Recovery Hook?

Mind you I have absolutely NO intention of going off road. My 2015Tacoma off road had a recovery hook on the front, gave me a sense of comfort for just in case. Is there an aftermarket recovery hook out there that you can install on the 4runner? Thank you in advance

 

Toyota never designed front recovery as statement of a vehicle that never stuck, of a leader vehicle, not a cow ring like people who have ring in a nose.

 

If you want a true recovery point, you want something that bolts to the frame. Take a look at options like the Apex Overland recovery points.

 

There's going to be some argument, but I believe the tie down loops work fine. I've winched off them with a snatch block with no issues. Because they are a loop and you can't slip a strap over them you would need a D ring or soft shackle to effectively use a strap on them (or get creative with pulling the strap through and doubling it) but otherwise IMO they are good to go.

 

Is this sarcasm?

Even monster trucks can get stuck. Toyota was just penny pinching. Either that, or these were never designed to actually go off-road. Hmmmm .....

 

Most of time the front of the truck will be buried in mud or down in a ditch and truck will need to pulled from the back. Install a rear hitch tow shackle before leaving home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkiELREB4SA

 

Non KDSS: https://www.apexoverland.com/shop/Apex-Front-Recovery-Points-p111923535

KDSS: https://www.apexoverland.com/shop/Front-Recovery-Points-for-KDSS-5th-Gen-4runner-p188568491

Don't buy it if you don't need it. If you want full sense of comfort then you should have the proper recover equipment as well.

 

My 3rd Gen 2000 MY had an OEM front recovery hook on the lower part of the passenger side bumper, hidden behind a plastic cover. Never used it.

 

Just as a general statement, vehicle recovery is an activity that sometimes requires outside-the-box thinking. There are enormous forces at play, and a lot of variables. It’s a process that resists idiot proofing. It is best approached with caution, common sense, and some training. The training can be had through professional courses, or in a more casual setting at 4WD club events. Just having “rated” hardware isn’t a substitute for the knowledge required to use it safely. So my advice would be that if you’re going to go to the trouble of getting a hook, get the training too.

 

Thank you guys for your time and replies. I guess I wasn't clear enough, when I wrote that I have NO intention of going off road, and that I wanted it as a sense of comfort. A sense of comfort as in "I" might get stuck and need someone to help me. Snow, is a factor here in MA. Be safe guys

 

I guess I wasn’t clear enough when I said “as a general statement”. LOL. Sorry to have wasted your time.

 

Very nicely put!

 

Same here, I used that front loop for recoveries, works just fine with D-ring.

 

In that case, I think the factory loops on there right now are sufficient for the typical recovery when using on the road (for example, when vehicles slide into a ditch).

If you were to call a tow service, I wouldnt be surprised if they would prefer the loops instead of an aftermarket solution that might be unknown to them.

Just make sure to keep the corrosion at bay down there. It’s the most susceptible area for structural rust, since it constantly getting hit by salt spray. I’ve seen pics of the crossmember with the loops be almost completely consumed by rust.

I wish our Highlander came with front recovery options. Toyota made a threaded hole in the bumper for an eyelet that can be screw in. But they stopped including the eyelet by the time we bought ours. New highlanders dont even have the threaded hole. So that thing is probably getting yanked out by the subframe or lower control arm or something.

 

Anyone know if the Apex Overland front recovery points work with RCI skid plates?

 

I have the combo and they fit fine together. Mines non-KDSS, so I can’t comment on the KDSS fitment.

 

You should always avoid recovering someone else with your operating vehicle in reverse, your statement contradicts this.

 

I have them and RCI skids, no interference at all. You may have issue if you ever decide to go with a hidden winch mount though, I don't think all mounts are compatible.

I have the same, on a non KDSS. Just curious about your name, do you ride an Ibis? I got a Ripmo AF this past Fall, I love it!

 

my thinking is that I’m going to back in to someone as best possible and hook to my rear and then try to help move them as I go forward. I’m also think that in winter it’s best to have something to connect to from the back as if I go off the road, I’m hoping I have spun around and some one can connect to my rear hitch if needed.

but I agree that I would try to avoid pulling some while I’m backing up unless necessary.

I see what I did in my post.

 

Sure do. Awesome bike.

 

Thank you gents, I will place my order.