Tow Hooks and Air Bags

[roo]

Hi there,
This is probably a really dumb question but it is a concern I have.
I was thinking of installing tow hooks on the front of my 99 Explorer as explained in a previous sticky thread but I have a concern.
When the vehicle gets bogged and it is towed using either chain or a "snatch strap" is it likely the air bags will be set off from the sudden forward shock on either chassis rail.
I'm pretty keen to put the hooks as I am planning a beach fishing trip in a month or so and dont want any surprises coming from the dash. I know having an Explorer I am highly unlikely to need a tow but its always good to be prepared.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Stu

 

[gijoecam]

Nope. There's very little chance of a yank from the front having enough force to exceed the acceleration threshold for the air bags, especially in the forward direction. Getting rear-ended wouldn't cause them to pop, would it?

-Joe

 

[5.0L96Exp]

No aribag expert here but I can say with confidence that it takes one hell of a shock to get the airbags to go off. I have been jerked out of axle deep mud with nothing more than a chain and if that wont set them off I don’t think a snatch strap will. I was stuck real good and the guy pulling me out decided to take a running start at it.. Lets just say his truck stopped cold in its tracks as soon as the chain got taught and if it wasn’t for the beer I would have surely had whiplash. Now having also been in an accident where the airbags did deploy I think it is fair to say that unless the airbag sensor itself is damaged/crushed/whacked with hammer it isn’t going to go off. If you look on your truck there are 2 behind the front bumper, 2 in the middle of the truck on the inside of the frame rail and not sure but probably 2 more in the rear bumper area..

 

[MONMIX]

. Getting rear-ended wouldn't cause them to pop, would it?

-Joe

It has happended and is quite feasable. Air bag sensors work off of inirtia. That said the odds of them going off in a pulling situation is quite slim.

 

[5.0L96Exp]

I was semi rear ended when mine went off. Since then I recommend to everyone to move thier seat as far away from the wheel as possible (I know I know). Having an airbag go off in your face is like loosy placing a 12 guage shotgun 1" from your nose and pulling the trigger. Oh and drive with thumbs out.

 

[Nocturnall]

I had the air bag in my 97 xlt go off when I was hit in the right rear tire. Granted the guy that hit me was doing 45 and I was going like 20 but the air bag went off and it all kinds of sucked. I quickly forgot about that though when the center console slammed into my ribs....

 

[roo]

Many thanks for the replies and information.
Greatly appreciated.
It looks like I'll be installing tow hooks this weekend.
I'll post some pics when she's finished.
Cheers
Stu