Recovery hitches... Hook vs Shackle

[William Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close William]

Hi all,
Just a quich question about these recovery hitches. Ironman offer both the hook and the shackle. I was wondering what the ins and out of each design.

Just from looking at the design, I believe the shackle will be better as it seems to be more sturdier. The hook seems to be better when recovering from weird lateral angles but I worry how it'd perform a recovery where the vehicle is angled deeply in mud whereby the recovery would take place at the tip of the hook.

I've also checked that they are solid block and not welded hitches as well as being compatible with the genuine toyota towbar.

Cheers

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Re: Recovery hitches... Hook vs Shackle

I like a hook as you don't need a shackle (less metal) and if a hook is abused it should just straighten. I have loops on the Prado but haven't used them for snatching only winching.

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Re: Recovery hitches... Hook vs Shackle

Not familiar with the hitches you are talking about, but as a rule i would prefer hooks to shackles for the same reasons D4D mentioned. I to have the loops on my ARB bar that require shackles, i have plans to fit hooks so i dont need to carry as many shackles. OH and if you need to do a recovery in a hurry then hooks are much quicker!

Cheers Andrew

[William Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close William]

Re: Recovery hitches... Hook vs Shackle

Thanks for the input fellas. To be clear, here's what I mean by the hook style and shackle style hitches. They insert into the receiver of the towbar.

Hook


Shackle


They are both equally priced and I can't decide which to get. As you said the simplicity of the hook design is convenient, however the shackle looks to be much studier.

Cheers

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Re: Recovery hitches... Hook vs Shackle

I figured that was probably what you were talking about. While these are OK, personally i would prefer to fit 2 hooks to the rear of the vehicle. One on each side; usually bolted on to the chassis after removing the factory tie down points. this allows you to use a bridal which reduces the strain on all the components.

Not sure how you would go fitting them on the 150 series, the 120 series needs a bracket made to clear the exhaust on the RHS, I have some pics of mine in my build thread. Having the hooks permanently on the vehicle also means that you can never forget to take them :wink: .

Cheers Andrew

[William Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close William]

Re: Recovery hitches... Hook vs Shackle

I figured that was probably what you were talking about. While these are OK, personally i would prefer to fit 2 hooks to the rear of the vehicle. One on each side; usually bolted on to the chassis after removing the factory tie down points. this allows you to use a bridal which reduces the strain on all the components.

Not sure how you would go fitting them on the 150 series, the 120 series needs a bracket made to clear the exhaust on the RHS, I have some pics of mine in my build thread. Having the hooks permanently on the vehicle also means that you can never forget to take them :wink: .

Cheers Andrew

Andrew, that's what I thought to begin with. From what I remember when installing my towbar, the drivers side rail is right up against the exhaust. Which is the reason I've been looking up recovery hitches (credits to Melbo for bringing it up). I'm still tossing up between which to go with at the moment!

There wont be any forgetting either. I'll have it in permanently, unless towing, of which I'd have to swap the hitches over.

Cheers

[Hutch Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Hutch]

Re: Recovery hitches... Hook vs Shackle

I like the shackle as the pull is equal across all parts, the hook attachs at the bottom and no support at the top, just my 2 cents.

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Re: Recovery hitches... Hook vs Shackle

I like the shackle as the pull is equal across all parts, the hook attachs at the bottom and no support at the top, just my 2 cents.

Please explain?

[Hutch Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Hutch]

Re: Recovery hitches... Hook vs Shackle

I like the shackle as the pull is equal across all parts, the hook attachs at the bottom and no support at the top, just my 2 cents.

Please explain?

As I said the shackle bolt is screwed though both sides of the shackle giving it support evenly were the top of the hook is not attached maybe potential to bend back? Although I am no engineer it is just my thoughts and for that reason I use the shackle recovery hooked.

[simonfish Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close simonfish]

Re: Recovery hitches... Hook vs Shackle

I personally prefer the (perceived?) security of a shackle, this is what I use and it might take a few seconds longer to attach the snatch strap or drag chain, but a recovery should never be rushed...

[hookedon4wding Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close hookedon4wding]

Recovery hitches... Hook vs Shackle

4wd action DVD always use shackles for some reason. That's good enough for me. I have an ARB shackle that fits into the towbar. Same as Ironman one above.

[hookedon4wding Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close hookedon4wding]

Recovery hitches... Hook vs Shackle

Sorry, double post.

[Cambo Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Cambo]

Re: Recovery hitches... Hook vs Shackle

William
Save your dosh. The bog standard pin that comes with your Tow Bar does the same job. I had a shackle insert for my Paj but never used it.
Cheers Keith

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Re: Recovery hitches... Hook vs Shackle

simonfish wrote
but a recovery should never be rushed.

True, but get your prado stuck in the middle of a deep creek and when the water starts filling up the inside, then tell me that a quick recovery isn't a good recovery.

Cheers Andrew

[foxclan Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close foxclan]

Re: Recovery hitches... Hook vs Shackle

simonfish wrote
but a recovery should never be rushed.

True, but get your prado stuck in the middle of a deep creek and when the water starts filling up the inside, then tell me that a quick recovery isn't a good recovery.

Cheers Andrew

A lot of people prep. up before heading through possible bogging situations, eg. fit equaliser straps, snatch straps or have the winch line spooled around the bull bar (synthetic rope) for quick recoveries if the need should arise.
Just like painting, its all in the prep work.
Cheers Troy