Shackle through the hitch for recovery?

[Topgun514]

Hey guys,

I bought a new Nissan Frontier last night and am all sorts of excited about this. I have a few questions on recovery however.

I was wondering, if I could utilize the rear hitch, and instead of inserting a hitch ball, putting a shackle in for the few times I need to use for a recovery?

I am not wheeling this hard, I am not towing often, and I would rather save the extra 15 lbs and $30 on gas. Truthfully, I am getting my "offroad" bag together and figuring out what I will want and need to bring on trips to be prepared, and as Scott Brady says, "the more experience you have, the less stuff you need." (Or something like that) So if anyone has experience with my question please let me know. I am getting out the Jeep world and trying to get my rig set up properly to begin with as opposed to bringing tools to fix my own problems before I left.

Thanks guys.

 

[Dazrin]

Lots of options out there. A pair of frame mounted shackles mounts or something will be more versatile, but they work in a pinch. Make sure you have a good front recovery option too.

https://www.google.com/search?q=hitch+shackle

 

[Topgun514]

I know about those, but am wondering if I can use this style:

http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/pics/8/0/80232_1000.jpg

And only need a ball and shackle. Thus, carrying less junk.

 

[java]

Yes works fine. just use a class IV or higher hitch

 

[pugslyyy]

I know about those, but am wondering if I can use this style:

http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/pics/8/0/80232_1000.jpg

And only need a ball and shackle. Thus, carrying less junk.

I'm not sure what it really gains you, but sure. As said make sure it is rated appropriately and carry a large wrench so you can take the ball off.

 

[Scott B.]

You can also put the loop end of a 2" recovery strap in the receiver and use a receiver pin to hold it - works just fine, and save the weight and expense of a shackle.

Just don't pull any severe angles - the side of the receiver could damage the strap.

 

[Topgun514]

I'm not sure what it really gains you, but sure. As said make sure it is rated appropriately and carry a large wrench so you can take the ball off.

Thanks,

It is a class IV hitch. It really only gives me a little bit more knowledge gained than performance. I haven't towed anything in 3 years, and I have not ever really needed to tow anything anyways. So this just keeps my bunch of gear and supplies in the minimalist category and the peace of mind I am not having anything poorly rigged.

 

[chnlisle]

http://www.harborfreight.com/d-ring-receiver-hitch-66212.html

 

[Chazz Layne]

You can also put the loop end of a 2" recovery strap in the receiver and use a receiver pin to hold it - works just fine, and save the weight and expense of a shackle.

Just don't pull any severe angles - the side of the receiver could damage the strap.

This is what I do more often than not, it's just so much more convenient. The strap, pin, and a bow shackle for the other vehicle fit right in the door pocket.

 

[T.Low]

You can also put the loop end of a 2" recovery strap in the receiver and use a receiver pin to hold it - works just fine, and save the weight and expense of a shackle.

Just don't pull any severe angles - the side of the receiver could damage the strap.

Me too.

 

[Hilldweller]

http://www.harborfreight.com/d-ring-receiver-hitch-66212.html

I'd stay away from that shackle. It's a real D-ring and not a bow-ring. Not rated for side loading at all.

 

[tarditi]

A lot of things will work "in a pinch" but the best option is to have a receiver-mounted shackle bracket like this:
http://www.carid.com/warn-trailer-hitches/warn-winch-accessories-12516224.html (can find them cheaper).

 

[Hilldweller]

A lot of things will work "in a pinch" but the best option is to have a receiver-mounted shackle bracket like this:
http://www.carid.com/warn-trailer-hitches/warn-winch-accessories-12516224.html (can find them cheaper).

That's a real shackle, ratings clearly stamped on it.
Life is too short to use crappy shackles...


Here's a nice gizmo that let's you be flexible about use: http://www.vikingoffroad.com/viking-multi-hitch/
I keep this thing in the receiver on my trailer or in my recovery bag. I have the older version that's gold but it's the same thing.

 

[keezer37]

http://www.harborfreight.com/d-ring-receiver-hitch-66212.html

A lot of things will work "in a pinch" but the best option is to have a receiver-mounted shackle bracket like this:
http://www.carid.com/warn-trailer-hitches/warn-winch-accessories-12516224.html (can find them cheaper).

That's a real shackle, ratings clearly stamped on it.
Life is too short to use crappy shackles...

Exactly. Where safety's involved, spend the money. There's a time and a place for Harbor Freight.

 

[T.Low]

Exactly. Where safety's involved, spend the money. There's a time and a place for Harbor Freight.

Yessir indeed.

There are places to skimp, and places not to skimp. Don't skimp on recovery equipment.

Back in '82 I was 17 yrs old. Got my f-250 stuck mud bogging . The mud was long enough that we had to hook a snatch em strap to a tow strap to a chain to reach the other guys truck on solid ground. At the end of the chain was a hook that he through a hole in the guys frame. A few hard tugs and the tow hook cut thru the frame like butter and shot back at me and smashed my headlight out and put chain tracks across my hood.

Point is, projectiles can be a serious problem. That first receiver with shackle looked like a potential projectile candidate. Too small.

I've done a lot of modification to my van, but I wanted my front recovery points professionally designed and installed, (by Jonni Jonnassen Motorsports).