WK2 2012 - Recovery hooks

[MattG]

I'd say it's not strengthened. Definitely use two if you can - but some of us will have to take what we can get... aka 2012-13. I'm pretty sure a full on recovery via the recessed point will result in damage of some kind. It will be fine for most soft recoveries though.

[Nicholas]

Jeep front tow hook structure is designed for 1GVM each and rear is 1.5GVM so unless its a really serious recovery one should be ok. Of course use 2 where possible.

[Matty05]

Originally Posted by Nicholas

Jeep front tow hook structure is designed for 1GVM each and rear is 1.5GVM so unless its a really serious recovery one should be ok. Of course use 2 where possible.

That is the issue. There doesnt appear to be 2 recovery hooks available for the WK2 (possibly except for the trailhawk). As most should know snatching forces are greater than the weight of the vehicle therefore 2 rated hooks should be standard apparel.

I would consider any recovery serious.

[Nicholas]

Looks like 1/1.5 durability design and 2GVM before anything actually gives which in engineering terms is at least 4GVM

[fester]

Has anyone seen any confirmation that the Trailhawk front end spec (eg US spec twin mounts) will carry through subsequent models or is just a one off marketing exercise for our market.

[bmackin]

I was just at the dealer yesterday for some warranty work and noticed they had a new 2013 Trailhawk sitting in the showroom. I climbed under the front of it (as you do) and had a look at the tow hooks and the belly pan.

Unfortunately the tow hooks on the 2013 Trailhawk are not compatible with the 2012 models. The frame horn on the left front is further back than on the 2012. I'm not sure what other changes were made to the frame, but the service and parts department both had a look and confirmed the 2013 Trailhawk hooks will not fit on the 2012 models.

On the positive side, the 2013 Trailhawk comes with a new improved belly pan that can be put on 2011 and 2012 WK2s.

For those who aren't aware. 2011 & 2012 WK2s have a plastic belly pan (directly underneath the radiator). For some reason Jeep doesn't provide a steel skid plate to replace the belly pan?! And since it is at the front of the vehicle and it is plastic, they break quite easily when off road. The service manager told me he has already had 1/2 a dozen come in with broken ones. I broke mine while up at Fraser Island. Unfortunately the belly pan also holds the wheel well liners in place, so if it is broken the wheel well liners tend to suck out into the wheel.

The new belly pan on the 2013 Trailhawk, is made out of some material similar to the wheel well liners. Moulded into position but still flexible, so it won't break. Sadly they cost $467, but at least I don't have to install another plastic one, which I know will only break again.

[imaz]

Originally Posted by bmackin

I was just at the dealer yesterday for some warranty work and noticed they had a new 2013 Trailhawk sitting in the showroom. I climbed under the front of it (as you do) and had a look at the tow hooks and the belly pan.

Unfortunately the tow hooks on the 2013 Trailhawk are not compatible with the 2012 models. The frame horn on the left front is further back than on the 2012. I'm not sure what other changes were made to the frame, but the service and parts department both had a look and confirmed the 2013 Trailhawk hooks will not fit on the 2012 models.

On the positive side, the 2013 Trailhawk comes with a new improved belly pan that can be put on 2011 and 2012 WK2s.

For those who aren't aware. 2011 & 2012 WK2s have a plastic belly pan (directly underneath the radiator). For some reason Jeep doesn't provide a steel skid plate to replace the belly pan?! And since it is at the front of the vehicle and it is plastic, they break quite easily when off road. The service manager told me he has already had 1/2 a dozen come in with broken ones. I broke mine while up at Fraser Island. Unfortunately the belly pan also holds the wheel well liners in place, so if it is broken the wheel well liners tend to suck out into the wheel.

The new belly pan on the 2013 Trailhawk, is made out of some material similar to the wheel well liners. Moulded into position but still flexible, so it won't break. Sadly they cost $467, but at least I don't have to install another plastic one, which I know will only break again.

Good to know - I guess you need to go after market with recovery hooks which are not rated or officially rated. Lets call them tow hooks. Shorten chassis, pfft. Lamme reason so predestrians dont get hurt..