Hey guys, So with the upcoming Socal meet Im thinking its time I get a decent recovery point, just for future times if something happends.

I wont be towing much. Just looking for a Class III, cause I know those are the most common. Really it would just be used as a recovery point.

So here are my questions.

1. Which will work better for me? A round hitch or a square hitch? Im not really sure if theres any difference either?

2. Would it be better to have a hitch that is hidden behind the bumper that only shows the receiver part, or would it be better to have one that hangs down. This is really just a ground clearance issue i guess.

Hidden Hitch Square tube

Hidden Hitch Round Tube

3. Last question, as far as using this thing as a recovery point which would work out better? A D Shackle bracket, or an actual tow hook that fits in the receiver.

Any suggestions on brands or whatever would be appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

Either hitch would work. I prefer a D shackle over a tow hook because the strap won't slip off a shackle.

 

Yeah, I got a hitch for the recovery option. Thankfully, I've never had to use it....Knock on wood....I've got a Valley hitch, I forgot the Class, but I THINK it's a IV hidden hitch. I use it to tow a utility trailer my dad's got. When it's not in use, it's plugged with a mother Effing HUGE ford symbol...ha. But it's a good thing to have. Not too expenive, either. I payed around $200 for mine.

 

Either Hitch will work for you. I personally have the Square hidden hitch and am very happy with it.

As for the recovery point, get a D shackel... even with using one i still put a towel on the tow rope if i use it... and wont come close to trusting the hooks

 

Ah okay thanks. So will the round tube hide more then the square tube or are they pretty much the same?

Yea I was kind of figuring D Shackel would be a better idea.

 

The square one will be a bit more hidden.

 

I have the round one and I personally like Sean's a lot better.

Those prices on the sites are pretty high, checkout u-haul.

 

win

 

You have a 3.0

 

Sean and tommy, or anyone who has the hidden hitch, did you guys have to drill into your frame at all to get it to mount or did it bolt right up?

 

The bumper and spare tire basically came all the way off and it bolted right in (spare tire & bumper hooked back up too).

 

I already had all the bolts under ready for the hitch.. although after 3 years of ofroading and normal road dirt Justin and myself had one hell of a time getting them off =p


stupid Tommy... rabble rabble rabble

 

i have the square hidden hitch one, it should bolt right up. mines a 94 and i had to pop 2 holes in my frame which was not too hard. it also tucks up nice too.

 

I would go with the square ones, its easier to weld somethin to it for mods and what not

 

the one problem you will have (more than likely) is a nut on the drivers side, i think it was holding the bumper on...you will have to twist it around so you can get the hitch bracket in there...get ready to soak that in some wd40 or something and get ready to use all your weight to twist it around...that is what made the install on both my ranger and Sean's go from a 2 minute thing to taking about an hour...

 

visit www.etrailer.com ......i got my hidden hitch by Hidden Hitch from them for $125 new......

 

i used etrailer also, i got the drop hitch kit came with 2 2" drop adapters and one 2" ball and a 1 7/8" ball. enough to make the 150 bux order for 99 cent shipping.

now ups shipped, and it came bent so thats my only gripe. etrailer is ok otherwise.

 

Well I ordered a square tube hidden hitch. Along with a D Shackle bracket, and a clip to hold it. 164 shipped. Not bad. Hopefully will be here before next saturday.

Now the next part, installing it.

 

ill try to remember to get a pic of the nut i was talking about so you can check and maybe get that out of the way quicker...if ya want...