How Hitch Hooks and Anchors Function

Imagine you have a trailer hitch attached to your pickup's rear bumper. You assume you're ready to tow anything from a boat to even another car just because you can hook it up. But what happens if you need to rescue a friend's car from a tough, muddy spot? Your trailer hitch might not be sufficient for that kind of task. If your truck is going to be towing, it's best to have a variety of options. And what if you get bogged down in mud yourself?

This is where hitch hooks and anchors come into play. These towing tools provide more than just boat and RV towing capabilities. They also offer stability while towing. Hitch hooks, often referred to as tow hooks, are typically mounted on the front or rear bumpers. By attaching chains, cables, or ropes to these hooks, drivers can tow another vehicle or pull themselves out of mud when stuck. These hooks are compatible with many types of vehicles and are frequently included as standard factory equipment.

Hitch anchors, also known as truck anchors or stake anchors, can be welded or inserted into the walls of a truck bed. Many trucks come with pre-designated spots for these anchors. They also act as connection points for cables and ropes, making them useful for securing items inside the truck bed.

In the following section, we'll explore how to purchase hitch accessories such as hooks and anchors.

How to Choose Hitch Hooks and Anchors

There is a wide selection of hitch hooks and anchors available for your vehicle. Some hooks are custom-designed specifically for your vehicle's make and model, usually bolting onto the grill guard or frame. Others are 'universal fit', meaning they can be adapted to fit any vehicle, although this typically requires modifications such as drilling or removing the bumper. Regardless of the type, it's essential to ensure that the hooks you purchase are compatible with your vehicle.

When purchasing tow hooks, it’s crucial to consider their rated capacity—the maximum load they can support before failure. Tow hooks vary from decorative versions that support hundreds of pounds to heavy-duty models capable of towing tons. Ensure that your vehicle can handle that weight and that you have the appropriate tow straps or chains to complete the task.

Hitch anchors come in various designs. They are made to fit into the stake pockets of your truck bed walls or can be bolted or welded on. Consider anchors that fold out of the stake pocket as they might be less intrusive and could offer a more aesthetically pleasing look [source: Curt Manufacturing].

In the following section, we’ll look at how these hitch accessories are installed on two popular towing vehicles: a Jeep and a pickup truck.

Installing Hitch Hooks and Anchors

Hitch hooks can be installed in various locations on your vehicle, including the front and rear bumpers, the frame, or even the grille. To ensure stability, tow hooks should be mounted directly to the vehicle’s frame. Avoid attaching them to fragile or movable parts, such as radiators, tailpipes, or brush guards [source: Lewellyn].

Typically, mounting the hooks to the frame beneath the car is sufficient. However, depending on the vehicle and where you want to install the tow hooks, you may need to remove the front bumper. Don't worry too much, though—some models offer bumpers with hitch hooks already built-in.

Let’s go over how to install hitch hooks on a Dodge Ram pickup. It's not a difficult task if you have the proper tools and some mechanical know-how. You’ll need 18 and 19-millimeter sockets and wrenches, as well as a screwdriver to remove the front air dam. Then, slide the bracket into position, drill some extra holes in the bumpers, secure it with nuts and bolts, and attach the hooks in the right place [source: Pavement Sucks].

The process for a Jeep Cherokee involves slightly more work. The bumper needs to be fully removed, and pieces of the bumper bracket must be cut with a bench grinder to make space for the hitch hooks [source: Jeep Horizons]. Other tow hooks, however, can be bolted directly to the vehicle in pre-designated areas or attached by drilling small holes. If you’re not experienced, or lack the necessary tools, it may be best to have your hitch accessories and towing gear professionally installed.

Luckily, using hitch anchors is a simpler task. Most anchors fit into pre-designated pockets in your truck bed. Some come with removable covers that can be popped off to allow the anchors to be inserted. While anchors can also be installed on the bed itself, be cautious to avoid drilling into sensitive areas like the gas tank or components related to the electrical system or drivetrain [source: eSsortment.com].