Drilling into rig frame

[Paul1972 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Paul1972]

Hi how r u all.
Ive been told by a 4 wd shop that they can add 2 recovery/ tow points at the rear of my gxl 150, but it would involve drilling holes into the frame.
Im new to the scene and was wondering is it safe for them to be doing this, is it something they do often and are experienced in this area ?
Will it affect the frame integrity, what rthe implications?
Im getting two at the front as well, its just ive spent so much money building my rig that i cant afford rear tyre carrier bumper.
The points im talking about are the big yellow chunky things.
Thanks id love some advice and input.
Peace

[Guest Close Guest]

Drilling is a bad idea and probably illegal. There are 2 perfectly usable nuts on each side of the chassis to mount recovery points.

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

If the 150 is anything like the 120 then recovery points without drilling is easy!

Cheers Andrew

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

I don't know anyone who has had to drill a rear recovery point. The preferred rear recovery point is the towbar hitch with suitable recovery block. Have you considered that?

LFaR.

[Paul1972 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Paul1972]

Thanks for the advice, the guy that suggested drilling holes for recovery points at rear is putting on my brown davis underbody protection, should i b worried.
Ill invest in a tow bar back bar wheel arm carrier

[Paul1972 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Paul1972]

Even at the rear of chassis are there 2 nuts on each side to accomodate recovery points

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

Thanks for the advice, the guy that suggested drilling holes for recovery points at rear is putting on my brown davis underbody protection, should i b worried.
Ill invest in a tow bar back bar wheel arm carrier

The a brown Davis will fit onto existing mounting points. They are a reasonably quick to fit

[Guest Close Guest]

Even at the rear of chassis are there 2 nuts on each side to accomodate recovery points

Yes there is.

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

I don't know anyone who has had to drill a rear recovery point. The preferred rear recovery point is the towbar hitch with suitable recovery block. Have you considered that?

LFaR.

Acceptable yes, preffered? well thats a matter for debate, not my "preffered" method.

Cheers Andrew

[Tazdevil Moderated member Find all posts View Profile Close Tazdevil]

It may be that your fitter is not familiar with the Prado and is not aware that the nuts are in the chassis to accept the recovery points.

[Paul1972 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Paul1972]

I think your right hes not familiar with prado 150, because he wanted to see it but i didnt have it with me.
So its a definite that i can install two recovery points in the front and a set atthe rear?
Because i dont wantto pay 4 grand for a back bar with a tow ball that i would only use as a recovery point, i could use that money to cross australia.
Thanks for everyones input.

[Paul1972 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Paul1972]

Does anyone on here have the recovery point set on the rear on their prado 150

[Guest Close Guest]

Where the factory tie down point is is where the 2 nuts are. Remove the factory tie down point and install the hook type recovery point. The driver's side might be a bit more difficult.

[Trekrider Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Trekrider]

I know it's a 120 not a 150 but here are a couple of pictures of mine:

Left side


Right side - note offset to avoid the exhaust


I know AJ120 prefers hooks but I went for shackles. If you go for hooks then the left side bolts directly to the chassis but you need a small plate to move the right side point away from the exhaust to fit a hook (similar to my right side but with two extra holes).

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

I do use the hitch reciever and bow shackle method. You can't put hooks on there once you have the tow bar installed. Well, you could, but what a pain in the A to fit when you can just use a hitch. There's nothing like a thread with photos anyway.
John (##########).

Pics below are obviously for a 120. I like this method over the tow hitch for many reasons.

1. They are always there, you never accidently forget them.
2. 2 points shares the load.
3. A towbar for a Prado is rated to 2500-3000kg, then you attach a 8000kg or more snatch strap, thats why it is not recomended.
4. This method satisfies all the requirement for recovery hooks set out in the FWDSA training manual.
5. They are "Rated" recovery hooks.



I am not saying don't use a hitch reciever, but its not the "best" option IMO.

Cheers Andrew