Best way to improve recovery points on a Navara

[Handyman]

I've got a 2003 dual cab Navara ute which I've owned for about two years and am very happy with. One thing I've been meaning to do for some time but just never got around to, is to install some better recovery points on the front of it.

I have a steel ARB bullbar with a Warn winch and have had to recover several vehicles (not my own yet, but give me time ) from the front of my vehicle and find that the only truly reliable recovery point is my winch, which is of course no good for snatch strap use. Also, I would like another point so that I can use my winch with a snatch block to pull myself out when the inevitable day arrives .

The obvious answer is to bolt a recovery hook or two to the chassis rail, but the setup at the front of the Navara doesn't seem to really lend itself to this, and I am thinking about another setup which I have seen on an old Land Rover. It had a length of steel plate approx 10-12mm thick by 50mm wide which bolted vertically to the vehicle using the same bolt holes as the bullbar. This steel plate protruded approx 40mm below the chassis rail and had a hole bored through it to receive a heavy bow shackle.

This appeared to me to be a more secure setup than a hook and less likely to foul in the bush.

What are your thoughts guys?

Hope I've explained it OK.

[Brett1907]

Haven't seen anything like it before, but don't see why it wouldn't work.

Brett

[Lucky_Phill]

I too have a Navara and it didn't come with a recovery hook on the front. Maybe they are not supposed to need recovery

I ended up putting a Rodeo hook under the chassis rail on the front. Seems to work OK.

Your proposed system seems like it will work.

I have even considered another hook on the other side as I carry a length of chain with 2 D shackles attached to each end and hopefully making the tow point from the centre of the vehicle. But I feel it may just end up pulling the front end of the chassis inwards in a really tight situation.....

Phill

[Handyman]

Thanks Phil, I was thinking of putting one on each side while I was on the job anyway.

As you say, maybe they aren't supposed to need recovery, but these other pesky vehicles keep getting stuck or breaking down and blocking my track, so you have to feel sorry for them and do the right thing don't you I just don't want to damage my vehicle in the process.

[Brett1907]

Phill, whatever you do don't use chain attached to a snatch strap. The chain isn't designed for those types of shock loads. You can buy equaliser straps to do just what you are talking about, but the chassis of most 4wd's is strong enough to withstand that bit of twist. And the tow bar you have actually gies the chassis a bit more rigidity.

Brett

[bastard]

Thanks Phil, I was thinking of putting one on each side while I was on the job anyway.

As you say, maybe they aren't supposed to need recovery, but these other pesky vehicles keep getting stuck or breaking down and blocking my track, so you have to feel sorry for them and do the right thing don't you I just don't want to damage my vehicle in the process.

I didnt know they were even classed as a 4wd,arent they some sort of ladies soft roader

[Handyman]

I knew someone would have to bite, but come on, you have to tell us what you've got that's so good.

[bastard]

Toyota

[Handyman]

Should have guessed it was a Toyota driver's comment

Can't really complain as I've had a couple, including an old Hilux as one of the work utes at the moment.

Can't speak for the wagons, but I have to agree the work trucks are bloody tough and reliable (and expensive to fix ), but still fun on the weekend.

Still, I find the Navara is a top all round unit for me. It works hard all week, is an unbelievable towing machine for it's size (the 3 tonne ratting is no bull#%@$) and still seems to get about the bush without getting stuck or breaking too often.

BTW, I hope you're talking about a Hilux or Cruiser and not a Low lux or Hiace van or something

[tunaticer]

Just watch how you are loading up the front half of the chassis by altering the hitching points. Aparently the Navara's Airbag sensory system can be affected by the simplest of conversions or alterations.

Jack.

[Lucky_Phill]

Air bag ??? what air bag ?!!!!

Thanks Brett, didn't now about the ' equaliser '. Thing is with my Navara, Brett, it has been rolled, had a serious headon with a tree etc, so I reckon the front part of the chassis is.... well, shall we say ... not as rigid as a new one might be.. But, it has been run over with a laser chassis alignment and is only 1mm out of tolerance. Probably says a lot about the strength of the chassis..

AAHHHHH The old Toymotor story. We all know it, heard it, seen it.

The other thing is the more recovery items I collect, the more I will tend to " challenge" the Nissan and that could be a bad thing, if ya know what I mean

Phill

[Brett1907]

I know exactly what you mean, thats why I haven't got an electric winch yet.

Can you imagine how much trouble I could get in if all I needed to do was press a button to get out?

I have a hand winch, which means I have to think about how much work I need to do to get me out before I attempt something. Doesn't allways work though. Haven't got the new one stuck yet either.

Almost stuck a couple of times, but made it through with that little sectret I have.... heavy right foot!!!

[bastard]

I also carry a hand winch and had trouble with a front tailshaft and had to winch it up a waterfall,could not beleive how hard this was,i had torn chest muscles for a week,im glad i had the winch but i will also be fitting an electric.