on, so no rattle problem. I have been known to leave one or both hooked up on the trail with the strap shut in the back, don't recall any rattle then either, but I'll bet I just didn't make a note of it.

Brent

Originally posted by superjens
(Dammit, I had a answer all typed out, hit reply and it vanished.)

The service manual does indeed point to that spot in the back as a tow point:

Warmonger, any standard 3-hole tow hook will fit in the back? The only ones I've found here so far are these fancy Warn chrome hooks $50 (CDN), I thought these hooks were supposed to be cheap?

OffroadX,

First keep in mind that this is only my personal opinion based on my experiences, which means it may not concern you in the least. I have seen frames ripped wide open from tow hooks not mounted properly or hooking snatch straps to a bumper. I ripped one myself when a guy who obviously took great pride in his welding insisted he be allowed to hook the strap to his front bumper. Fortunately I had the forsight to put a military blanket over the strap during the pull. I ripped the drivers side bumper right off, taking with it a portion of the frame. I guess his welding ability wasn't as good as he thought it was. I also split a frame wide open and took a tow hook off of a Jeep because it was mounted in the factory location. Interestingly, my Jeep with its aftermarket hooks didn't get phased. Both my rear tow hooks mounts penetrated both sides of the frame and didn't budge.

The moral of the story is that because of those experiences, I don't trust even factory welds and builds. If you rip off a shackle mount on the trail, you're screwed. Not saying it will happen, but I have seen something similar occur twice.

Superjens,

The way I mounted my tow hooks before the rear bumper change routed them under the hitch tube, keeping them from hitting the bumper. Now that I have the CalMini bumper, I haven't done enough pulling to see what kind of problems are going to occur.

As for which tow hooks to use, the rear can go any way you want. You're going to be drilling anyway. The two hole hooks will be easier to deal with on the rear. The front requires the three hole Chevy style. I bought mine from 4 Wheel Parts here in Orlando for $11.00 each.

ChuckH, That is an awesome rear bumper setup. Where did you get that? How much? IMO it has a better fit than the KMA or others, and looks damn good. I like the two shackle points, and the swing away tire carrier is a great option too. If you can, please email me privately with prices and fabricator. I'd be interested in just the bumper without the Tire carrier for the time being, I'll build one later. wvh5150@optonline.net
Thanx
Ken
01SalsaX

ChuckH's bumper WAS a KMA, but he had to tear it all apart and rebuild it from the ground up! It was a POS when he got it.

He he. I think Chucks bumper is a KMA. I believe he has done a far bit of work to get it to where it is today.

Jens I'm planning to get tow hooks for the front in the new year. Sounds like buying them in the States is the best option. I assume that the after market ones are better then the ones from Nissan?

Yeah I've seen the pics of the X with the holes in it's rear bumper. Ugly as heck.

So when do we get to see your bumper Warmonger? It's installed right?

Originally posted by scott.com
Jens I'm planning to get tow hooks for the front in the new year. Sounds like buying them in the States is the best option. I assume that the after market ones are better then the ones from Nissan?

go here:
http://www.4wheelparts.com/

You can find the nearest dealer or order from them direct.
Get the three hole tow hooks, then go to Lowes and get some grade 8 bolts to install it.

I have a 4WheelParts about a mile from me....if you need to use your Gringo connection!

Why is everyone so down on the use of a trailer hitch as a rear tow point? I installed my trailer hitch for two reasons. First as a tow point. It evenly distributes the force between both frame rails, its quick and easy to attach a strap to. Second to protect my bumper. I could careless if I drag the tow hitch across rocks on the trail, I'd rather not snag my bumper on large rocks. I've seen trailer hitches get caught on rocks as wide as the truck. If it wouldn't have been for the trailer hitch them bumper would have been damaged.

IMO, a trailer hitch is not only a tow point but protection for the bumper.

Just my 0.02

Originally posted by Goliath the X
Why is everyone so down on the use of a trailer hitch as a rear tow point? I installed my trailer hitch for two reasons. First as a tow point. It evenly distributes the force between both frame rails, its quick and easy to attach a strap to. Second to protect my bumper. I could careless if I drag the tow hitch across rocks on the trail, I'd rather not snag my bumper on large rocks. I've seen trailer hitches get caught on rocks as wide as the truck. If it wouldn't have been for the trailer hitch them bumper would have been damaged.

IMO, a trailer hitch is not only a tow point but protection for the bumper.

Just my 0.02

I agree, the hitch is as strong or stronger than any tow hook and the weight will always be evenly distributed.

I have an XE and put a tow hitch on it for trailering and getting pulled out. Ive used it for both and it works great!


Superjens, Scott.com - Im always crossin' the border so let me know when you want some hooks and Ill bring em up for ya - unless they are available in Canada. I bought my X in Wa. but it is a Canadian X and I have to buy that stuff too.

:D

Originally posted by O1SalsaX
ChuckH, That is an awesome rear bumper setup. Where did you get that? How much? IMO it has a better fit than the KMA or others, and looks damn good. I like the two shackle points, and the swing away tire carrier is a great option too. If you can, please email me privately with prices and fabricator. I'd be interested in just the bumper without the Tire carrier for the time being, I'll build one later. wvh5150@optonline.net
Thanx
Ken
01SalsaX

Crap!!!:mad: I just spent 20 minutes replying to this and lost my connection when i hit "submit." Unfortunately, the AF board doesn't keep the text there when you back arrow, so I'm screwed. I don't feel like rewriting it right now, so I'll just suggest that you search the Exterior Mods forum and my Website for more information. Others are correct that it was a crappy KMA and I rebuilt it. I'm afriad it took me awhile to modify it and I don't have time to build others. I don't know who to send you to.

If I were buying one now I'd jsut get the Calmini probably. It's a nice bumper if you don't want the sliding tire mount, Jerry can mount, or Hi-Lift mount. The Calmini is basically for holding the tire and nothing else. Hope I don't sound rude in suggesting the search, but that really ticks me off when I type for 20 minutes and then it disappears. Maybe I'll write more tomorrow night?

Originally posted by Goliath the X
Why is everyone so down on the use of a trailer hitch as a rear tow point?

I don't think anyone doubts the strength of the trailer hitch as a good recovery point. It just KILLS the departure angle. I've been on the trail and been told on several occasions that the only things I had touching the ground were my two front tires and the trailer hitch. The bottom of the hitch has the scrapes to prove this. If you don't mind doing a little trenching when you four-wheel, the hitch does a great job for recovery Additionally, its free or cheap for most people, and useful if you have something to tow.

Originally posted by Chris_McCracken
I don't think anyone doubts the strength of the trailer hitch as a good recovery point. It just KILLS the departure angle.

Tell me about it, in Moab Todd made a few 2.25 inch wide 6 inch long gouges in the slickrock, one was nearly a half inch deep. The rest of us made it through pretty good (the front of the other hand...).

As for damage to the bumper without the trailer hitch, I don't think its would be very easy to do. I have NO damage to my bumper, my exhaust has been Mosied into a flattened D shape, and my spare has a few rubmarks on the rubber of the tire, but thats it.

I fact I've never heard of anybody doing any damage to their bumpers due to departure angle.
Does anybody have pictures or a story of it happening?

Originally posted by Kerensky97


I fact I've never heard of anybody doing any damage to their bumpers due to departure angle.
Does anybody have pictures or a story of it happening?

Flying'S actually dented his bumper because of his hitch. As he was coming off a rock face his truck 's weight shifted causing it to pivot on the hitch and it dropped his downhill bumper side into a rock.

Well I think I have my answer -- no hitch, just tow hooks.

But I'm still wondering about that truck I saw with the rear bumper that had the two holes cut out with attachments to his frame.

My rear bumper is bowed out about 3". A couple of good drags/slaps on the rear end will do it. The first time I seem to recall it got hung up on a rock and pulled it out an inch or so. The second time was when I finally got through this:
http://home.us.net/~stimpy/xterra/Sandbox/11-11-01/From_Mark/BrentSpin.jpg
It was compltely optional, and I was pretty much expecting it. I couldn't be too dainty dropping in because I had to nose through a berm just ahead, so I ended up dropping the rear end in pretty hard and landed on the lip with my spare. Not sure how it would have turned out if I had the spare on the roof (my spare is a 32x11.50). If I still didn't have clearance, might have been worse.

Brent

Originally posted by superjens
But I'm still wondering about that truck I saw with the rear bumper that had the two holes cut out with attachments to his frame.

http://www.apwired.com/gox2/2/source/dscn3161.html

Originally posted by ChuckH

The Calmini is basically for holding the tire and nothing else.


It also has tow points. But considering that's all you get, it's damn expensive.

Originally posted by lemsip


http://www.apwired.com/gox2/2/source/dscn3161.html


That is horrible. Talk about a shitty departure angle.

THAT'S exactly what I'm talking about. I haven't got a clue why the heck it sticks out so far, I can only imagine it would work better if it was flush with the bumper, or even recessed slightly. All you need is that clevis sticking out and you're golden.

So why's it so expensive? Dremel the holes in the bumper, weld some tubing to the frame, punch a hole for the clevis ... ? Of course I've never done anything remotely close to this kind of work, so I'm probably WAY out of the ballpark on this.

Originally posted by Philosopher



It also has tow points. But considering that's all you get, it's damn expensive.

OK, before this goes down the road way too traveled, let me clarify that I was only speaking of the tire carrier portion of the bumper. The Calmini has no good way to mount extra equipment on the back. That is fine for most people and would have been fine with me. I added more because I had to rebuild the damn KMA anyway so I figured I may as well pack a few extras on.

Also, considering how much money I spent turning my KMA into something good, I would have to say the Calmini is a great deal. Do I think they could have taken it a step further and built an even better bumper? Yes. Would I buy one now if I didn't already have the KMA? Yes. Even if I could choose between KMA and Calmini? Yes, I would buy the Calmini. It's a good solid bumper. Maybe not the way I would do it, but it's good. Actually, a joining of my modified KMA and a Calmini would make a perfect bumper. If I only had a shop! :)

Now, about those funky tow points on the Gold Xterra. I don't like them and here's why:

Each one is attached directly to a frame rail. The Frame rails on the Xterra are weak at the back. Pulling from one side of the truck on soemthing attached to the frame rail is kind of scary, IMO. If this guy has the two tow points connected together behind the bumper for reinforcement then I have to ask why he didn't just put one receiver in and hide it behind the license plate? I suspect he has no reinforcement on either receiver or he would have done that. The two tow points sticking out like that looks like hell and is not the ebst way to do it.

The expense philosopher was talking about was the cost of Calmini for what it is. The idea being that if he was to spend that much money he would want more that just a flush tow hitch, tire carrier and 2 other tow points. But what you do get is bolt on construction that has been tested. Quite a few people have expressed that the like the bumper, I am waithing for more add on goodies (gas can and highlift mount to name two).

Basically, rear bumpers aren't cheap period! Unless of course you get stuck with KMA turd that you spend a couple hundred or more on to fix up. The demand for a rear bumper will always be much less than a front one making it cost more. If you think $750 is spendy for a well built rear bumper, take a look at how much I am spending on a rear bumper for my Rover. http://www.trekoutfitters.com/discovery/ds2rear.htm

It's all how you look at it though. I would rather drop $1100.00 now and be protected instead of potentially damaging sheet metal.

Doesn't ARB make one for your truck Mosi? Or did you like that one better?

They do for the D1 but not the D2 yet.

Go here for 'Y' type straps, chains, etc. HD Grade 70 stuff available.

AW Towing (http://www.awdirect.com/awdirect/catalog.cfm?dest=Index)

Toy Man

ChuckH were did you get that shaclke for in the hitch? Is there a spacific name for that? Thats what I need. Dose it fit a 2in. receiver?
Thanks for any info.

Originally posted by bluztraveler
ChuckH were did you get that shaclke for in the hitch? Is there a spacific name for that? Thats what I need. Dose it fit a 2in. receiver?
Thanks for any info.

That's a receiver shackle made by Warn. You can probably find one anywhere Warn Winches are sold, but here is one place:

http://www.4wheelparts.com/product2.asp?imseqn=708&occlass=WARN&cat=WIN

Right on thanks Lopaka!

yep, it's a Warn shackle and it does fit in 2" receivers. They run about $50, and it's worth it. I haven't used mine yet offroad, but I did tow my friend's VW Passat for a block when his alternator died and we couldn't go any further!

Good deal. Thanks ChuckH.

Originally posted by Mosi
Basically, rear bumpers aren't cheap period! Unless of course you get stuck with KMA turd that you spend a couple hundred or more on to fix up.

I paid less than $400 for my KMA, then spent $80 re-drilling the mounting holes. That's it. I must be the lucky one.

take a look at how much I am spending on a rear bumper for my Rover. http://www.trekoutfitters.com/discovery/ds2rear.htm

It's all how you look at it though. I would rather drop $1100.00 now and be protected instead of potentially damaging sheet metal.

You rob a fucking bank last month or what? :bonghitte

Originally posted by Philosopher


You rob a fucking bank last month or what? :bonghitte [/B]

Nahh.. you gotta love those no interest credit card offers! Play now and pay later!

Mosi (still one broke MF!) .. anyone wanna buy an Xterra? hehe