When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
The Rennsport looks like the best one out there, I don't like the cravenspeed at all. I'll actually use it. Today I high centered in wet, deep snow in the parking lot at work. It took quite a tug with an SUV to get me out.
Because of where I live, I have been thinking of adding some hooks. The factory hook works fine, but I want something that doesn't look like crap if I leave it in.
There are others on eBay for about the same price. I know I get what I pay for, but its a tow hook, I don't want to spend $200.00.
I don't have any tow hooks, but would be very leery of an aluminum unit (either shaft or loop). I would expect the aluminum units would only take some 'light' straight on pulling and anything off-angle, which is the most likely scenario, would end its life pretty quickly. The Rennline units above look like pretty good units that won't let you down if/when you need them to perform.
I don't have any tow hooks, but would be very leery of an aluminum unit (either shaft or loop). I would expect the aluminum units would only take some 'light' straight on pulling and anything off-angle, which is the most likely scenario, would end its life pretty quickly. The Rennline units above look like pretty good units that won't let you down if/when you need them to perform.
Yes, the Rennline's are the real deal. I should either just spend the money and get them, or forget about it and just use the factory hook again if I need it. We had to give a pretty good yank to get me unstuck, it was also at a bit of an angle. Hopefully the bad part of the snow season is over, and I've learned my lesson on how deep of snow I can get through. This little car is unstoppable on ice with the Nokian Hakka 8's, but no clearance in the deep stuff. I should have driven my Wrangler yesterday.
I'll stick with my M7 unit for less than half the price. If I should ever need it and it prove to not be up to snuff, then I'll consider another alternative. I always have the OEM hook to fall back on. I compared both the M7 and Rennline when I was at MOTD last year and decided to go with the M7. At least I'll never have to worry about getting it stuck in the snow ... I have a Suburban for that.
So I dug around through some bins of various helicopter parts I have. I found some titanium shackles that used to be mounted to an engine for removing it. For some reason the manufacture had us remove and discard them. Yeah right, throw a titanium part away, they got engraved "not for aircraft use" and went home with me. If my neighbors lathe can cut the same threads into some stainless rod stock I have (mine will not) I'll have the most awesome set of tow hooks ever. Why spend money when you can spend an entire day (or longer, and may involve others peoples days too) making something?
MINIs come with a tow hook, why buy an aftermarket one, unless you lost the original?
Maybe somewhat RICE, I like how it looks and will go well with the rest of my rally inspired gear like the 4 big Hella lights, Rally Armor mud flaps, and Rennsport skid plate. But I also like the idea of leaving the hook in because I am an idiot when it comes to getting stuck in the snow. I run Hakka 8's with studs, but they don't help when I turn into a driveway or parking lot with 10 inches of wet snow. They call it "Cascade Concrete" for a reason.
If you are looking for something to actually tow the car when you need stick with the original as it won't break or bend. If you want it to look better paint it, powdercoat, or plasti dip it.
If you just want one for looks pick what you like many of them are similar, some are the same china made with just different logos on them. But DON'T plan on towing the car with them. We've seen time after time they will bend, break or worse pull the threads out of the bumper.
Also the anodized red ones will turn pink in the sun.
