[ltatkinson]

What are you guys using? How strong are the mounting spots from the factory? The tow hook from the factory seems pretty weak and not much to hook to.

Tim

 

[Yeti]

http://www.avalonsystems.net/galler...gallery2/main.php/v/rally/2007/Aircooled/IMG_2748.JPG.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1 The stock mounts and hooks worked just fine in this situation. So I personally am not worried about them at all. We did this so as not to have my Treg slide down the mountain as we were changing out a flat tire. The angle at which we were on was steeper then the picture indicates.

 

[Arkarch]

MountainLord sells some beefier tow hooks -

Dakar Offroad Tow Eye Adapters [2003-2007 TOUAREG] - $185.00 : Zen Cart!, The Art of E-commerce

I have not used those, so I can offer no further thoughts than its a catalog entry.

 

[ltatkinson]

I have seen the Dakar in other thread's and from how they look in the pix it looks like I could have the guys here at the shop make them. Would you or have you used the stock one to pull out a stuck Touareg? If so does anyone know how much the dealer sells them for?

Tim

 

[Arkarch]

The stock hooks can be found at the usual places -
VW Touareg Bumper Tow Hook : Touareg Accessories & Parts : TregCentral
and probably at 1stvwparts.com, so on. mid-$20's price.

I have two VW Tow hooks, as I wouldnt want to do recovery on just one. I couldnt tell you the rating or durability of the stock hooks - certainly they should work for ordinary situations. Dragging a 6000 lb Touareg up a steep rock ledge on its rockers - not ordinary - your call.

(edit - I have not personally been winched out - *yet*... I have come close. )

 

[aircooled]

A spare tow eye is about $20 if I remember correctly. I've never needed to use my tow eye for a pull out, but I do have a receiver mount D-ring shackle that I use for the rear. That I have used to pull and to be pulled.

 

[ltatkinson]

I have one for the reciever also but no hitch on the T2. For what they want for one I dont see one in the near future. That is why I am looking for other options.

Tim

 

[Nefarious]

I have pulled and been pulled by the stock tow eye numerous times with no ill effects at all. Think about it: With all the sue crazy people here VW wouldn't use this method unless they knew it would work. Imagine the liability if it broke/snapped during a recovery.

 

[TREGinginCO]

Those tow hooks are surprisingly tough... despite what we may think. I agree with Nefarious though... VW wouldn't put them there as a tease.

 

[Yeti]

That was the reason I posted the link to the picture where we used them on mine to change that flat. They were the factory hooks and mounts. They car went no where or were any of us worried about it.

 

[Arkarch]

I see the beefier tow hooks more as an image thing - to put on shackles and so on - though if used frequently I would wonder I little (fatigue). In any case, its recommended to weight something over the tow strap in case the hook or strap gives way to avoid the whipping action.

I do see getting a second tow hook as useful, so that both sides of the vehicle can be pulled evenly.