Toyota HiLux recovery points guide

Spend enough time exploring off-road in your HiLux and eventually you will get stuck.

We’ve all been there. Getting stuck means a recovery is required, and this means something needs to be connected to your HiLux to give it a tug.

Attaching to inappropriate points like tow balls and factory tie-down points can have dire consequences. There have been numerous fatalities associated with inappropriate recovery points breaking and becoming projectiles. How do we avoid this? The first step is to get some purpose-built recovery points.

Here are four products we recommend. They’re intended as a starting point, to give you an idea of what’s available. We’ve included Genuine Toyota options, if you want to stay OEM.

• What it is: Attachments designed to be connected to straps or similar during a vehicle recovery.
• Why you need it: Sooner or later you’ll get stuck or need to recover someone who is stuck. When this happens, factory tie-down points just aren’t up to the significant forces that will be in play in such a recovery. A failure of these points is dangerous to anyone in the vicinity of the recovery. Fitting proper recovery points is a safety requirement every 4WDer should get on to as soon as they start to head off-road. We advise considering using a bridle to connect to two recovery points where possible, and reduce the load in each point.
• Buying tips: Check the mounting system and how easy the recovery points are to install. Ensure compatibility with other accessories like bash plates, bull bars, etc. before committing.

JUMP AHEAD

• Toyota OEM (rear)
• ARB (front)
• Maxtrax Hitch 50 (rear)
• RoadSafe (front)

Toyota rear recovery points

Designed to be compatible with the factory tow bar, these recovery points bolt onto each side of the tow bar and negate the use of the tow hitch mounted recovery point. They provide a handy rear recovery option for anyone who tows to camp before dropping the trailer or caravan and heading off for a day drive.

Specifications

• Material: Forged steel
• Max load: Not stated
• Suitable for soft shackles: Yes

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ARB front recovery points

Each ARB recovery point includes an engineered ‘Recovery Train’ in which each vehicle specific recovery point is rated for use with a 4.75t rated bow shackle and 8000kg snatch strap. Manufactured from 350-grade 20mm plate for maximum strength and durability and featuring long-slot design suitable for a side-angled pull.

Specifications

• Material: Forged steel
• Max load: Rated for use with a 8000kg snatch strap
• Suitable for soft shackles: Yes

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Maxtrax rear recovery point

This hitch-mounted rear recovery point has been designed specifically for use with soft shackles. It is made with lightweight aluminium (only weighs 1.45kg) that will never rust, and it fits a standard 50mm hitch receiver.

Specifications

• Material: 6061 billet aluminium
• Max load: Working load limit (WLL) 8800kg. Tested break load of 44,000kg
• Suitable for soft shackles: Yes

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Roadsafe front recovery points

Roadsafe recovery points have been designed for use with a 4.75t rated bow shackle and 8000kg snatch strap. Roadsafe tow points are tested during design and destruction-tested during development, to establish Working Load Limits (WLL).

Specifications

• Material: Steel
• Max load: Rated for use with a 8000kg snatch strap
• Suitable for soft shackles: Yes

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How we review products

4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles and aftermarket products for more than 40 years.

When looking for the best accessories for your make and model of 4WD, there are some things essential to making sure you have the best off-roading experience.

When we compare products, here are some of the things we consider:

• Warranty
• Build quality
• Value for money
• Time and ease to set-up/install
• Weight
• Fit and finish
• How well it gets the job done
• What materials they’re made from
• Corrosion/UV resistance
• Coatings
• Compatibility with other accessories
• Compliance with ADRs and vehicle safety systems
• Country of manufacture
• Load ratings, to determine what's the best product across each price point.

We also consider user reviews and our own experience with these products to make sure our recommendations are for the best on the market.

Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.

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