Gen 5 ACR Rear tow hook

[ek1]

Does anyone own this?

http://www.viperpartsusa.com/catFrame.php?prodCat=1

Search for 295 511 303 00 in that page.

One concern I have is that looks like the eye is too far under the car...a.k.a. next to impossible to see and/or reach. I doubt an average tow truck driver at the track will be able to find it.

Another concern I have is the mounting points. I am not sure the bolts holding the rear diffuser strakes to the car are designed to sustain pressure associated with pulling the car.

What do you guys think?

[nuviper]

Seems they have one rear hook specifically for acr

[ek1]

Seems they have one rear hook specifically for acr

Yes, that is the one I am wondering about. See my concerns above. Just want to know if anyone bought it and mounted it.

[Jack B]

I have a 2013, however, I added the rear diffuser, the tow brackets work fine and are reachable. The caveat is, my diffuser is not as deep at the acr and the under-belly is little different. I have an enclosed trailer and use them for tie-downs. They are easier to get to than the frame slots.


Does anyone own this?

http://www.viperpartsusa.com/catFrame.php?prodCat=1

Search for 295 511 303 00 in that page.

One concern I have is that looks like the eye is too far under the car...a.k.a. next to impossible to see and/or reach. I doubt an average tow truck driver at the track will be able to find it.

Another concern I have is the mounting points. I am not sure the bolts holding the rear diffuser strakes to the car are designed to sustain pressure associated with pulling the car.

What do you guys think?

[Dfunk]

Seems they have one rear hook specifically for acr

I wonder if it will affect the air flow through the diffuser? It looks to hang down a lot.

[steve911]

I have one on my car.

The 3ea grade 10.9 8mm bolts and the 1ea 10. 6 mm bolts have a combined shear strength of over 15,000 lbs. I don't think its going anywhere.

The solid area that sticks into the "airstream" is less than 7 sq. inches. I don't think, I mean I know, there are no issues.

You as the driver of the car should certainly be able to tell the tow truck driver where your tow hook is.....

[ek1]

I have one on my car.

The 3ea grade 10.9 8mm bolts and the 1ea 10. 6 mm bolts have a combined shear strength of over 15,000 lbs. I don't think its going anywhere.

The solid area that sticks into the "airstream" is less than 7 sq. inches. I don't think, I mean I know, there are no issues.

You as the driver of the car should certainly be able to tell the tow truck driver where your tow hook is.....

That's assuming I am still intact after whatever caused my car to be towed :)

Can you take a few pics (one from the side, one from the rear)? Just trying to see what it looks like installed. The web site pictures are too low res.

[steve911]

That's assuming I am still intact after whatever caused my car to be towed :)

Can you take a few pics (one from the side, one from the rear)? Just trying to see what it looks like installed. The web site pictures are too low res.

After seeing some pretty horrific Track related Viper crashes where the driver walked away, if you don't walk away I wouldn't worry about the tow truck finding your tow hook as there wouldn't be a lot to save...

Here are a couple of pics. Note, it does not stick down past the strake extensions.

2137421375

[ek1]

Awesome....order placed.

[SSGNRDZ_28]

I think the answer is yes. Not sure how it might affect aero balance on track if at all. Has anyone tracked before / after install?


I wonder if it will affect the air flow through the diffuser? It looks to hang down a lot.

[Arizona Vipers]

I have a 2013, however, I added the rear diffuser, the tow brackets work fine and are reachable. The caveat is, my diffuser is not as deep at the acr and the under-belly is little different. I have an enclosed trailer and use them for tie-downs. They are easier to get to than the frame slots.

Which rear diffuser did you use?

[steve911]

I think the answer is yes. Not sure how it might affect aero balance on track if at all. Has anyone tracked before / after install?

Yes I have and there is no discernible difference with or without the tow hook. As I stated before there isn't enough of the hook in the airstream to do anything negative.

What are you worried about happening? The car wanting to yaw to the right with the added drag of the tow hook?

[Pappy]

The purpose of a diffuser is to smoothly transition the high velocity/low pressure air under the car to a higher pressure, free-stream velocity at the diffuser exit. This principal increases down-force and reduces drag over that produced by turbulent air exiting from under the back of the car. A diffuser is most efficient when the airflow is laminar and does not separate from the diffuser "floor". A diffuser divergence angle (from the ground) of greater than 12-15 degrees causes the airflow to separate from the floor and become turbulent, which kills down-force and increases drag. (This is why the poser, high divergence angle diffusers actually hurt, rather than enhance performance) The ACR's strake extensions help keep air from tumbling into the diffuser tunnels from the side under yaw conditions, which also helps keep the airflow laminar. Finally, any protrusion from the diffuser floor disrupts the airflow and causes it to separate, become turbulent, and cause drag. Even the head of a bolt or exposed, raised-head rivet can cause the effect. The tow hook will have some (probably significant) effect on the efficiency of the one diffuser tunnel - the question is how much effect and when does it become an issue. Probably won't be noticeable to most of us, unless perhaps on a high speed sweeper where you are pushing the limit of the aerodynamic down-force needed.

Pappy

[Jack B]

I bought them off of EBAY. A lot of G4 owners have used them in the past. They come down fairly flat and close to the ground, which should make them fairly effective. It would not be hard to add extensions like the ACR scheme.

There has been a lot of info in this thread on laminar flow, however, just as important or even more important is the negative pressure they create at the exit, therefore, the vacuum or down force. This is a function of the inlet/outlet area of the diffuser.



Which rear diffuser did you use?

[Pappy]

There has been a lot of info in this thread on laminar flow, however, just as important or even more important is the negative pressure they create at the exit, therefore, the vacuum or down force. This is a function of the inlet/outlet area of the diffuser.

Hey Jack,

Actually, the lowest pressure is at the point of highest velocity (Bernoulli), which occurs just as the diffuser floor starts to rise above ground level - less than 4 degrees and it doesn't have much effect - more than 14 or so and the airflow will "stall" and all pressure change (and down-force) is lost. The pressure approaching the diffuser exit actually increases (as velocity decreases) and it is this higher pressure air that fills the void behind the car, hopefully at or near the free stream velocity of the air moving over the top of the vehicle. The big wing on the ACR contributes significantly to this void (or vacuum as you refer to it). Stalled air at the diffuser exit creates drag. That is the reason the air flowing through the diffuser needs to remain attached (laminar, not turbulent) and is the reason an obstruction like the tow hook in the diffuser floor concerns me (to a small degree). The relationship of the diffuser inlet to outlet, as you point out, is important and is determined by the ability of the airflow to remain attached to the diffuser surface (laminar flow). The longer the diffuser, the greater its exit area can be without exceeding the maximum practical divergence angle. I have built and tested several diffuser/wing combinations trying to get down force out of a brick, and while I have been able to test airflow above the vehicle belt-line, my crude 120 mph wind tunnel (LOL) with yarn tufts doesn't work too well down low due to turbulence created by the tow vehicle.

Cheers

Pappy

21387

[Jack B]

If you have the same mass flowing through a pipe, as the pipe diameter increases the velocity drops as does the pressure?



Hey Jack,

Actually, the lowest pressure is at the point of highest velocity (Bernoulli), which occurs just as the diffuser floor starts to rise above ground level - less than 4 degrees and it doesn't have much effect - more than 14 or so and the airflow will "stall" and all pressure change (and down-force) is lost. The pressure approaching the diffuser exit actually increases (as velocity decreases) and it is this higher pressure air that fills the void behind the car, hopefully at or near the free stream velocity of the air moving over the top of the vehicle. The big wing on the ACR contributes significantly to this void (or vacuum as you refer to it). Stalled air at the diffuser exit creates drag. That is the reason the air flowing through the diffuser needs to remain attached (laminar, not turbulent) and is the reason an obstruction like the tow hook in the diffuser floor concerns me (to a small degree). The relationship of the diffuser inlet to outlet, as you point out, is important and is determined by the ability of the airflow to remain attached to the diffuser surface (laminar flow). The longer the diffuser, the greater its exit area can be without exceeding the maximum practical divergence angle. I have built and tested several diffuser/wing combinations trying to get down force out of a brick, and while I have been able to test airflow above the vehicle belt-line, my crude 120 mph wind tunnel (LOL) with yarn tufts doesn't work too well down low due to turbulence created by the tow vehicle.

Cheers

Pappy

21387

[Pappy]

If you have the same mass flowing through a pipe, as the pipe diameter increases the velocity drops as does the pressure?

Best image I could come up with on short notice.

21388

[Jack B]

I think you agree with my statement, it is fairly basic. Your diagram backs it up, the pressure drops as you go thru the diffuser. The exit is low pressure.



Best image I could come up with on short notice.

21388

[SSGNRDZ_28]

Yes I have and there is no discernible difference with or without the tow hook. As I stated before there isn't enough of the hook in the airstream to do anything negative.

What are you worried about happening? The car wanting to yaw to the right with the added drag of the tow hook?

Good posts by Pappy above. Basically the diffuser is a critical part of the aero package and you're modifying the flow somewhat. I do think it would affect the airflow for sure. What I don't know is if this would be (0.001% or 25%) or the diffuser's effectiveness, and if the diffuser is (10% or 60%) of the rear downforce. That's why I said you'd have to try it on track. Keeping in mind some tracks might not highlight the difference as well as others.

My concern would not be yaw but perhaps a balance shift forward and probably some added drag that could effect top speed. Luckily the wing can produce way more downforce than the front can handle so you could probably remedy this by adjusting the wing position, again at the price of more drag.

[steve911]

While I can agree in theory with most of the comments here, In reality when you examine the bottom of a Viper there are may areas that disrupt the airflow long before it hits the diffusers in the back.

Even though the pic shows a Gen3/4 underside the same principles apply to the Gen V. T he circled areas create impedances to smooth airflow. There is a lip at the front of the belly pan that helps direct air up around the trans and tunnel area and directs it out the back of the car. The cut out just forward of the diff is a low pressure area created not only by the cut out but by the airflow up inside the tunnel area created the the forward belly pan lip. The airflow through that area is one of the reasons why transmission coolers are usually located there. The body plug locations (4) stick down almost an inch and their mere existence will also disrupt flow.

If the belly pan/ chassis bottom were completely smooth, things could most likely be different. Theory does not always give way to real life situations. I attached a pic of an F16 showing an actuator failure on the leading edge flap. The leading edge flap extends the entire length of the wing. Its over 20" high on the inboard edge and almost 9" on the outboard edge. The flap pitched up to 60 degrees
effectively killing all lift to that wing. Airplanes theoretically cannot fly with out both wings but this one recovered safely.

My point in all this is that while there maybe some effect, once everything is taken into account the detriment is very minimal, kinda like the folks who complain about a pound weight addition from some accessory causing a performance decrease but still run a full interior, carpet, A/C etc.

I have driven my car many, many times from 120-155 on the track and have had zero issues.
2139121392

[stradman]

While I can agree in theory with most of the comments here, In reality when you examine the bottom of a Viper there are may areas that disrupt the airflow long before it hits the diffusers in the back.

Even though the pic shows a Gen3/4 underside the same principles apply to the Gen V. T he circled areas create impedances to smooth airflow. There is a lip at the front of the belly pan that helps direct air up around the trans and tunnel area and directs it out the back of the car. The cut out just forward of the diff is a low pressure area created not only by the cut out but by the airflow up inside the tunnel area created the the forward belly pan lip. The airflow through that area is one of the reasons why transmission coolers are usually located there. The body plug locations (4) stick down almost an inch and their mere existence will also disrupt flow.

If the belly pan/ chassis bottom were completely smooth, things could most likely be different. Theory does not always give way to real life situations. I attached a pic of an F16 showing an actuator failure on the leading edge flap. The leading edge flap extends the entire length of the wing. Its over 20" high on the inboard edge and almost 9" on the outboard edge. The flap pitched up to 60 degrees
effectively killing all lift to that wing. Airplanes theoretically cannot fly with out both wings but this one recovered safely.

My point in all this is that while there maybe some effect, once everything is taken into account the detriment is very minimal, kinda like the folks who complain about a pound weight addition from some accessory causing a performance decrease but still run a full interior, carpet, A/C etc.

I have driven my car many, many times from 120-155 on the track and have had zero issues.
2139121392

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but I just got my rear tow hook like the one in this thread. It fits fine, however I do notice the actual hook does protrude down(obviously to be able to attach a hook onto it). My question is do people have this hook on all the time or only during track days and if so are they experiencing and bottoming out of the edge of the hook(nevermind it possibly hooking onto something as you are going at speed and ripping the bottom panels off!) Thanks

[ViperGeorge]

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but I just got my rear tow hook like the one in this thread. It fits fine, however I do notice the actual hook does protrude down(obviously to be able to attach a hook onto it). My question is do people have this hook on all the time or only during track days and if so are they experiencing and bottoming out of the edge of the hook(nevermind it possibly hooking onto something as you are going at speed and ripping the bottom panels off!) Thanks

The tow hook has a loop which the tow truck driver would attach his hook to in the event of a tow. You wouldn't have anything attached to it unless you were under tow. On the ACR-E with the diffuser stakes in place any rear tow is going to damage the diffuser unless it was pulled at the exactly correct angle (slightly to the rear passenger side). So while the rear tow hook may be functional, if you use it you will damage the diffuser. Better to be flat towed from the front hooks which extend out of the front fascia.

[stradman]

The tow hook has a loop which the tow truck driver would attach his hook to in the event of a tow. You wouldn't have anything attached to it unless you were under tow. On the ACR-E with the diffuser stakes in place any rear tow is going to damage the diffuser unless it was pulled at the exactly correct angle (slightly to the rear passenger side). So while the rear tow hook may be functional, if you use it you will damage the diffuser. Better to be flat towed from the front hooks which extend out of the front fascia.

That's strange. Why would they sell it then if that is the case when they know you will damage the diffuser as you say? So did I just waste my money??And no one has a rear tow hook on the ACR-E then?

[Fatboy 18]

Its to pull a race car out of the Gravel Trap, that is the only function of it. If the car is in the Gravel trap there will be plenty of other bodywork damage and I don't think you would be too bothered about a rear diffuser blade!

Its not for towing other cars on the street. )
In Europe early Vipers were fitted with a rear Tow loop which was attached to the top part of the rear chassis rail, it stuck out in the black slotted area within the bumper moulding on the passenger side. Why Dodge / Chrysler did not continue with this on the cars I have no idea as its a great location and would not interfere with the rear diffuser

24613

[ViperGeorge]

That's strange. Why would they sell it then if that is the case when they know you will damage the diffuser as you say? So did I just waste my money??And no one has a rear tow hook on the ACR-E then?

I have the tow hook on my ACR-E's rear and it sits too far in. It is also higher than the diffuser blades. The blades themselves are curved when installed. I'm talking to Mark Johnson from IPSCO about other alternatives but the design of the rear pan on the ACR makes other options challenging. And removing the pan to install some other kind of hook is difficult.

As Fatboy 18 states the rear tow hook is really intended to get the car after an off track excursion where other damage may have already occurred. If you were doing a flat tow the front tow hooks would be a better option assuming they were access-able after an incident.

[SSGNRDZ_28]

I'm working on a rear design that will exit above the diffuser but it's a few months out.

[stradman]

Its to pull a race car out of the Gravel Trap, that is the only function of it. If the car is in the Gravel trap there will be plenty of other bodywork damage and I don't think you would be too bothered about a rear diffuser blade!

Its not for towing other cars on the street. )
In Europe early Vipers were fitted with a rear Tow loop which was attached to the top part of the rear chassis rail, it stuck out in the black slotted area within the bumper moulding on the passenger side. Why Dodge / Chrysler did not continue with this on the cars I have no idea as its a great location and would not interfere with the rear diffuser

24613

Well not necessarily Mark. I have spun once off the track(not with the ACR-at least not yet!) and stopped facing the wall. Car wouldn't start despite no external damage-was pretty lucky. But they pulled me, back end first -there was a tow hook- and was no problem. So can happen.

[Fatboy 18]

Ive pulled a Mclaren MP412C out of a ditch and off a tree with my Front Tow hook on the Viper!! I put my car in reverse and pulled him out, the Mclaren was somewhat bent! (he aquaplaned off the road on the way back from Goodwood)

[ek1]

Here are a few pics of the Snake Oyl's rear hook installed on my car:24775247762477724778

Sorry about image rotation issues

[allans]

^^^^. What does that hook bolt to ? Thanks

[steve911]

The tow hook bolts to 3ea 8mm and a 6mm welded nuts on the chassis.

[ViperGeorge]

I just spent the day with Mark from IPSCO prototyping a rear tow hook that will exit through the hole in the rear bumper. It will be trick. The one pictured above will cause damage to the diffuser blades if you tow at a slight angle. IPSCO should have one in a matter of a weeks.

[A C R]

thanks ViperGeorge keep us informed

[allans]

The tow hook bolts to 3ea 8mm and a 6mm welded nuts on the chassis.

Thank you Steve.

[Exhlr8n]

Can any of these rear tow hooks and the Ipsco front tow hook be used to tie down in a trailer for transport? or not recommended.

[Colo08]

I just spent the day with Mark from IPSCO prototyping a rear tow hook that will exit through the hole in the rear bumper. It will be trick. The one pictured above will cause damage to the diffuser blades if you tow at a slight angle. IPSCO should have one in a matter of a weeks.

24812

[ViperGeorge]

Can any of these rear tow hooks and the Ipsco front tow hook be used to tie down in a trailer for transport? or not recommended.

I have used two IPSCO front tow hooks to tie down my old 09 ACR and my 15 TA. I moved them to my new ACR but haven't trailered the car yet. I also used two rear frame mounted IPSCO tow hooks to tie down the rear. The fronts should still work on the ACR but the older style IPSCO tow hooks do not fit an ACR, they do fit non-ACR Gen 5s. I used short axle straps through the front tow loops so as not to scrape up the hooks. IPSCO's stuff is like art so I wouldn't want to mess it up. In the rear I just clipped directly to the hook as they are under the car.

The newer design as Mark has pictured on my car will provide for one rear hook so it would allow for tying down the rear. However, the newer design mounts the hook in the ideal location, actually better than the old style. It will work on all Gen 5 Vipers too. For the rear of my ACR I will use long axle straps through the wheels with soft covers. The covers I found at Mac's tie downs. The straps are from Shipper's Supply.

[mjorgensen]

24812

^^^^^ Cool, and it will take a good side tug also which makes it very effective. Nice work Mark.

[Space Truckin]

:fpopcorn:

[ViperSRT]

:fpopcorn:

Going to need a lot of popcorn between these two and the viper tax thread with that Jersey guy.

[Arizona Vipers]

24812

Put me down for two of those bad boys! How much does it weigh?

[ek1]

I just spent the day with Mark from IPSCO prototyping a rear tow hook that will exit through the hole in the rear bumper. It will be trick. The one pictured above will cause damage to the diffuser blades if you tow at a slight angle. IPSCO should have one in a matter of a weeks.

How would this hook work with a differential cooler that mounts in the space behind the rear bumper?

[Colo08]

How would this hook work with a differential cooler that mounts in the space behind the rear bumper?

Do you have a picture of your cooler installed?

[mjorgensen]

Do you have a picture of your cooler installed?

24906

Would likely not be compatible as the cooler may block triangulation, we would need to try to fit though to know for sure.

[ek1]

Mark, is this the Snake Oyl kit?

[mjorgensen]

Mark, is this the Snake Oyl kit?

Yes, have sold a few "over the counter", but this is the only one we have installed.

[ek1]

Do you have a picture of your cooler installed?

Your hook looks great! I am getting a Snake Oyl diff cooler kit installed in the next couple of weeks. I will have lots of pictures taken. If you need any measurements, etc, let me know.

If you can make the hook work with the cooler kit, it will be awesome. You will also sell more of them since a lot of people who track their ACRs regularly will also go for the diff cooler since it's available now.

[slowhatch]

Very informative thread, pappy appreciate your comments.

While total impact to aero balance is questionable, I very much enjoyed brushing up on the theory.

[Gary Javo]

I would certainly be in for one or two of the through rear bumper hooks.

[stradman]

I would certainly be in for one or two of the through rear bumper hooks.

Would you guys need 2 at the back?

[FLATOUT]

Great looking and working rear hook solution.

Andy

[Fatboy 18]

24812

Great work (as usual) Mark. That looks fantastic. :dude3:

[Colo08]

24906

Would likely not be compatible as the cooler may block triangulation, we would need to try to fit though to know for sure.

Hi Mark,

looks like it may work with the cooler, the main bar of the rear tow hook is mounted down low on the end of the frame rails below the sway bar caps. this keeps the braces low also giving the clearance for the cooler mounted above, it just depends on how far back the cooler sits behind the sway bar.

24924

[Colo08]

Just an Update - One last fitting test with George and some installation instruction.25608

[stradman]

Just an Update - One last fitting test with George and some installation instruction.25608
Looking good Mark! Look forward to hearing its ready for sale!

[Arizona Vipers]

Very cool!

[ViperGeorge]

Was supposed to see Mark on Thursday for a fit of production version but it snowed in Denver that day. Rescheduled for this coming Tuesday. I hope to have it installed in time for the Hastings event in June. So anyone there hopefully can see it first hand. The design does not facilitate installation of 2 rear hooks unless Mark were to come up,with an option for that. As you see from pics the tow hook is triangulated to a bar bolted to frame on both sides. Uses factory holes. It will be strong as hell though.

[Hemibob]

Will someone please take my money!

[donk_316]

A lot of ACR guys feel the need to pull their car backwards or something?

I thought front tow hooks were only for drag cars so they didn't have to idle back to the pits.

Or is this more of a poser thing?

[nuviper]

The hooks will save lots of time to get your car out if you drive off the track by mistake, some organizer even asked you to have the hooks to participate in their event...at least that is the reason for me to add front and rear hooks on my car.

[Pappy]

A lot of ACR guys feel the need to pull their car backwards or something?

I thought front tow hooks were only for drag cars so they didn't have to idle back to the pits.

Or is this more of a poser thing?

NASA Rule Book:

11.4.19 Tow Eyes
It is STRONGLY recommended that all vehicles have at least two (2) easily accessible (and usable) tow eyes;
one (1) in front and one (1) in back.
The tow crew should attempt to avoid damaging the participant’s vehicle. However, should damage
occur in the course of loading, towing, preparing to tow, or unloading NASA and / or the tow crew will
not be held responsible for any damages.

Pappy

[Arizona Vipers]

NASA Rule Book:

11.4.19 Tow Eyes
It is STRONGLY recommended that all vehicles have at least two (2) easily accessible (and usable) tow eyes;
one (1) in front and one (1) in back.
The tow crew should attempt to avoid damaging the participant’s vehicle. However, should damage
occur in the course of loading, towing, preparing to tow, or unloading NASA and / or the tow crew will
not be held responsible for any damages.

Pappy

↑↑↑↑↑↑↑ This ↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑

If you spin off track and your front end is pointed towards a wall or other structure and the tow vehicle can't get to your front tow hook they are going to two your car off track by any means necessary and it won't be pretty.

[docwviper]

Was supposed to see Mark on Thursday for a fit of production version but it snowed in Denver that day. Rescheduled for this coming Tuesday. I hope to have it installed in time for the Hastings event in June. So anyone there hopefully can see it first hand. The design does not facilitate installation of 2 rear hooks unless Mark were to come up,with an option for that. As you see from pics the tow hook is triangulated to a bar bolted to frame on both sides. Uses factory holes. It will be strong as hell though.

Can't wait to see it at the event. Can the rear diff cooler Mark sells allow you to also have this installed? I guess that's my biggest question.

[ForTehNguyen]

all professional race cars have tow hooks front and back, its a safety device so they can get your car off the track, gravel pit, or dirt. Otherwise they are going to hook into whatever they can find and tear up your car. They arent posing

[Dan Cragin]

That looks like a great setup.

I have used the standard G3 G4 IPSCO tow hook as well. You just need to cut a small slit in the closeout panel where the frame rail is.

[ViperGeorge]

That looks like a great setup.

I have used the standard G3 G4 IPSCO tow hook as well. You just need to cut a small slit in the closeout panel where the frame rail is.

And Collectors Choice makes one but in either case if you have the diffuser blades on the car they will be mangled if you have to get a tow on an ACR-E. The new setup will be in a much better location and equally as strong. It won't mess up any parts either.

[Dan Cragin]

I agree,

This new setup is way better. With the standard IPSCO or Collectors tow hook, you can only be pulled in a straight line. not an angle.

I would like to purchase these as well.

[ViperGeorge]

Heading over to IPSCO tomorrow for a test fit of the production unit. Mark plans to take pictures for installation instructions. Hopefully he will have them available for sale soon. I'm sure he will post more pictures tomorrow of it installed.

[A C R]

Thanks George for keeping us up to date on the real towhook

[ViperGeorge]

Ok, spent the day with Mark of IPSCO. We got the rear tow hook installed on my car. It is rock solid. You could probably tow the Queen Mary with it. I'm sure Mark will post pictures of the final installed version.

We did have to make one modification to provide a firmer support structure. We added an adjustable rod for up and down movement of the hook to account for any variance car to car and it provides a tripod structure to add strength. It will require that one 5/16 hole be drilled through the end of frame in a part that is hidden. That cannot be helped due to the distance from the rear of the car to the rear of the frame but I assure you the hole is inconsequential. The hole provides an anchor point for the rod that allows for adjustment of the hook in the center of the opening. The hook can be pulled in any angle.

Anyone going to Hastings can see it first hand on my car. Anyone with an ACR needs this hook.

[Arizona Vipers]

Ok, spent the day with Mark of IPSCO. We got the rear tow hook installed on my car. It is rock solid. You could probably tow the Queen Mary with it. I'm sure Mark will post pictures of the final installed version.

We did have to make one modification to provide a firmer support structure. We added an adjustable rod for up and down movement of the hook to account for any variance car to car and it provides a tripod structure to add strength. It will require that one 5/16 hole be drilled through the end of frame in a part that is hidden. That cannot be helped due to the distance from the rear of the car to the rear of the frame but I assure you the hole is inconsequential. The hole provides an anchor point for the rod that allows for adjustment of the hook in the center of the opening. The hook can be pulled in any angle.

Anyone going to Hastings can see it first hand on my car. Anyone with an ACR needs this hook.

How much did the hook and all hardware weigh?

[ViperGeorge]

How much did the hook and all hardware weigh?

Mark made the brackets out of some high strength light weight material (chrome molly steel I think he said). I believe he said the weight was 11 pounds.

[pj96ss]

Any word on the progress of this?

[ViperGeorge]

I now have the production version installed on my car. Install is not too hard but you do need to drill one 5/16 hole in the end of a frame member on the passenger side. Easy to do really and completely invisible. The hook is very strong. The delay was due to us having to change the location of one of the support arms. There is a bar that bolts between left and right frame members (actually the frame tie down holes). You get to them by removing tires and plastic access panel. You might need an extra set of hands to fish the bar through from side to side. You then feed the tow hook support frame through back of car and attach it to the square bar with nuts and long extensions on your ratchet. Once this is done you drill a 5/16 hole in the end frame member above the sway bar and attach the third (triangulated) support bar. Mark was going to make a template for the hole location. This last support bar was the one we had to relocate. It is adjustable so that you can position the hook in the center of the rear bumper opening. You can also adjust it in and out to exactly where you want it.

Bar looks stock and is extremely strong in every direction. If you ever need to use it for a tow it will not damage any part of the car. Of course it is a good idea to carry an 18 inch axle strap to loop through either the front or rear tow hook so that the tow trucks metal hook doesn't mar the finish of the hook. On the other hand if you have to be towed you might have bigger issues than a marred tow hook.

[ViperGeorge]

Just heard from Mark at IPSCO. He is finishing up first run of parts and they will be ready to ship out to buyers next week. Orders can be placed with Mark Jorgensen at Woodhouse, Jon B at Parts Rack, or directly with IPSCO. Cost is $300.

[stradman]

Great news. I'll send Mark an email.

[Colo08]

This new designs allows the tow ring to continuously center as the pull angle changes, and be pushed out of the way when not being used. The tow hook has both horizontal & vertical support braces which tie into both lower frame rails for maximum support and distribution of the applied forces for those off line pulls. Because weight and strength were both major factors in the design the unit is made from 4130 Aircraft Chrome-moly tubing and 416 hardened Stainless Steel. Weight of the unit comes in at 11lbs, below are a couple of pictures of New Rear Tow Hook Designed for GEN 5 Cars with the Extreme package.
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[Space Truckin]

^^^Attachment is not working?^^^

[Arizona Vipers]

Is the weight confirmed at 11 lbs?

[Colo08]

Yes, it's 11 lbs

[stradman]

Dimensions please Mark?

[ViperGeorge]

Dimensions please Mark?

Which dimensions are you looking for and why? The main square bar that attaches to the left and right frame is the length needed to fit between the frame members on each side. The diagonal bars are long enough to allow the tow hook to protrude through the bumper as shown in the various pictures in this thread. Changing any dimension would mean the tow hook would not work.

[Stubbygda]

[QUOTE=Colo08;300291]This new designs allows the tow ring to continuously center as the pull angle changes, and be pushed out of the way when not being used. The tow hook has both horizontal & vertical support braces which tie into both lower frame rails for maximum support and distribution of the applied forces for those off line pulls. Because weight and strength were both major factors in the design the unit is made from 4130 Aircraft Chrome-moly tubing and 416 hardened Stainless Steel. Weight of the unit comes in at 11lbs, below are a couple of pictures of New Rear Tow Hook Designed for GEN 5 cars

i know this was designed to avoid strake issue with acre but will it work with any gen 5 like the ta2.0?

[Colo08]

[QUOTE=Colo08;300291]This new designs allows the tow ring to continuously center as the pull angle changes, and be pushed out of the way when not being used. The tow hook has both horizontal & vertical support braces which tie into both lower frame rails for maximum support and distribution of the applied forces for those off line pulls. Because weight and strength were both major factors in the design the unit is made from 4130 Aircraft Chrome-moly tubing and 416 hardened Stainless Steel. Weight of the unit comes in at 11lbs, below are a couple of pictures of New Rear Tow Hook Designed for GEN 5 cars

i know this was designed to avoid strake issue with acre but will it work with any gen 5 like the ta2.0?

Yes, it will work on any GEN 5 car.

[stradman]

I want to know the dimensions so I can steal his plans and make a replica of it...LOL!
If you really need to know I need to see how big the flipping thing is as I have a mate of mine coming to you guys in the States for a couple of weeks next week and need to know if he can fit it into his suitcase that's all.....

[allans]

Ordered thru Mark at Woodhouse. Hope I never need it! Allan

[Colo08]

I want to know the dimensions so I can steal his plans and make a replica of it...LOL!
If you really need to know I need to see how big the flipping thing is as I have a mate of mine coming to you guys in the States for a couple of weeks next week and need to know if he can fit it into his suitcase that's all.....

You can break it down into 3 parts, (1st part) would be 26" long X 5", (2nd part) would 24" X 14", (3rd part) 7" X 3". Hope that helps

[stradman]

Many thanks Mark. Will email you soon

[pj96ss]

Just called and ordered. Like others, I hope I never need it.