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Installing Tow Hooks

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16K views 14 replies 11 participants last post by  tj willy  
#1 ·
I recently purchased a set of tow hooks fo my TB, and as I went to go install them, I saw how they would attach. Has anyone ever done this mod? It looks like I'm going to have to almost completely disassemble the front end to get the hooks installed. Advice appreciated.
 
#2 ·
Unfortunately I think you're right. According to the manual the grille, front fascia/bumper, and "impact bar" must come off. The hooks actually attach to the impact bar, which is kind of like a thick metal bumper that sits just behind the flexible plastic bumper.

So yes, it looks to be quite a job unless there is some way to sneak the hooks in from underneath or behind. I really wish my Envoy had tow hooks and even looked at the manual to see how the factory hooks are attached. I remember being sufficiently scared away to forget about going that route. Plus there are no openings in the nose and I don't want to cut any.

Other options include a D-ring that attaches to the hitch receiver or just attaching a tow line with hooks to someplace sturdy on the frame. The tow hooks would obviously be ideal though.
 
#3 ·
Man, that sucks. Thanks for the reply though. The d-ring idea won't work for me because I plan on using the TB to tow my boat on occasion, and just wanted something to be able to tie a rope to if the ramp is less than acceptable and all the tires do is spin. I have the holes already in the front facia, and they actually look good in place. May be a project for an extended weekend when I feel like busting a few knuckels. Do you know if I will be dealing with any airbag sensors? I'd hate to have the airbags blow up.
 
#4 ·
I'm considering taking my tow hooks off and getting a 5 pc grille for those 2 openings and the 2 in the grille and the wide one in the front bumper cover. So if you figure how to get those off, let me know... :undecided
 
#12 ·
Sinecure said:
Man, that sucks. Thanks for the reply though. The d-ring idea won't work for me because I plan on using the TB to tow my boat on occasion, and just wanted something to be able to tie a rope to if the ramp is less than acceptable and all the tires do is spin. I have the holes already in the front facia, and they actually look good in place. May be a project for an extended weekend when I feel like busting a few knuckels. Do you know if I will be dealing with any airbag sensors? I'd hate to have the airbags blow up.
If you tow a boat, you might want the front receiver hitch I put on, the Curt 31055. Then you have a place to put in a d-ring shackle, or use the traditional trick to use a tow strap or rope with a hitch receiver that you don't have a hook for - as long as you have a hitch pin, just thread the strap into the 2" receiver, and around the hitch pin. Voila.

The 31055 is also good for spotting the boat trailer by putting the ball hitch on the front, or putting it in the water while keeping your rear tires on a drier part of the ramp.

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