What is the Difference Between a Tow Eye and a Tow Hook

Question:

What is the difference between using a hitch receiver tow eye vs tow hook? Why should I chose one over the other? Thank you

asked by: Frank

Expert Reply:

The Tow Eye, like # TR63045, and Trailer Hitch Receiver Mounted Forged Tow Hook, # TR63044 are both used a lot in vehicle recovery and winching operation applications but are not the safest option for other towing needs. The choice between using a tow hook or a tow eye will mostly depend on what exactly you need to recover the vehicle.

If off-road and you get stuck, you could use a winch and pulley block and connect it to a tow eye so it cannot slip off. But if you were pulling a vehicle that got stuck in a ditch or mud, you could use a hook to quickly slip on a tow strap. To determine which one you would need or if there is another option, it really depends on the situation.

expert reply by: Michael H