using recovery hook mounts for towing?

[Jbduggan]

I am looking at a 2016 GMC Canyon as a replacement for an old Jeep I have been towing behind my Class A. Since I am not too concerned about concealing the tow bar mounts, is it safe to remove the factory installed recovery hooks and replace them with tow bar mounts? It seems to me that these should be strong enough and would avoid taking apart the front end to install the "invisible" type mounts.

[Jbduggan]

to DSDP Don- Are you saying you installed base plates as supplied by Blue Ox or Roadmaster, etc.?Groover mentioned using the 2 holes of the recovery hooks plus 2 more for the Blue Ox. Maybe you are both referring to the same idea?

[DSDP_Don]

I helped the neighbor install the base plates on his 2016 Diesel Canyon. The base plates incorporate the tow hook holes as part of the structural connection.

I could be wrong, but I don't think anyone makes a base plate that uses just the tow hook holes. It's a heavy truck and if you're looking to save a little money by making something fit the hook holes, you may pay in the long run. The base plates are engineered pretty well.

[Jbduggan]

The 2016 GMC Canyon (and probably the Chevy version) has a neutral in the transfer case, although one dealership I visited didn't know how to shift it! It is not obvious.
Thanks for the advise about the Blue Ox recommendation. It never hurts to take an extra step for safety.

[Groover]

I just installed Blue Ox mounts on my pickup and they used the two bolt holes for the recovery hooks plus I had to drill two new ones in the side of the frame. I have a friend that drives a wrecker and he told me that he never uses the recovery hooks as he has had too many break. Maybe that is why Blue Ox wants the two extra bolts.

If your truck is 4wd it probably has a neutral in the transfer case that you can use for pulling with the rear tires on the ground. I would double check that before making the purchase.

[Bumpyroad]

auto or manual transmission? can it be towed 4 down?
bumpy

[Jbduggan]

Thanks. I haven't purchased the truck yet but this will help in my decision.

[AJBert]

Yes.

The recovery hooks are bolted directly to the frame, just as the "hidden" mounts are.