Front recovery hooks for 4WD / Plastic Bumper Cap

[FordService]

Hey guys,

I’m glad that the answer was posted for this question. Please let me know if there’s anything else you’d want me to research.

Cory

 

[peterk9]

There is an area on the right side of the front bumper where a tow hook can be screwed in. Unfortunately Ford has not seen fit to provide the owners with the hook. I don't know why as my previous '09 Highlander had the same setup and Toyota provided you with the tow hook that goes in opening.

Peter

Edit: Found the item. Eyes aren't what they used to be.

 

[scotted73]

There is an area on the right side of the front bumper where a tow hook can be screwed in. Unfortunately Ford has not seen fit to provide the owners with the hook. I don't know why as my previous '09 Highlander had the same setup and Toyota provided you with the tow hook that goes in opening.

Peter

My 2012 Limited came with the hook that screws into the area behind the pictured tab. It was with the spare tire/jack.

 

[scotted73]

Was it just a loose piece or part of something else? I took the spare out and the jack and didn't find it.

Peter

Peter,

Under the spare tire there is a black piece of Styrofoam that holds the jack via velcro straps and it also has a recessed area where the retrieval hook is stored.

Scott

 

[peterk9]

Peter,

Under the spare tire there is a black piece of Styrofoam that holds the jack via velcro straps and it also has a recessed area where the retrieval hook is stored.

Scott

Eureka! I found it. Thanks for your help Scott. Don't know how I missed that the first time. Perhaps subconsciously I was looking for a silver colored one. That is what the Highlander had. Thanks again.

Peter

 

[wishiwas]

What is that circle on the front end?

Anyone noticed that circle painted the same color as our Explorer on the front end, passenger side of the vehicle below the headlight just above the black molding. Not the one on the side. The larger circle in the front.
What is it? It's only on the passenger side, not the drivers. Maybe a place Ford planned a front camera?

Take a look at this pic:

http://images.conceptcarz.com/imgxra/Ford/2013-Ford-Explorer-SUV_Image-02-1280.jpg

 

[182RG]

Your recovery hook (tow bolt) screws in here.

 

[tinner]

Your recovery hook (tow bolt) screws in here.

Where do you find the tow bolt that screws in there, does it come with the Ex. or do you have to purchase it?

I guess it is in the spare tire well, check it out tonight

 

[peterk9]

Where do you find the tow bolt that screws in there, does it come with the Ex. or do you have to purchase it?

It is in the spare tire well. Likely affixed to the jack.

Peter

 

[peterk9]

Posts on the question about the rear hook have been moved to;

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=383390&highlight=tow+hook

Peter

 

[Postal07]

Where does the tow hook that is in with the jack go on the vehicle

 

[peterk9]

Where does the tow hook that is in with the jack go on the vehicle

I merged your thread with this one found using the 'Search' function. See post 22.

Peter

 

[dora51032]

Question on the front tow hook cover. How to fry it, is there a technique as I don’t want to mess with the paint.

Thanks

 

[1995E]

Use a trim removal tool, would work better than a flathead. There's a little notch that allows you to pry on it.

 

[Jdwheels]

Does anybody know what this is for? Right front bumper cover near the fog lights is a small "plug" cover that is removable. 2017 Sport.

 

[TBill]

It's removed to allow you to screw in a small tow hook which is with the spare tire.

TB

 

[Jdwheels]

Thank you TBill

 

[peterk9]

Does anybody know what this is for? Right front bumper cover near the fog lights is a small "plug" cover that is removable. 2017 Sport.

Your thread was merged with this one on the same topic. FYI, the Manual refers to it as a "recovery hook".

Peter

 

[PapaGary]

To those who can't find the "tow hook": wrecker drivers, especially flat bed operators, carry with them a selection of tow hooks to fit a variety of vehicles. They know how to pop the cover off and which tow hook is needed. The only problem is that occasionally the little round cover gets lost.

 

[peterk9]

[QUOTE="PapaGary, post: 3650238, member: 320398"............ The only problem is that occasionally the little round cover gets lost.[/QUOTE]That 'cap' currently goes for $33.89 down from $51.35. Then you'll have to get it painted.