Best towing winch shackles according to redditors

amazon, cheap but great. i towed a friend out of some mud and they held up. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XPCFVKS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I think the silver adds a nice accent. http://imgur.com/a/gFG8s

You could always get a set of D-ring isolators if you want a bit of color. http://www.amazon.com/Daystar-KU70056RE-Red-D-Ring-Isolator/dp/B001P1ZAH6

Amazon!
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B073T9FS5H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ufTGDbV9A490G

The actual hook is the stock recovery screw in pin, but I plasti dipped the pin and then added a shackle to it. Here’s the link so you can check it out: E-Autogrilles 1 pair - 3/4" Red D-ring Shackles 4.75 Ton (9,500 Lbs) Capacity With 7/8" Diameter Pin and Black Isolator & Washer Kits (51-0526) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYFUKNH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_QmtNfZQzNWd4k

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CLXR452/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482969272&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=d+shackle&dpPl=1&dpID=41RhX4t4hRL&ref=plSrch

These have worked well for me

There's a local junkyard/parts place near where I live. I got it for free because I know the guy who owns the place, but I'd just look at your local junkyard for a wrecked Outback! :)

Here's the tow ring! I had to do a tiny amount of cutting to get it to fit just right, but that wasn't too bad.

Yeah. Good enough for now. I don’t see a ton of recovery in my future with my current schedule. Once or twice will be fine over the next year if I have to.

oEdRo D Ring Shackles (2 Pcs) 3/4 Shackle 4.75 Ton (9500 Lbs) Capacity with 7/8'' Pin, Heavy Duty Off Road Recovery Black Shackle with Red Isolator for Vehicle Recovery, Towing, Stump Removal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JV9RM9V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OHaCCb4FC3J3P

I discovered this stuff when I ordered a huge 3 ton hand winch, and it came supplied with this rope rather than steel cable. So much easier on the hands. I picked up lighter strength rope and swapped out the steel cable on my shop hoist as well. I'm going to swap out my cable for this on my Honda SxS as well. Good luck.

Here's a link to some pretty serious rope at Amazon. If this isn't the length or strength you want, just search at Amazon for "synthetic Winch Rope"

Synthetic Winch Rope 3/8" x 85' - 25000 Ibs Winch Line Cable Rope with Protective Sleeve for 4WD Off Road Vehicle ATV UTV SUV Motorcycle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H5CYGBK/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_mXS6CbN8EHDPD

Edit: I know that much larger strength is available by the spool because work boats in the gulf use it a lot. You might have to do a google search to find a spool.

Ordered a spare OEM hook, plasti dipped it, and then ordered the shackles on Amazon

Edit: added link https://www.amazon.com/Autmatch-Shackles-Strength-Isolator-Accessory/dp/B07FRH8FJC/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1542276004&sr=8-2-fkmr1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=autmatch+orange+shackle

Shackle is from Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B073T9FS5H/

Tow hook is from Bullet Proof Fabricating: https://www.bpfabricating.com/collections/tacoma/products/tacoma-recovery-tow-hook

First, something like this is better for Amazon so you can see reviews and what not.

Seems like there are things you don't need like gloves and stuff. When I get the cash, I'm simply going to start out with this strap and these shackles from Amazon. Input from others appreciated.

Normally trail riders want easy access to these tow points. Yes, they absolutely can be used, but standard OEM mounts are a hassle.

Generally if they aren't easy to see and get to on the trail without climbing under a rig, the average cable puller will not consider them tow points, and some trail leaders might not let you go on a trail without purpose installed after market hooks. Usually vehicles only have one front and rear tow point and you need two front and two rear for safety and convenience. Hooks are considered basic off road items.

However, all this depends on how you plan to use it off road. Are you wanting to trail it, or camp, light excursions?

They are cheap and easy to install and can be tucked under the bumper if you like. Just bolt them to the frame, don't weld them there. Welds will generally fail before bolts because lets face it, you will be "snatched" more than pulled if you are stuck and not high-centered.

Get at least one (or two) good tow rope(s) and attach it before you go out and just toss the free end in your window, or on your roof. This way when you get stuck, you can climb out and just toss the rope to the rig in front of you and your are out in a jiffy. This will really go a long way to good karma on a trail if you aren't asking others to come get you, or slowing down the others because you unhook after every pull. You will end up using your rope 4x more than a winch anyway unless you are alone on a trail.

Any wheeling will be horrible on gas milage, but if you want to be tidy and keep your rig looking clean, I have seen more than a few people use hitch-mounted winch mounts with handles and only have the winch there when wheeling. And you can toss it in the back and lock it up when your not using it as a daily driver.

Installing a tow hitch in the front and rear to move a winch from front to back as you need is not perfect, but it is very acceptable when done safely, so you get two-for-one winching. Make sure you take good measurements, or have one custom made, or even just go to your local 4x4 shop and get them to help you with the measurements. Never significantly cut/alter an OEM hitch for obvious reasons.

A secondary benefit to a tow hitch on both ends is you can use it as a tow point instead/in addition to tow points and move this around as needed also.

As far as a winch, you don't need a 18k monster, but enough to tug yourself out. General rules are 2-3x your vehicles weight. On a trail, most often if you are in a caravan, a good trail leader will put you sandwiched between two experienced trailers, so about 1/2 the time you will just pull rope to the rig in front and use it as your anchor. So weight shouldn't be a big issue.

Also get a snatch block and a tree saver so you can pull yourself out if you need to. This way you don't harm the tree, but still use it to get yourself out.

1. tires
   
2. tow points (however you want) and ropes
   
3. winch
   
4. lift?
   
   But first, tires.
   
   Ask anyone that has been on a trail, MT tires (not AT's) should be your first investment. You can get a really good MT that will last a very long time as daily use if you do not get an overly aggressive tread. And they look badass.

1. OPT7 Aura 8pc bed light kit https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BZPAOU4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
2. Suaoki 600A Peak Portable Car Jump Starter / Jumper Pack 18000mAh with Air Compressor https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0185CYFE6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
3. Car Charger Adapter - Cigarette Lighter Adapter, 4 Port USB https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J7KTBEE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
4. 1-1/2" x 15 ft Heavy Duty Ratchet Cargo Tie Down Straps 3000 lbs Dual J-Hooks https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N8LMJV6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
5. Work light https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXZWDHB/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
6. VicTsing Bluetooth FM Transmitter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DDPUQTS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
7. 2-Pack of 3/4" Black D-ring Shackle https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013FLW8J6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
8. 3", 30' Tow strap, Recovery Strap 30,000 LB capacity https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N4U4G5S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
9. Stanley 99 piece set https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LY5AKU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
10. Hand sanitizer
    
11. Bug spray
    
12. Headlamp
    
13. 2 75 pound sand bags
    
14. Jack
    
15. Blanket
    
16. Wool socks
    
17. Duct Tape
    
18. 3 pairs of goves
    
19. Two water bottles
    
20. 2 hats
    
21. zip ties
    
22. Tire plug kit
    
23. Ice scraper

D ring shackles?

https://www.amazon.ca/92093-4-Inch-Premium-Winch-Shackle/dp/B00H4PFO64/ref=asc_df_B00H4PFO64/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=293038686226&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7821914055490349589&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000753&hvtargid=pla-439474825092&psc=1&th=1#

Not OP but it looks like a D ring. it also looks like he cut the top off and drilled the key to fit the D ring.

https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-13047B-Black-D-Ring/dp/B001CF1A6U (not the correct size)

I actually have a recovery strap, not a tow rope. There are no hooks on the end. You use shackles with it like these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CLXR452/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kPGyCbAAQ9DCT

So I was looking at these on Amazon. How do these look?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018F421Y0/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_uIxKybJ19ZXB3

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CLXR452/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_JJxKyb8AG1RF9

Smittybilt 13047 3/4" Stainless Steel D-Ring https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CF3IRY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_dwbjybBFAKYGK

I use this paired with this strap

Oem screw in attachment and the d ring is from Amazon. Smittybilt 13047B 3/4" Black D-Ring https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CF1A6U/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_aOpavb0YDMM77
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CF1A6U/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_aOpavb0YDMM77

Maxtrax

Also D-Rings and a tow strap or snatch strap for somebody to pull you out.D-Ring Snatch Strap