Great A'Tuin Gets Tow Points, How I Did It!

[Great A'Tuin]

I've really been wanting some kind of tow point for the front end for a while now. The more we got out off the main roads, the more likely we are to get stuck! We really need something to tie in to if we ever have to get pulled out.
I accumulated all the hardware a few months ago, but finally got to it today.

I used 2 pieces of 4 1/2 " long, 2"x2"x1/4" angle iron w/ a 1/4" gusset plate welded in just to help keep it from twisting under load. Both were bits of scrap from a local metal shop, cut w/ a chop saw. I notched the lower edges to minimize cutting on the bumper itself. I just used a sawzall w/ metal blade for that.
The rings are 10,000 lb forged Crosby units I picked up at the local Rigging Supply shop for $10-ish ea.
The 3/4" bolts w/ washers were another $5.
Drilling the 3/4" hole through that steel really was pushing the limit for my drill press!

I replaced the center bolt w/ a 12mm bolt just for added strength and I moved the original bolt to the top position.

[doyoulikeithere]

Looks very good !!
I've been eyeballing my van to do the same sort of thing to it.
Its a Gen 1 and so I think I will come out under the bumper instead of thru it.
Nice work...

[Astrophysics]

Nice job. I did a similar tow hook install on my 2003 AWD using tow hooks from S10 blazer.
I tried to post photos but maybe it won't let me post from iPad 2.
AP

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Looks good. I would question the strength of using just one side though if you do get stuck. I would use a couple short slings or tree savers with shackles attached to both making a "Y" when pulling. =D>

[Astrophysics]

Looks very sturdy good job, you could use loctite on threads
And maybe torque strip with lacquer paint to have visual indication of bolt loosening over time due to vibration
AP

[Great A'Tuin]

The through bolts all use nylock nots, the 3/4" bolt for the eye has a lock washer.

I have a sling w/ a load saddle already made up to tie the two eyes together. I can't imagine ever being that stuck...in this van

[VanGoGo]

Looks good! Im sure the nylock nuts and lockwasher will keep it from falling off anytime soon!

[MountainManJoe]

I've seen it done a few different ways by people now, but nobody uses the existing bumper mounting locations. I wonder why.

[ihatemybike]

I'll be using the stock bumper mounting location, but my tow points will be a quite a bit more overbuilt.