Topic: Do we have any opinions on D-ring tow hitches?

[ManduhO]

I have no need for a hitch right now since I haven't gotten around to getting a boat or some toys, but my X came with a hitch. I don't really wanna stick a hitch cover on it if it's just for cosmetic purposes, and the balls look stupid unless I have something to tow. I've seen a D-ring hitch which I thought might be good for recovery. I worry about the pin though. Does anyone have any experience with these hitches and maybe how reliable they are/how sturdy a pin would be for recovery? My worst fear is my pin breaks while being pulled out (), or trying to pull another vehicle.

[RikRong]

The pin is the weakest link, but you should have no problems with any normal recovery. I pulled several people out of mud holes when I had a hitch mounted recovery point on my Frontier.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

[knightrider]

The D ring hitch recovery points are a cheap way to add a useable rear recovery point.  If your worried about breaking the hitch pin, pickup a hitch lock, they normally come with a hardened pin, but I don't think it's necessary

Sent from my rooftop tent while stargazing

[ultrapc40]

i don't think I have heard of a pin breaking. I will caution putting a d-ring hitch and leaving it on. The vibration from the truck can loosen the d ring while on the road and you will lose a ring. The worse part is it can end up threw someone's window.

FYI McFadden Dale sell the hitch d ring attachment for a reasonable price. You can get spare d rings when you are there too.

[ManduhO]

The pin is the weakest link, but you should have no problems with any normal recovery. I pulled several people out of mud holes when I had a hitch mounted recovery point on my Frontier.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

Do you keep the hitch in the whole.time or just when you need it?

[ManduhO]

i don't think I have heard of a pin breaking. I will caution putting a d-ring hitch and leaving it on. The vibration from the truck can loosen the d ring while on the road and you will lose a ring. The worse part is it can end up threw someone's window.

FYI McFadden Dale sell the hitch d ring attachment for a reasonable price. You can get spare d rings when you are there too.

OK thank you! I take super winding, bumpy mountain roads and I think that was my main concern but didn't know how to say it: having the pin degrade in daily drives and have it break off and hurt someone. So maybe if I take it out and only use it when needed? For now, I don't want to attach anything permanent, especially that makes noise since the x is my daily driver, but I was kind of not wanting to have to drive past cars stuck in ditches (I live in Big Bear and commute down the hill so I pass stuck vehicles now and then) and not be able to help them. I've got straps but I'd like a set point to strap it to....I am a girl after all and don't want to get on the ground in my work clothes to find an alternate recovery point.

[ManduhO]

And it's all an "if" right now to pull anyone out, but I came up the hill from Yucaipa home to Big Bear yesterday and passed two cars needing help. I didn't have any recovery equipment (hell, I didn't even have boots or gloves, fail for a mountain resident), so I felt bad. I let the caltrans guy at chain control know people needed them but still...

I'm not looking for anything heavy duty, just something that when I come across a Toyota yaris in a snow berm, I can get some good karma to offset all the bad

[FrankB]

I've had a hitch shackle and tow strap in X for almost 10 years now.  Never needed them, but it's easy enough to keep them stashed in the back someplace in case they are ever needed.  If I'm off the pavement in a situation where I think it might be needed I'll install the shackle, otherwise it just rides in either the tool bag or compartment under the rear cargo area.

[knightrider]

Most people will leave the recovery point in the hitch if they are using often, but its all about personal preference.

IMO  you should never leave your D rings on your recovery points, they can get stolen or fall off because the pins should never be so tight that they can not be removed by hand.  This is rigging 101.

As for pulling people out of snow, CYA.  It's best to be up front about not being liable for any damage and always make the owner of the vehicle hook up the tow strap to their own vehicle.  You can help them find a suitable place to hookup to but let them attach.

Sent from my rooftop tent while stargazing

[Celt]

I put small zip ties through the shackle pins and tie the zip around the shackles body itself. That system has worked for years for me and I've never had any of them break on me. If I need the shackle a quick cut with my pocket knife and I'm in business. I  check them from time to time to make sure they didn't get cut or smashed on the rocks anywhere to allow the pin to back itself out.

[CAWoody]

I have a hook hitch if you are interested.  I've used it a few time to pull people out and never had a problem.  Yours for the taking, just let me know. I'm in Orange.

[Ghost65]

Do you keep the hitch in the whole.time or just when you need it?

Usually just when you need it, or pop it in when you are out wheeling (style points) 

Don't forget to put some anti-seize on the threads. 

[Toro]

I have a hook hitch if you are interested.  I've used it a few time to pull people out and never had a problem.  Yours for the taking, just let me know. I'm in Orange.

Terry and I used these for years pulling each other out of stuff.
   Although not popular, I have nothing but good experiences with the hooks.

[Celt]

Terry and I used these for years pulling each other out of stuff.
   Although not popular, I have nothing but good experiences with the hooks.

I have seen Terry's Brother using his hook as a very effective rock slider in Moab several times!

[ManduhO]

I have a hook hitch if you are interested.  I've used it a few time to pull people out and never had a problem.  Yours for the taking, just let me know. I'm in Orange.

Thank you...darn for us not heading to Fullerton for our final gift exchange with the family this morning haha!  We didn't want to spend the 4 or so hours it would likey take to get back up here today. If any of you are heading to Big Bear today, I wish you the best of luck!


 I'm not needing anything heavy duty, so I'm still leaning towards this as an option. I'd even be willing to pay shipping if that's an OK option? Unless there are any meet ups happening up here soon. I'm patient