818 R Tow Hooks

[Mitch Wright]

What are other R builders planning for tow hooks?

[Rasmus]

Wrong Section but....

Planning on a braided ones. Think: selt belt webbing.

[longislandwrx]

+1 The straps are nice, you can tuck them in when they are not needed.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

The bigger question is. Where in the front of the car is it strong enough to attach a tow hook or strap?

Edit: Added question. At the track, does the hook have to lift the car or just pull it around the track or onto a flatbed?

[Mechie3]

^^ That was my question. The front can support my weight (I've sat on it) but I'm only 200lbs. You'd need a really long strap to reach back to the frame (not subframe).

[D Clary]

The tow hook usually only have to tow the car, they can use a slide back or a wheel lift to lift it.

[C.Plavan]

The web tow hooks are nice as long as they are mounted correctly. They also save your shins and knees!

I'm hesitant to use a Web Tow Hook with the delicate fiberglass on the 818R. The angle from which you get towed can crack/break the fiberglass with the Web version. Why? Because depending on how you mount it, the Web hook will move side to side at an angle to the tow vehicle. It's not rigid.

I'm going to a rigid mount to the frame (welded) popping out the top of the hood/fender line.

[D Clary]

like to see what you do when you have it figured out. I don't have my kit yet but there doesn't seem to be much to attach a hook to in front.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

The web tow hooks are nice as long as they are mounted correctly. They also save your shins and knees!

I'm hesitant to use a Web Tow Hook with the delicate fiberglass on the 818R. The angle from which you get towed can crack/break the fiberglass with the Web version. Why? Because depending on how you mount it, the Web hook will move side to side at an angle to the tow vehicle. It's not rigid.

I'm going to a rigid mount to the frame (welded) popping out the top of the hood/fender line.

Chad
is this where your putting the tow hook?.
See my red circle.
Bob

hook.jpg

[C.Plavan]

Hey Bob- Picture is not showing.


For generic Steel Tow Hooks. No Affiliation.

http://www.racecartowhooks.com/rcth_006.htm

[C.Plavan]

Chad
is this where your putting the tow hook?.
See my red circle.
Bob

hook.jpg

Yep- now I can see it.

Yes, that general area, but you want it on the passenger side. You don't want to wacked in the head by the tow strap if it happens to break . I have seen crazier stuff happen.
Hopefully I will be able to manipulate it so it will work.

****818R owners take note of how the Shorty windshield mounts. I'm not sure if my remote brake fluid reservoir will work with the windshield. Its hard to imagine since the 818R windshields are still on backorder.

[Santiago]

I think out the top/passenger side as Chad suggests is likely the best option. The Challenge cars have this configuration, and it seems to work well for them.

I've seen tow hooks used to lift the front of a badly damaged car high enough to get it under a flatbed. Maybe a rarity, but it's a possibility. I'd also be most worried about the angle that a strap might take on when used to pull you out of the kitty litter, ditch, or swampy-grassland. You're don't always end up exactly "straight in/out" when you have an off. Being pulled in on the strap is humiliating enough as is - wouldn't want to add the insult of additional body damage that might not have been there from your own shenanigans.

Best,
-j

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Did you know that most Subaru's come with a tow hook in the tool kit. My son keeps it installed.
Bob

[Rasmus]

Reading the SCCA - General Competition Rules:

9.3.48. TOWING EYES
All cars without an exposed roll bar shall have a towing eye or strap, front and rear that does not dangerously protrude from the bodywork when the car is racing, to be used for flat towing or hauling the vehicle.

Changed my mind. Going without.

[Mitch Wright]

Rasmus,

Good Catch