pulling explorer out of snow

[Bob Caudill]

My explorer is stuck in a snow pile created by a snow plow. Where do I find the tow hook to pull it out?

 

[arco777]

What year is your Explorer?

Check your owners manual for appropriate recovery points. Not all Explorers are equipped with tow hooks.

If you do not have access to the manual, use common sense. If your Explorer has a full frame (not unibody) then that will be the strongest member to connect to. Frames often have several spots that the hook on a tow strap will fit into nicely.

If you have a unibody, there will typically be a dedicated tow hook. Look below the front or rear bumper (as appropriate for your situation) for a recovery point.

 

[thebrakeman]

If it's a 2010 or earlier, hook onto the hitch-receiver safety-chain loop, and pull away. If you are facing the other way, crawl under, and hook to something solid.
If 2011 or later, use a bit more caution, as it's unibody. Hopefully, as previously stated, there is a dedicated loop, welded to something solid. Otherwise, find something solid while you are are underneath.

 

[jarettp]

Just for future reference. My 2014 Explorer w/o tow package came with a tow hook under the spare tire. I believe it screwed into a socket under a panel on the front bumper.