Tow bar recovery hitch

[Majestic]

Hey all. Been looking into getting some recovery gear for the Patrol. I came across these and was wondering are they recommended or safe to use as a rear recovery point to say pull another Patrol out or be pulled out yourself?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/121560559...84.m1436.l2649

[Bob]

Threedogs (on this forum) sell Recovery Gear. Pm him (John)

[threedogs]

They are Ok for off road , but PM me if you require front points
I think there is a billet aluminium one with a shackle which would be stronger

[bowerbird]

as a matter of interest does anyone know what the std GU rear tow/recovery centre loop is rated to?

[threedogs]

as a matter of interest does anyone know what the std GU rear tow/recovery centre loop is rated to?

That loop is not rated same as the hook under the front, I would avoid using it.
It is however ok for flat towing on bitumen as in the owners manual I think

[Majestic]

That loop is not rated same as the hook under the front, I would avoid using it.

Same as the GQ's I would image. Never trusted the tow loop on my truck. I only use it to pull logs in the backyard to cut up for firewood.

[P4trol]

Unbolt it and look at the back of it. I'd trust the point on the vehicle where it bolts to (but not the loop): just get some new longer bolts.

[Mr-T]

If the so called recovery point loop is not attached to the chassis at a minimum of 3 points and with high tensile bolts then I would not trust it to take a shock load during a recovery. Remember some of these points are just transit hold fasts but if the manufacturer states they are for recovery then use them and there is a difference between "Tow point" and "Recovery Point" it's a grey area unfortunately.
Fortunately Nissan have specific recovery points on the front with a Hook for the strap, and if you have a Tow bar use the neck and pin as a recovery point by removing the tow hitch and inserting the strap loop and securing with the pin. Better than an after market device that gets knocked around while your driving and could fail if it's been bashed on rocks.
Cheers guys, stay safe.

[the evil twin]

The Reece Pin in a 50mm Tow bar configuration is rated for use with a shear loading not a point load.
Admittedly a folded eye kinetic strap will spread some of the load to shear.
A high kinetic load can result in a bent pin.

The billet style after market devices allow the load of a kinetic recovery to be in shear and is technically better than attaching the strap to a pin.
A billet will also allow use of a bow shackle which compensates for any side loading forces

The Nissan factory rear recovery point is perfectly OK to use for static recovery loads, winch redirects etc BUT obviously only after it is inspected for damage same as any equipment in any recovery.
All shackles, cables, straps, after market recovery points, chains etc. should be checked and a load analysis carried out.
IE don't use the loop if you rig a, say 4:1 MA on a winch

Ditto the front factory hook.
Static 1:1 load OK but not for high kinetic loads and ONLY if the direction of load is reasonably in line with the hook axis.

Bottom line is that if you do not have dedicated rear recovery points but do have a Reese style 50mm tow bar one of those billet hitches is easily the best solution for ease of use and safety but don't drive around with the shackle in it getting wacked by rocks etc