What do you guys use?
I have pipe bumpers front(round) and rear(square), and I was thinking of welding on some tabs for shackles to fit through and use like that, but how should that be set up(bracing?)
I have tow hooks in front, but don't know if I should just put some tabs on the front too?

Pics would be great, I've seen a few of ya'lls, but don't remember which persons is which.

Thanks for any help fellas.

 

On my round or square bumpers, I run a piece of at least 3/16 channel through the bumper and to the bottom of the frame rail. It gets bolted to the frame flange with (3) 1/2" bolts grade 8 each side. Then the bumper is welded to the channel on both sides (front and back) then if possible the bumper itself is bolted to the frame in at least two places by notching it. If needed, I run a piece of channel from the left to the right side of the frame to kind of box the bumper attachment points at the end of the c channel.

Then leaving a good bit of metal on the end, I drill 1/2-1" holes in the 3/16 channel close to the front of the bumper and attach screw shackles to that for cables or straps. If using chain, I just wrap it around the bumper.

 

...But please dont use chain. I, and, I am sure most of you here, would much rather have a nylon tow strap flying at me than a chain...

 

You guys really break chains that often? I carry a couple, along with a pair of shackles and a nylon sling. We've tore apart a few tow straps fairly easilly actually. I guess with some of the crap we've done with the chains....and not that big of chain either, means we must be lucky. Never seen a chain come apart, not while recovering, or while at work doing rigging/slinging etc. Wierd...Ive seen a couple aftermaths of a nylon sling letting go though, maybe there was a twisted link, or something faulty like that. Ill definitly keep a good eye on the opperation then when using the chains in the extractions.
Brian

 

rebocardo, so your saying you just drill a hole in the mounting bracket, and put a shackle through it right?
I didn't think of that, but right now, it sounds like the best/fastest way to do it, thanks.
Brian794x4, I've seen 3 chains break, and no one ever got hurt when I saw it happen, but I've seen back tailgates get banged/scratched up, and worst case... bye bye back windshield.

 

I havent seen a chain break during an extraction, but have seen one break that was being used as a safety chain on a boat trailer after the hitch broke. Put a nice size dent (for how short the chain was) in the bumper of that truck.
I have yanked on my tow strap quite a bit and it is still in perfect condition....

 

i've got some pics in my gaallery i believe of how i did attach points on my bumpers. on the front i used 1" thick cold rolled steel plate, cut it out in the shape of a U and cut a hole in the end just big enough i can slip my shackle on. on my back bumper i used D-rings rated for something like 40K lbs i found at tractor supply

-cutts-

 

I have superduty tow hooks through the front bumper and a clevis in the reciever hitch for now.

 

wasn't there, but saw the aftermath of a chain through a back window of a cheby. Hit the windshield. Driver had glass in the back of his neck, but that was it. LUCKY

 

> rebocardo, so your saying you just drill a hole in the mounting bracket,
> and put a shackle through it right?

Yes, the closer to the bumper the less it bends, if it does. Just make sure the threads for the pin are facing down so it does not drop out. Sometimes you bend the shackle, but, I buy 1/2" shackles from Bailey's for $1.49 each (cheap China junk) so its loss is not that big of a deal.

> But please dont use chain ... would much rather have a nylon tow strap flying at me than a chain

Rather is not the same as "if", especially "if" the other person has chain or you are pulling from more then 30 feet where you would have to have two straps hooked with a clevis or shackle. To me that is far deadlier and joined straps seem the biggest cause of deadly headshots and not chain.

I am weeping right now, I busted my Warn winch block. The halves separated and I lost/busted the pin I guess. Glad I checked it before the final pull. Equipment failure happens, so you plan for it. I posted pictures here of chain and shackles I have destroyed and how when I was pulling a stuck F-350 with my BII the chain went right over the hood and roof of the BII. After that I started to put the hood up when pulling from the front.

If you have a "real" bumper that is not likely to bend unless you hit a concrete barrier head on going 30 mph, imho, the BEST attachment point is a pintle hook. I buy the $49 15 ton one from Northern Tools and it works great. I have broken chain, cable, and straps with that pulling down trees and the only damage was worn off paint.

Super fast to hook and unhook things and in a pinch you can even use it as a pulley block if using cable if the pull is not straight back. Plus, it is handy for keeping people from parking right on your bumper since it tends to take out grills and such first.

 

alot of the trucks we work on have a reciever hitch bolted and welded in the front and rear of the frame. Then you can use the reciever that is shaped like a donut. We use screw type connectors that the cement trucks use. 1 1/4 inch pins.

 

It only takes once. I personally have seen a heavy chain break during a pull. They are great for static load but not so hot for shock loads. Unlike a strap that can have all its force directed downward with a simple weight draped over it, you have the issue of broken link projectiles with a chain.

That said, my preference is also for receiver mounts solidly fixed to the frame fore and aft. Much stouter than a welded on tab.

 

ive broke two, second one i broke i bent the half inch plate right where the ball mounts on the receiver, then i bent the frame where the reciever hitch bolted to the frame on the front part, broke a rear axle and a front driveshaft....i dont use chains for snatching anymore.....
just for anchoring when im winching

i personally like my front and rear d-rings....