rear tow setup

is there anything i can do to get a tow hook setup for the rear. i don't have a hitch but i would like something i can hook a strap to if i get stuck. any ideas??

The problem you will have mounting rear tow hooks without a hitch is going to be the bumper. I put two tow hooks on the rear of my X and bolted them on in such a way as to direct the strap under the receiver hitch during pulling. This prevents the strap from getting frayed on the bumper in hard pulls. I was concerned about either damaging the strap with the bumper edge or bending the bumper under hard pulls. I mounted my tow hooks at an angle in the rear. They are difficult to get to initially, but once you get used to where they are you can find them without looking. (Hmm, maybe that means I have had to use them to often, eh?) I eliminated the tow hook section of my site a few months ago. But I can reshoot some photos of them if you like and post them here.

http://home.us.net/~stimpy/xterra/misc/rear_shackle-small.jpg

This is a 5-ton deep-throat shackle that I got from Lowes for $15 a while back. Lowes no longer carries them but Ace Hardware can get 'em. They're by Big Orange brand. I've used it in some fairly tough recoveries a couple of times so far and they've done just fine. One on each side with a 3" wide tree protector strap between them to center the pull is the way to go. There's still the issue of the bumper, but only if you're pulling from below the stuck person, and that hasn't been a problem for me. Seems it would be a problem any way you work it though. The exhaust is also a mild concern, but can be addressed.
Note that the shackle position in the picture is how it rests when unloaded due to the weight of the pin. It slides all the way to the rear and horizontal when you attach a strap and tug. The shackle bracket it is attached to is the point Nissan recommeds for vehicle recovery, and has proven itself up to the task so far. It is welded to the frame.

Brent

Rear bumper ...

phil,
is that the stock bumper with the lower license plate section removed? that looks pretty sweet.

offroadx does your setup cause any problems with the shackles? or does most of the pulling pressure go to the part thats welded?

thanks for the help.

Originally posted by evergreen
phil,
is that the stock bumper with the lower license plate section removed? that looks pretty sweet.

thanks for the help.

Oh if only it were that easy. :(

No it's a custom bumper that some of us used to get rear tow points.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/attachment.php?postid=53847

OffRoadX,

I would be very concerned about putting any kind of pull on a leaf spring mount. It's too easy to damage the frame permanently on a hard pull. If you have no issues with it, that is fine. But I have seen too many frames ripped to be comfortable with it.

Originally posted by evergreen
offroadx does your setup cause any problems with the shackles? or does most of the pulling pressure go to the part thats welded?

To my untrained but intuitive eye, there would be very little force that would reach the shackle itself, nothing it couldn't handle.

Brent

You lose your departure angle, BUT you have a place to be towed from! The make reciever hitches with shackles in them. That is probably the cheapest, safest and easiest solution! On ebay you can get a good Class III hitch for $100.

my .02

Think positive! I consider my trailer hitch to be an extra 'skid' plate and spare tire protector. LOL

Toy Man (who has a LOT of skid marks on the bottom of his trailer hitch)

LOL.....I am not gonna touch that one..........

Schlud, you can actually drive into your garage with the KM rack on? Impressive. I can't even drive into any parking garages here ...

Originally posted by warmonger
OffRoadX,
I would be very concerned about putting any kind of pull on a leaf spring mount. It's too easy to damage the frame permanently on a hard pull. If you have no issues with it, that is fine. But I have seen too many frames ripped to be comfortable with it.

So far so good anyway, and we've done a couple of multiple running-start-yank recoveries from just one of 'em already.

Brent

Originally posted by Philosopher
Schlud, you can actually drive into your garage with the KM rack on? Impressive. I can't even drive into any parking garages here ...

Yup! I even have room left over for the suspension lift. Tall doors good. :D