Towing Question for GT350

[460Fred]

Honey Badger,
Do you have a link to the FP unit you purchased? and how is the install vs the ZL1 unit?

Just Google the product, easy to find.
Usually I can find utube install videos on just about anything, I couldn’t find anything on this install.

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[Muligan]

Couple pics of the FP design on the Mule. The only time I used these to winch the Mule onto the trailer was when the throwout bearing blew up and the car was immobile, so I used the front hook to pull the car up onto the loading ramps far enough so that I could get underneath and hook up the V strap to the subframe for the final pull into place.

Note that these require removing the front and rear fascia to install and require drilling the bumper beams, cutting the grill, and removing the back-up lamp.

 

[The Chairman]

You can add a backup light. I did using the Ford rear hook on both my GT350 and GT500.

I bought the white 12v LED strip at Academy Sports in the boating section.

 

[Egparson202]

You can add a backup light. I did using the Ford rear hook on both my GT350 and GT500.

I bought the white 12v LED strip at Academy Sports in the boating section.

That’s a great idea! We didn’t think of it when we were installing mine so I’d have to remove the rear bumper. Nobody likes rework but it’s tempting.

 

[Biggsy]

That’s a great idea! We didn’t think of it when we were installing mine so I’d have to remove the rear bumper. Nobody likes rework but it’s tempting.

My thoughts exactly. I installed the Vorshlag rear tow hook because it was a not drill/cut option but I like this as it is a center tow hook instead of offset.

just don’t feel like messing with the bumper again lol

 

[Flyhalf]

I have a winch on my open trailer and the front end of the car overhangs the front of the trailer bed area, so connecting to the tow hook (mine is the FP version that protrudes from the lower part of the grill) doesn't work due to the angles involved.

Instead, I follow the owner's manual instructions for flatbed towing. Using a V-strap with J-hooks on the end, I connect the J-hooks to the front subframe from underneath (look for the keyhole-shaped cutouts that are aligned with the front edge of the doors). I then leave this strap connected to the winch with a bit of tension on it after the wheel tie-downs are in place.

Here's the slot the J-hooks go into.... just ignore the transmission lube in this pic - was taken when I was trying to figure out a past issue that was related to an improperly positioned vent.

Quick side question. Size of the.trailer? 16"?
Also do you open the door?

 

[The Chairman]

My thoughts exactly. I installed the Vorshlag rear tow hook because it was a not drill/cut option but I like this as it is a center tow hook instead of offset.

just don’t feel like messing with the bumper again lol

I think you can reach the wiring by just removing the belly pan. On the second install, I got the wires reversed (polarity is important for LEDs). Was able to reach the wires without pulling the cover.
Used 3M double-sided body tape to stick the light to the tow hook.

 

[Muligan]

Quick side question. Size of the.trailer? 16"?
Also do you open the door?

It's a 14' x 8.5' Featherlite 3110. The wider model (standard is only 8') is a must-have with a GT350, as there's only about 1" on either side when the car is on the bed.

The fenders come off with just three "T" spring handles per side, leaving quite a bit of room to open both doors.

Given how easy the fenders come off, they spend the night in my truck when stopping overnight on the road. Also, the cable in this pic is connected with a piercingly loud motorcycle brake rotor lock..... certainly not high-security, but serves as a good deterrent and gives a bit of peace of mind.

 

[Bridgie]

One time crash recovery on a ZL1 Front tow hook.. more cosmetic than function..
they had only welded one side and the melt had not even reached the core of the brace.

A free replacement with welds both sides was provided by ZL1. I have been using that now to winch into an enclosed trailer.. it flexes and creaks, but has so far held strong. Will look for a more robust solution over the winter..

 

[Biggsy]

One time crash recovery on a ZL1 Front tow hook.. more cosmetic than function..
they had only welded one side and the melt had not even reached the core of the brace.

A free replacement with welds both sides was provided by ZL1. I have been using that now to winch into an enclosed trailer.. it flexes and creaks, but has so far held strong. Will look for a more robust solution over the winter..

You have a 500 front bumper right ? From your pictures It looks like it has a tow hook access cover. You should be able to get the crash bar with the tow hook provision. And that way you just buy a tow hook of your choosing to screw in

 

[Bridgie]

It’s a Vicrez aftermarket bumper without the hole.. (it’s fake) I’ve put the double welded replacement brace back on with central hook through the bottom grill.
The replacement crash bar didn’t have a welded nut either.

My Black Mustang with the RED tongue is quite well known around my area.. LOL

 

[Biggsy]

It’s an aftermarket bumper without the hole.. I’ve put the double welded replacement brace back on with central hook through the bottom grill.
The replacement crash bar didn’t have a welded nut either.

My Black Mustang with the RED tongue is quite well known around my area.. LOL

Oh I thought this was functional

 

[2morrow]

I feel lucky. I had to use my ZL1 hook when I blew a clutch. It worked fine and there was no creaking but with looking throught he thread again I'll look for a more robust solution over the winter.

 

[Lorne34]

Couple pics of the FP design on the Mule. The only time I used these to winch the Mule onto the trailer was when the throwout bearing blew up and the car was immobile, so I used the front hook to pull the car up onto the loading ramps far enough so that I could get underneath and hook up the V strap to the subframe for the final pull into place.

Note that these require removing the front and rear fascia to install and require drilling the bumper beams, cutting the grill, and removing the back-up lamp.

I have to get down to IL sometime to see your shop. It looks like disneyland to me! LOL.... If I continue to expand my track driving this year, I need to get one of these installed.

 

[Hobdul]

One time crash recovery on a ZL1 Front tow hook.. more cosmetic than function..
they had only welded one side and the melt had not even reached the core of the brace.

A free replacement with welds both sides was provided by ZL1. I have been using that now to winch into an enclosed trailer.. it flexes and creaks, but has so far held strong. Will look for a more robust solution over the winter..

Last year I bought front and rear tow hooks from ZL1. The rear welds were terrible, totally unacceptable. I sent it back and they sent me a new one that was just as bad, so I returned it and got a Ford Performance rear hook.

The ZL1 front hook was good to install and held up to a tow out of some mud last weekend when I slid off a rainy track, but I will likely replace it with a Ford Performance hook for peace of mind given rear hook issues and everything discussed on this thread, and because the long shaft is now slightly loose and I don't see how to adjust it without removing the bumper again.

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