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using 'ball-less' ball mount for rear recovery?

1K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  CurbCrawler 
#1 ·
hi.

I searched but did not find anything...

I am looking to add a solid 'rear recovery point' for my fj (in addition to what is there from the factory on the driver side - I read all of the debates about that, so it does not need to be mentioned here :wink).

So, I am going to add a hitch, and will use that as the base for recovery. I went with this one and will order the oem wiring kit.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016I823W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1



(1) I have seen units that fit in the hitch and they come with a shackle - like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/WARN-29312-R...&qid=1488840502&sr=1-9&keywords=warn+recovery

seems fine, right? :|


(2) but, i fell over some pics where someone used something like this heavy duty ball mount (forged, single solid piece, and possibly made in america) and added their own shackle (with no ball of course).

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KKJRS...TF8&colid=3EBICBHIBS0TF&coliid=I2IO86V5P48WHO


the advantages I see is that:
it has a higher capacity and tongue weight,
one can add a higher rated shackle,
can always add a ball to it for towing.


the reason for this post is to ask what people think of the second option below when it comes to 'using' the hitch for recovery. first hand experiences would be welcome.

I would not leave either option mounted on the truck full time.

thanks in advance.
 
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#2 ·
I would get the warn type hitch designed specifically for recovery unless you need to tow something. Then get a separate one for that and swap them out as needed, it will be quicker anyway than carrying tools with you in order to add a ball to the hitch etc. I don't see how using a hitch designed for towing as a recovery point will be more beneficial to you than simply purchasing one designed for what you want to do.

I personally have a Factor 55 HitchLink 2.0
 
#3 ·
#4 ·
My thoughts on using the ball mount as a recovery point. Even though it has high strength you would still be limited by the hitch and the pin. Yes you might be able to use a bigger shackle, but would it fit the hole for the ball? Also since it would stick out farther it may add some twisting moment when trying to pull at an angle, thus tweaking your hitch.

Just my thoughts.
 
#7 ·
I fabricated a "Hidden Front Receiver" and mounted my winch on a removable hitch which normally is in the rear, then fabricated a mount for my high lift jack that is normally in the front. The front jack hitch also has a D-ring and lockable pin, which works well to swivel from side to side and the cable/strap can swivel up down, so the recovery point can be from 1 location of easy access.
 
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