dumb question about air bags

[Blueroo]

Hi there,

I'm about to install a couple of front tow hooks on the Ford Exploder for those pesky bogged moments but have a bit of a concern/question.

Will the use of a snatch strap on a front tow hook set off an air bag?

I realise the force caused by a snatch strap is in the forward direction as opposed to a front end collision but I still have a concern.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Stu

[ShaneC]

G'day 4Reel,
I don't know if this will help but I have a bit of experience with Ford Excursions in the matter. These cars are not available in Oz (it's a great pity), but I would imagine the airbag systems would be similar. We have dragged Excursions out of bogs etc at pretty good pace using snatch straps and I have never seen an airbag go off on one. I very much doubt you would be as rough with your own car as we are with ours (we have our reasons and trust me we have pulled them out/ along with some momentum), so I can't see you setting one off. I am led to believe a stopping force is required to set off front airbags, but don't quote me on it, and my only experience with the Fords is what I have seen, I am no technical person, maybe someone else is.

Hope this helps mate.

Shane

[snasman]

M8 I cant speak for the fords but most modern vehicles actually require the vehicle to be traveiling at a minium 25kph before the air bag system kicks in your best bet is to ring a few ford dealers and ask them to be on the safe side.If the hooks your fitting are bolting onto the chassis and not the bull bar youll be safe as houses.

[Brett1907]

I asked Toyota the same question when I bought the 'lux. They told me you would need to hit head on at approx 35km or more. So it will go off if you hit a tree, but not bouncing around or recovering. I have had mine bouncing around pretty heavily and haven't encountered a problem yet.

Brett

[bootyinblue]

What a good question...

Airbags have several mechanisms which are all required to be triggered at the same time in order for them to deploy. These include the vehicles electrical system being powered, the vehicle be moving in a forward direction, a rapid decceleration of momentum etc etc.... Sound a bit like a good snatch recovery where the vehicle gets pulled into the next bog and stops suddenly huh?

Best bet would be to contact Ford and discuss it with them. And if still indoubt, and I know it will probably cost more, but have them fit the recovery points to the vehicle.

Speaking of airbags though, I have seen an airbag deployed when a vehicle that was stationary and in Park was rammed head on, and also a airbag deploy in a vehicle a good 10 minutes after it was involved in an accident. So go figure on all the mechanisms working together??? Lesson learnt, DO NOT stick your head or anything else into a vehicle that has been involved in an accident and has undeployed airbags.

[Blueroo]

Many thanks for the replies.
It looks like the tow hooks will definitely be getting fitted.
I just had this nagging doubt and dont like to overlook things.
Again many thanks for the replies. I like the explorers and want to get the beastie into shape for the occasional foray into the wild beside towing the boat.
If you see me say G'day. Its the blue exloder with the Ausfish sticker on the back window.
Cheers
Stu.