I bought a 17 XLT work truck and will be taking delivery tomorrow. We have had more snow this winter than any winter I remember. Sooner or later I am going to need to use the tow hooks to either pull someone out or get pulled out myself. Since they are a closed hooks, what can I use on them so they don't get chewed up? I am sure I could use a tow rope and and double back through the loop but in the past I have had a very difficult time removing the rope after doing this. What do you guys do?

 

D rings with isolators or loop the strap through as you described. If looping the strap, put a stick or small piece of wood between the loop and strap - that will keep it from tightening up and being hard to remove.

 

Smittybilt 13047B Shackle/D Ring

These work good

 

I mostly use shackles, hooks, or chains and don't worry about scuffing the tow hooks. It's a truck. If you're worried you could try putting your chain through some rubber hose. Put the hose covered portion of the chain through the tow ring.

 

I am sure those would work good but they would mark the chrome up pretty bad I would think.

 

Add an isolator.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001P22UUU..._qbdFybR4S2DK3

 

That's a good start! I am surprised no one makes rubber coated D rings. Or at least I can't find any. That isolator made for the tow hook would be perfect.

 

You could take some large shrink wrap or rubber hose to slide over the d ring.

 

I hit mine with some bedliner in the spring to keep it looking good.

 

Old fire hose outer liner slipped over the shackle would work. Just cut to the length needed. I use this over my tie straps so they don't get cut on the trailers. Just contact your local fire department and ask for a small fire hose that they are discarding. One length will last several friends a lifetime.

 

I use a short (18") nylon choker. We use them to hoist heavy items on cell towers. If I plan on pulling something heavy, like a stuck truck, I will basket it, but if I'm pulling logs or something light I will choke it. Not a scratch.

 

Saw these at my local H.D. The other day. Good price. I use these without the insulator, not to wooried about them like mentioned earlier. But to each his own.

Husky 3/4 in. Bow Shackle 54535 at The Home Depot - Mobile

 

I use a standard steel shackle and hook my tow straps to that. I've pulled out a stuck tractor on my 2015 Lariat with chromed tow hooks - no appreciable markings on the chrome. I've pulled out a stuck equipment trailer with the black hooks which included a lot of hard yanking in reverse, in 4x4. No appreciable markings on those, either. Have yet to try the 2017 hooks, but they seem similar. I was impressed how well the finish seems to hold up.

If your hooks are black, just repaint. If they are chrome, might be harder if they really got dinged up.

 

3' eyeless web sling

https://www.mcmaster.com/#slings/=15xqs09

 

I thought you said it was a work truck? Is it a real work truck or a "hey mister tax man look at my new work truck" kind of work truck? My guess is you should have years of use on those tow hooks before you see any wear from a tow strap. I can see chains doing a number on them but I am guessing you should be good bro. I wouldn't stress it.