Rear tow hook

[sajohnson]

Here's an interesting Q&A from the eTrailer site:
https://www.etrailer.com/question-120724.html

"Question:
Would you recommend using this hitch for a tow point if you are stuck in snow or mud?

Expert Reply:
The Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 36416 that you referenced wasn't exactly designed as a recovery point, BUT it has a trailer capacity of 3,500 lbs. So for snow it would work great since snow doesn't really hold the vehicle like mud can. If you are just in an area that is slick and aren't buried in mud the hitch should work well there too."

~

Granted, this is not the same vehicle and same hitch, but Draw-Tite makes good stuff. This one is rated significantly higher than the Ford hitch -- 350/3,500 lbs. vs 224/2,240 lbs.

Note that the eTrailer CSR says, "...snow doesn't really hold the vehicle like mud can. If you are just in an area that is slick and aren't buried in mud the hitch should work well there too."

That makes me question whether the Ford hitch can be used as a recovery point in tougher situations. I'm not saying it can't, just that it is something to be aware of and look into further.

My guess is that for most ordinary situations the factory hitch is fine.

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[Mark S.]

Granted, this is not the same vehicle and same hitch, but Draw-Tite makes good stuff. This one is rated significantly higher than the Ford hitch -- 350/3,500 lbs. vs 224/2,240 lbs.

I don't believe the towing weight limit is based on the durability of the hitch. My wife's Escape (remember, same platform) with the factory towing package is rated to 3,500 lbs.

There are a lot of factors that go into determining an appropriate tow rating: vehicle weight, wheelbase, brakes, cooling capacity, driveline, etc. My guess is the limits are based on factors other than the hitch. The Bronco Sport has a relatively short wheelbase and a suspension geared more toward off-road use. These factors produce poor towing dynamics. Two-door bronco owners are in the same boat. Although built on essentially the same platform as the Ranger, which can be tow-rated as high as 7,500 lbs, the two-door Bronco is limited to 3,500 lbs.

 

[sajohnson]

I don't believe the towing weight limit is based on the durability of the hitch. My wife's Escape (remember, same platform) with the factory towing package is rated to 3,500 lbs.

There are a lot of factors that go into determining an appropriate tow rating: vehicle weight, wheelbase, brakes, cooling capacity, driveline, etc. My guess is the limits are based on factors other than the hitch. The Bronco Sport has a relatively short wheelbase and a suspension geared more toward off-road use. These factors produce poor towing dynamics. Two-door bronco owners are in the same boat. Although built on essentially the same platform as the Ranger, which can be tow-rated as high as 7,500 lbs, the two-door Bronco is limited to 3,500 lbs.

Excellent post!

I have a friend with an Escape (with the 2.0L engine) that is rated to tow 5,000 lbs (IIRC).

I agree, there are definitely many factors that are considered when determining maximum towing capacity and GCWR: engine hp & torque; engine cooling capacity (anti-freeze and oil); transmission cooling capacity; braking; suspension; gearing, etc -- as you mentioned.

The max towing capacity is obviously very important, but in this case we are talking about recovery, which can place more (and different) stresses on a hitch -- sudden shock loads and often at odd angles.

I have no doubt that -- on a different vehicle -- the same basic receiver hitch Ford puts on the BS could be rated higher than 224/2,240 lbs. for towing. The question is -- can it withstand high dynamic loads applied at odd angles when the BS is stuck in mud and a large amount of force is required to free it? Is it a true replacement for the tow eye?

Granted, this is just some random dude, but it is an interesting comment:
https://www.jeepforum.com/threads/class-ii-hitch-as-a-recovery-point.244955/

(Post #2): "I think for some competitions or places that require certain equipment, you have to have tow points front and rear right on the frame, and only a class III hitch and above counts as a recovery point..."

I haven't had the chance to put my detective hat on and check that out, but it does stand to reason that the strength of both the hitch and its mounting points would be considered.

I'm not a mechanical engineer. It may be that the factory hitch on the BS is as strong as a tow eye (or even stronger). All I'm saying is that what we DO know is that the tow eye is designed for recovery. It works. Had Ford given BS owners with the tow package a tow eye and a place to attach it we wouldn't be having this discussion.

Hitches do sometimes get ripped off of vehicles when used as recovery points. That may not be an issue for the BS (we don't know), but the 2022 BS Owner's Manual (p. 264-265) says *nothing* about using the hitch as a recovery point. It does say the tow eye should be used -- and kept in the vehicle at all times.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

Excellent post!

I have a friend with an Escape (with the 2.0L engine) that is rated to tow 5,000 lbs (IIRC).

I agree, there are definitely many factors that are considered when determining maximum towing capacity and GCWR: engine hp & torque; engine cooling capacity (anti-freeze and oil); transmission cooling capacity; braking; suspension; gearing, etc -- as you mentioned.

The max towing capacity is obviously very important, but in this case we are talking about recovery, which can place more (and different) stresses on a hitch -- sudden shock loads and often at odd angles.

I have no doubt that -- on a different vehicle -- the same basic receiver hitch Ford puts on the BS could be rated higher than 224/2,240 lbs. for towing. The question is -- can it withstand high dynamic loads applied at odd angles hen the BS is stuck in mud and a large amount of force is required to free it? Is it a true replacement for the tow eye?

Granted, this is just some random dude, but it is an interesting comment:
https://www.jeepforum.com/threads/class-ii-hitch-as-a-recovery-point.244955/

(Post #2): "I think for some competitions or places that require certain equipment, you have to have tow points front and rear right on the frame, and only a class III hitch and above counts as a recovery point..."

I haven't had the chance to put my detective hat on and check that out, but it does stand to reason that the strength of both the hitch and its mounting points would be considered.

I'm not a mechanical engineer. It may be that the factory hitch on the BS is as strong as a tow eye (or even stronger). All I'm saying is that what we DO know is that the tow eye is designed for recovery. It works. Had Ford given BS owners with the tow package a tow eye and a place to attach it we wouldn't be having this discussion.

Hitches do sometimes get ripped off of vehicles when used as recovery points. That may not be an issue for the BS (we don't know), but the 2022 BS Owner's Manual (p. 264-265) says *nothing* about using the hitch as a recovery point. It does say the tow eye should be used -- and kept in the vehicle at all times.

Well fortunately or perhaps not, I am a Mechanical Engineer and can say that the hitch receiver will work equally if not better than the supplied recovery hook. I don’t know how the recovery plate is attached, but you have a single threaded connection for the recovery pin itself. The minor diameter will determine the maximum stress point unless the attachment plate bolts are really small or very few.

Watch a few episodes of Matt’s off road recovery. It’s very enlightening and usually quite enjoyable. But they connect to the receiver rather than the recovery pin if equipped.

 

[sajohnson]

Well fortunately or perhaps not, I am a Mechanical Engineer and can say that the hitch receiver will work equally if not better than the supplied recovery hook. I don’t know how the recovery plate is attached, but you have a single threaded connection. The minor diameter will determine the maximum stress point unless the attachment plate bolts are really small or very few.

Watch a few episodes of Matt’s off road recovery. It’s very enlightening and usually quite enjoyable. But they connect to the receiver rather than the recovery pin if equipped.

Thanks, and respect on earning that degree!

Had Ford simply put something in the manual stating that the hitch is an approved recovery point, discussions like this could be avoided.

Since they did not include the tow eye (and there is no place to install one), they could have placed instructions in a tray next to the spare tire (where the tow eye normally would be) indicating that the hitch can be used -- along with a suitable shackle hitch receiver. Simply eliminating a key part that most modern vehicles have without replacing it with something or saying anything is not good practice.

See page 265 of the manual:
https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2022-Ford-Bronco-Sport-Owners-Manual-version-1_om_EN-US_09_2021.pdf

Ford does don't seem full of confidence when it comes to the front recovery hooks on the Badlands:

1) GVWR is the absolute max load for hooks. That will definitely be exceeded in some recovery situations.
2) They recommend that BOTH hooks be used, "to minimize damage to the vehicle". Shouldn't either hook alone be plenty strong enough?

Finally, when BS owners order the tow package, not only are they not told that it replaces the tow eye (which is deleted), they are not provided with a suitable replacement recovery point. Apparently Ford expects us to spend an additional ~$60 on a shackle hitch receiver on top of the (now) almost $600 package cost.

 

[RiotfunK]

The Ford hitch removes the rear plate bumper that attached to the frame rail ends. And replaces it. That is what the eye hook screws into. The Ford hitch mounts into the frame rails and also bolts into the bottom of the rails. The Curt and the others just bolt into the bottom of the rails. I’d use the Ford one as a recovery point, I wouldn’t trust the Curt one with a snatch strap. Is reason why the aftermarket ones are an easier installation.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

Thanks, and respect on earning that degree!

Had Ford simply put something in the manual stating that the hitch is an approved recovery point, discussions like this could be avoided.

Since they did not include the tow eye (and there is no place to install one), they could have placed instructions in a tray next to the spare tire (where the tow eye normally would be) indicating that the hitch can be used -- along with a suitable shackle hitch receiver. Simply eliminating a key part that most modern vehicles have without replacing it with something or saying anything is not good practice.

See page 265 of the manual:
https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2022-Ford-Bronco-Sport-Owners-Manual-version-1_om_EN-US_09_2021.pdf

Ford does don't seem full of confidence when it comes to the front recovery hooks on the Badlands:

1) GVWR is the absolute max load for hooks. That will definitely be exceeded in some recovery situations.
2) They recommend that BOTH hooks be used, "to minimize damage to the vehicle". Shouldn't either hook alone be plenty strong enough?

Finally, when BS owners order the tow package, not only are they not told that it replaces the tow eye (which is deleted), they are not provided with a suitable replacement recovery point. Apparently Ford expects us to spend an additional ~$60 on a shackle hitch receiver on top of the (now) almost $600 package cost.

My grammar and lack of the ability to spell should have been a dead give away. I know very few really good engineers that can write or spell. (Not trying to offend anyone). Just seems to be a trait.

 

[sajohnson]

The Ford hitch removes the rear plate bumper that attached to the frame rail ends. And replaces it. That is what the eye hook screws into. The Ford hitch mounts into the frame rails and also bolts into the bottom of the rails. The Curt and the others just bolt into the bottom of the rails. I’d use the Ford one as a recovery point, I wouldn’t trust the Curt one with a snatch strap. Is reason why the aftermarket ones are an easier installation.

That's very helpful, thank you!

I imagine many of the instances of hitches being yanked off of vehicles involve aftermarket hitches.

Our BL is replacing our 1997 RAV4. We also have a Sprinter based class C RV. Both have class 3 hitches that have 500/5,000 lb. ratings (the hitch itself). The mounting of each is significantly different though.

The RV is rated to tow 4,400 lbs. and its (factory installed) hitch is securely attached. We don't tow with the RV, but many owners do. I would trust it. We do carry a 320 lb. Suzuki DR-Z400 with no problems.

The hitch on the RAV is well made but simply bolts to the same holes the tie-down loops were attached to. That's OK for the 2,000 lb. towing capacity of the RAV, but sketchy for much more than that. I would not put the Suzuki on it.

In any case, it's good to hear that the Ford hitch is mounted better than the typical aftermarket unit, because that obviously makes a huge difference.

 

[sajohnson]

My grammar and lack of the ability to spell should have been a dead give away. I know very few really good engineers that can write or spell. (Not trying to offend anyone). Just seems to be a trait.

Ha! As a technician, I tell people the same thing -- many/most techs and engineers are a bit "challenged" when it comes to writing.

It's amazing I can write at all -- I focused on math and science in school. I think I had one English class in hs, and a 'technical writing' course in college.

A similar observation is the difference between people who work with their hands (farmers and mechanics say) and intellectuals. Both are intelligent, just in different ways. I know people who are college professors who are incredibly smart but can barely use a screwdriver.

 

[Mark S.]

Apparently Ford expects us to spend an additional ~$60 on a shackle hitch receiver on top of the (now) almost $600 package cost.

I'm not sure I see the issue with this. That's $60 buyers who have no interest in off-road recovery have to spend. Ford doesn't include a rope/strap/chain either, which you are going to need for an off-road recovery. I'm fine with Ford keeping MSRP down by excluding or offering as options things only a few people want. For example, I'm glad I didn't have to pay for the B&O sound system.

 

[sajohnson]

I'm not sure I see the issue with this. That's $60 buyers who have no interest in off-road recovery have to spend. Ford doesn't include a rope/strap/chain either, which you are going to need for an off-road recovery. I'm fine with Ford keeping MSRP down by excluding or offering as options things only a few people want. For example, I'm glad I didn't have to pay for the B&O sound system.

Good point -- but without the rear recovery point (tow eye) which most modern vehicles have, I would put the hitch recovery point in the same category as the tow eye (or spare tire). Hopefully not necessary, but you never know.

Even vehicles that do not go miles off-road at Moab can get into some bad situations -- run off the road into a ditch or creek bed for example. If the tow eye were still available we'd be in good shape -- but Ford chose to eliminate it. It is something all other BS models -- and most other cars and trucks -- have. So it should be replaced with something equivalent -- not because most of us are routinely on the Rubicon Trail, but just for ordinary wrecks.

 

[Folkman]

Good point -- but without the rear recovery point (tow eye) which most modern vehicles have, I would put the hitch recovery point in the same category as the tow eye (or spare tire). Hopefully not necessary, but you never know.

Even vehicles that do not go miles off-road at Moab can get into some bad situations -- run off the road into a ditch or creek bed for example. If the tow eye were still available we'd be in good shape -- but Ford chose to eliminate it. It is something all other BS models -- and most other cars and trucks -- have. So it should be replaced with something equivalent -- not because most of us are routinely on the Rubicon Trail, but just for ordinary wrecks.

All ya gotta do is see an episode of Matt’s Off-road Recovery. People stuck in sand and on dirt roads all the time. The newer Cars have fewer and fewer points to tie up to safely. I happen to have a BL without a tow package (yet) but I got the eye from Amazon. It’s an escape one, but my understanding is they are the same.

once I get the OEM tow package I will get the recovery hitch. I was given a good lesson this weekend (didn’t need it, but it was a possibility as had some decent water fording). One of the guys in the club said “please put that tow eye in before you get out on the trail next time. You never know if you are going to need it and it will be easier if it is already on”. I’m new to off-road, and the club was full of super helpful people. Now…. They almost exclusively were Jeeps of course. But they were kind and interested.

 

[sajohnson]

All ya gotta do is see an episode of Matt’s Off-road Recovery. People stuck in sand and on dirt roads all the time. The newer Cars have fewer and fewer points to tie up to safely. I happen to have a BL without a tow package (yet) but I got the eye from Amazon. It’s an escape one, but my understanding is they are the same.

once I get the OEM tow package I will get the recovery hitch. I was given a good lesson this weekend (didn’t need it, but it was a possibility as had some decent water fording). One of the guys in the club said “please put that tow eye in before you get out on the trail next time. You never know if you are going to need it and it will be easier if it is already on”. I’m new to off-road, and the club was full of super helpful people. Now…. They almost exclusively were Jeeps of course. But they were kind and interested.

Very cool that you got that experience!

To be clear, I'm not referring to off-road recovery -- although that is clearly important too.

All I'm saying is that any vehicle -- Prius; F-250 4x4; minivan, etc., needs front and rear recovery points. As supplied, the BS tow package eliminates the rear recovery point.

Just curious, did you contact Ford and/or your dealer before purchasing the tow eye? Your BL should have one as standard equipment. Not including it is similar to not providing the jack (assuming it was not a result of supply problems).

 

[Folkman]

Very cool that you got that experience!

To be clear, I'm not referring to off-road recovery -- although that is clearly important too.

All I'm saying is that any vehicle -- Prius; F-250 4x4; minivan, etc., needs front and rear recovery points. As supplied, the BS tow package eliminates the rear recovery point.

Just curious, did contact Ford and/or your dealer before purchasing the to eye? Your BL should have one as standard equipment. Not including it is similar to not proving the jack (assuming it was not a result of supply problems).

Yeah. I contacted them. They said none of the BS have them.

I’m thinking they are on the same shelf as the other peoples engine covers. I have one of those tho LOL. I asked both dealers about the eye bolt and even showed them the ford page. They did research and couldn’t find it. At one point, I could find them on the parts site but no longer. Hence I took the shot in the ones on Amazon. Pretty sure it is ford OEM, but then again, China has printers to put logos in boxes too.

Seems legit tho once it came in (threads on right and all that). and others here have actually used it in a recovery situation I believe.

Yes, the factory tow package (and OEM too, I understand there are slight differences) are bolted to the frame. So with the recovery hitch, the eyebolt is no longer needed as a tow point and it’s component is replaced with the hitch setup and it isn’t there.

As for front, I totally agree. I had an OB for a month before trading itup to BL. It had the eye hole (and no pin) in the back, but nothing at all up front. i always cringe when I see someone hook to other moving bits. Had to on my mustang one year when I spun into a ditch into snow due to black ice. But it was a 99 and had some beef there in the front.

 

[sajohnson]

Yeah. I contacted them. They said none of the BS have them.

I’m thinking they are on the same shelf as the other peoples engine covers. I have one of those tho LOL. I asked both dealers about the eye bolt and even showed them the ford page. They did research and couldn’t find it. At one point, I could find them on the parts site but no longer. Hence I took the shot in the ones on Amazon. Pretty sure it is ford OEM, but then again, China has printers to put logos in boxes too.

Seems legit tho once it came in (threads on right and all that). and others here have actually used it in a recovery situation I believe.

Yes, the factory tow package (and OEM too, I understand there are slight differences) are bolted to the frame. So with the recovery hitch, the eyebolt is no longer needed as a tow point and it’s component is replaced with the hitch setup and it isn’t there.

As for front, I totally agree. I had an OB for a month before trading itup to BL. It had the eye hole (and no pin) in the back, but nothing at all up front. i always cringe when I see someone hook to other moving bits. Had to on my mustang one year when I spun into a ditch into snow due to black ice. But it was a 99 and had some beef there in the front.

They told you that no BS trim levels have the tow eye?! I know there are posts from owners saying their BS came with the tow eye. Pages 264 & 265 in the BS owner's manual refer to the "towing eye", and there is an image of one. It does say "if equipped" -- so perhaps some BS trims do not have a tow eye, but clearly at least some do.

I was just told earlier today -- by both our dealer's service manager and a Ford CSR -- that none of the Bronco Sports ever came with an engine cover. You aren't the first person to post that your BS has one though. I pointed that out to them but they stuck with their story -- as if all of the posts I've seen from BS owners are wrong. Perhaps they were confused, but there does seem to be a widespread 'disconnect from the truth'.

My memory isn't the best, but as far as I recall, the majority of BS owners who report having an engine cover have 2021 models -- although I believe I've read posts by some 2022 BS owners who say they also have the cover. AFAIK, the engine cover's sole purpose is just to cover all of those 'ugly' wires and hoses -- to give the engine bay a cleaner look. If that's true, I'm not too worried about it.

As you said, the shackle hitch receiver replaces the rear tow eye -- and from what I understand it is better/stronger. That being the case, had Ford supplied even a basic shackle hitch receiver we'd be in good shape. We'd at least have a recovery point, rather than nothing at all. As it is, in addition to the ~$500-$600 BS owners spent on the tow package, we're looking at another ~$40 to $60.

Needless to say, none of this is end of the world stuff -- it's mostly the principle involved. As I told the Ford CSR earlier, if we had purchased a used BS BL "as-is" that would be one thing, but like most BS owners here on the BS Forum we paid full MSRP; plus the dealer's bogus "Doc Prep" fee of $500 (MD state max); and then waited for months (which we expected under the circumstances). It seems reasonable to expect that if our Badlands has missing parts (understandable given the supply issues) that they will be provided free of charge as soon as reasonably possible. Ford and/or the dealer should not act like they are doing us a favor!

It also seems reasonable to have expected that Ford would not go 'backwards' with features -- like eliminating the folding headrests in the rear (unless that was a supply issue that will be corrected).

You're right, on older cars like your Mustang -- and particularly even older than that -- there was typically no need for a tow eye because there were usually several safe places to hook up underneath.

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