Front Recovery Points - With Stock Bumper

sdwindansea · 10-30-2007, 07:21 PM

We have a 4x4 E350 with the stock front bumper. I'm trying to figure out if there are any safe recovery points with this setup? If not, is there any way to bolt on hooks that would work? Thanks for the help.

myriadmyriad · 10-30-2007, 10:44 PM

Be careful with recovery points... Best is BOLTED to the frame... You can weld but should be by a experienced welder... If it breaks it could take you're head off.

JM

sdwindansea · 10-31-2007, 11:03 AM

So would I need to have some custom bolt points made for the frame? Or are there already spots where I could bolt on recovery hooks? Thanks.

scatter · 10-31-2007, 05:41 PM

It's going to be tough with the 4x4 cause the front spring mounts (with leaves) cover the whole front of the frame and will preclude mounting a hook to the frame. I don't see an option for a permant hook mount. Ya might have to look into making something to hook to the spring mounts where the tow rig can hook onto that. Whatever you come up with, make it STRONG. A loose cable that was under tension is an awesome sight. When I was driving tow trucks, had a heavy one come loose and cut a 6" tree off four feet from the ground. Makes a believer out of you.

sdwindansea · 10-31-2007, 05:55 PM

I crawled under the van and I now realize that installing just a hook is going to be near impossible with the stock bumper and without making modifications to it.

A member in the yahoo owner's group suggested a front mount trailer hitch. The cost would be about $150 and I could install it myself which is a bonus.

Thanks for the replies all.

**BroncoHauler** · 10-31-2007, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdwindansea

I crawled under the van and I now realize that installing just a hook is going to be near impossible with the stock bumper and without making modifications to it.

A member in the yahoo owner's group suggested a front mount trailer hitch. The cost would be about $150 and I could install it myself which is a bonus.

Thanks for the replies all.

Keep in mind that if it's a Class IV hitch, it's only required to accomodate a 10,000lb trailer, which in this case would be your Sportsmobile being pulled out of a stuck situation. Doesn't leave much, if any, safety margin.

BTW, I ordered some trailer supplies from eTrailer.com including a coupler lock for my trailer. 2 weeks later, it would BARELY unlock. Asked for a replacement, and they told me I had to deal directly with the manufacturer for warranty work, and "have a nice day". Good prices, but I had lousy customer service. The manufacturer did send out a new one before I even sent mine back, but I think I had a reasonable expectation that eTrailer should have dealt with the situation.

Herb

jage · 10-31-2007, 07:13 PM

What are the Aluminess and other bumpers rated? I know the D-rings are 8.5T but what about the attachment point?

**BroncoHauler** · 10-31-2007, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jage

What are the Aluminess and other bumpers rated? I know the D-rings are 8.5T but what about the attachment point?

VERY good question. Wish I had an answer. Has anyone asked SMB or more importantly Aluminess about this?

Herb

P.S. Anyone want some Halloween candy? Bought enough for what seems like 200, but have only had about 25 come by. We're now at the "I'm in high school, but I'm too cool to dress up" stage of kids coming by. Of course, they still want free candy.

jage · 10-31-2007, 09:31 PM

Ah yes, to exit topic completely- we bought 5 big bags and had maybe 10 kids in total show up.

The local news website had this on their front page:

Quote:

Halloween is here and as the sun sets across Southern Arizona, danger could be lurking in the shadows; a danger every parent needs to be aware of.

Thousands of children are beginning to appear on neighborhood streets. But as darkness falls, could it bring a crime of opportunity for sex offenders?
Full Story >>

Ya think that might have had something to do with it?

**BroncoHauler** · 10-31-2007, 09:48 PM

Nothing like pure fear mongering. I bet they had at least 20 extrat people log on to read that article.

Herb