What aftermarket tow hooks would people recommend for a 2018 Forester? There's a bunch of thread from the past, but I'm curious as to what's considered best today.
2018 - Tow Hooks?
('14-'18)
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
Do you mean a hitch mount?
Curt, drawtite and torklift eco hitch are the main ones.
curt and drawtite are basically the same. Ecohitch mounts a bit higher and looks but is more expensive. Personally, I mounted a curt because it was made in the U.S.
No, a tow hook, something better quality than stock:
What are your intentions with an aftermarket tow eye?
The Stock tow eye bolt is plenty strong. I've seen pictures of them bent at the eyelit.
What's not so strong is what it threads into (see pictures below of an XV). I would strongly recommend fitting a class III or above hitch with a 2 inch receiver. They can be found for about $100 online. Then either use the pin thru the strap end or get a shackle adapter and use a 3/4 hard shackle or soft shackle.
The tow point is designed for slow, controlled winch pulls (from a tow truck or winch-equipped vehicle). Snatch recoveries are very harsh on vehicles and components, distributing this load between the two unibody rails where the hitch attaches helps minimize damage, although it can still occur.
I'm guilty as well, I've used both tow eyes for light snatches in the snow, no issues at all, but I also use a kinetic recovery strap which helps lower the shock.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
The Stock tow eye bolt is plenty strong. I've seen pictures of them bent at the eyelit.
What's not so strong is what it threads into (see pictures below of an XV). I would strongly recommend fitting a class III or above hitch with a 2 inch receiver. They can be found for about $100 online. Then either use the pin thru the strap end or get a shackle adapter and use a 3/4 hard shackle or soft shackle.
The tow point is designed for slow, controlled winch pulls (from a tow truck or winch-equipped vehicle). Snatch recoveries are very harsh on vehicles and components, distributing this load between the two unibody rails where the hitch attaches helps minimize damage, although it can still occur.
I'm guilty as well, I've used both tow eyes for light snatches in the snow, no issues at all, but I also use a kinetic recovery strap which helps lower the shock.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Joined
·
3 Posts
I use the tow hook that cam with my subaru and painted it black. I purchased another on for the front. I then bought 2 tow cap covers for $6 each and made holes to slide the tow hook through. See attached pics. Not perfect work but looks better than before I think. I still have the original red caps in my glove box.
I would just paint black with red accent on the ring itself. Bam! instant aftermarket look.
You guys crack me up. I'll paint it black and leave it be.
Any chance someone can do me a huge favor?
open the tow hook opening on your front bumper, and feel immediately to the right.
Is there a metal bracing? Does it curve outward with the shape of the bumper cover or is it rounded backward?
I hit tree debris in the road during a snow storm recently and a piece of a tree limb penetrated and broke off in my bumper.
one quote is $1,850, $300 to reset the anti collision system, and something for a structural piece that needs to be replaced.
another shop said the piece of metal that appears to be bent in should be like that and will just paint a new bumper cover that I supply for $300.
![546284]()
open the tow hook opening on your front bumper, and feel immediately to the right.
Is there a metal bracing? Does it curve outward with the shape of the bumper cover or is it rounded backward?
I hit tree debris in the road during a snow storm recently and a piece of a tree limb penetrated and broke off in my bumper.
one quote is $1,850, $300 to reset the anti collision system, and something for a structural piece that needs to be replaced.
another shop said the piece of metal that appears to be bent in should be like that and will just paint a new bumper cover that I supply for $300.
Good advice. See my pic. Unfortunately there is no strong point for the front of the car. I bent a front mountedRaceseng Tug hitchwhile being "recovered" by a Land Cruiser. Fortunate not to have damaged the car a la Cross Trek but a salutory lesson to be very very careful. Now use a Wyeth Scott 12000lb Power Puller (hand winch) for slow but steady and gentle forward recoveries.What are your intentions with an aftermarket tow eye?
The Stock tow eye bolt is plenty strong. I've seen pictures of them bent at the eyelit.
What's not so strong is what it threads into (see pictures below of an XV). I would strongly recommend fitting a class III or above hitch with a 2 inch receiver. They can be found for about $100 online. Then either use the pin thru the strap end or get a shackle adapter and use a 3/4 hard shackle or soft shackle.
The tow point is designed for slow, controlled winch pulls (from a tow truck or winch-equipped vehicle). Snatch recoveries are very harsh on vehicles and components, distributing this load between the two unibody rails where the hitch attaches helps minimize damage, although it can still occur.
I'm guilty as well, I've used both tow eyes for light snatches in the snow, no issues at all, but I also use a kinetic recovery strap which helps lower the shock.![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
I have a class III in the back but use the factory tow hook with Switchback Concepts adapter up front. Unfortunately I got to try it out the other day getting my Forester onto a flatbed, made it real easy for the tow truck driver.
![Tire Wheel Car Vehicle Motor vehicle]()
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
Join the discussion
