Soft shackle with tube bumper—bad idea?

t00th

t00th

TJ Enthusiast
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Apr 26, 2019
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Location
SE PA
I'm putting together a list of recovery gear that I need--snatch rope would be the primary method because I'm currently winchless but would only be going out with other vehicles. Front points are taken care of. Rear points leave much to be desired.

I have a rear tube bumper much like the one linked below. I don't love it, the PO put it on, but a new one costs $$$ and I can live with it for now.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ISA3HNQ/?tag=wranglerorg-20
It has the welded-on receiver hitch but I've read that these aren't viable recovery points unless the bumper has frame tie-in brackets. Because of the bumper's tubular nature, I figured hey, maybe a soft shackle at any point close to the center would work. But then again, maybe tie-ins would be necessary to do that too. But I just don't know. So I'm looking for thoughts.

I'm half expecting most responses to be just bolt a hook to the frame and be done with it. But if I can throw a soft shackle on and be done with it, then I'd sooner do that. But again. Don't know what I don't know.
 
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t00th said:
It has the welded-on receiver hitch but I've read that these aren't viable recovery points unless the bumper has frame tie-in brackets.
Click to expand...
If this is the case, pulling anywhere on the bumper would be no good.

Id just buy the frame tie in brackets, there’s lots of options out there and they’re all fairly inexpensive.
 
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srimes said:
Better be a gentle, straight pull if it bends this easily:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/R608E40XZQ/?tag=wranglerorg-20
I don't know what it take to kink tube with a point load from a soft shackle. Pulling from the receiver would be stronger. Most do shackles, I find a hook more convenient:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006MDH5J8/?tag=wranglerorg-20
In a pinch you can just use a hitch pin. Much safer than looping over a ball!
Click to expand...
Getting a page not found on that first link.

And yeah, I'd def like to go with something that utilizes what I already have (Receiver). But I think since this bumper isn't tied into the frame I'd still need the tie-ins. TBH I wish the bumper didn't have the hitch - I'd buy a curt frame-mounted one and call it a day - far more trustworthy that way IMO. And could use it for recovery no problem. The break angle would suffer I suppose.
 
rasband said:
If this is the case, pulling anywhere on the bumper would be no good.

Id just buy the frame tie in brackets, there’s lots of options out there and they’re all fairly inexpensive.
Click to expand...
Noted. I may just take the plunge and get them regardless. Will still be useful down the line when I get a bumper that suits me better.
 
snag you some frame tie ins they are useful with every bumper.

somewhere within 100mi of you someone just bought a TJ with a hardcore bumper they think is ugly...........i'd put a pic or 2 on FB marketplace and see if i could work a trade.

bumpers can say a lot about what type of personality the owner is.
 
someguysjeep said:
snag you some frame tie ins they are useful with every bumper.

somewhere within 100mi of you someone just bought a TJ with a hardcore bumper they think is ugly...........i'd put a pic or 2 on FB marketplace and see if i could work a trade.

bumpers can say a lot about what type of personality the owner is.
Click to expand...
Not a bad idea - thing is though my taste tends to skew pretty mild, I actually like the look of simpler/stock-style bumpers and fenders and so on, so this current tube bumper actually satisfies that more than I'd say most "hardcore" take-off bumpers I've seen on FB/Clist are. It's pretty understated when on the vehicle. However, its front bumper counterpart that the PO also put on was ridiculous and added like 2 ft to the front of the car - I just replaced that and couldn't be happier:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ISA3KEM/?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
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