I just got a 17 Renegade limited. Wondering if I can add the red tow hooks to the limited? If so is it a pretty easy instal? Thanks and looking forward to meeting up for a ride soon! Sent from my iPhone using ToasterJeep mobile app
It's not an easy install at least in the front. The front structural bumper is not the same between the non-TH models and the Trailhawk, that whole assembly would probably have to be replaced, plus getting the brackets for the hooks, plus the hooks themselves. If you want the hook in the back, get a factory-type in-bumper hitch that replaces the last crossmember, it has the provision to accept the rear hook, plus you'll need the hook itself. You'll also have to cut out the cover for it or get a TH-style rear bumper cover.
Wow! Ok maybe I don't want the hooks that bad! Thanks for the response! Sent from my iPhone using ToasterJeep mobile app
I guess the best way to think about it, it's not the hooks that make the Trailhawk, so much as it's the Trailhawk that's strong enough to handle what can be dished-out when using the hooks. There's a picture somewhere of someone with a non-TH that had used one of those European eye-bolts in the front bumper to attempt to recover the Renegade offroad, and had tore his front structural bumper and bumper cover off in the process. It looked like the structural bumper was aluminum, and it just didn't have what it took to stand up to those kinds of forces. For the back, the TH had a steel reinforced bumper that has a provision to take the hook. It bolts to the body with six grade 10.9 fasteners, basically the same strength as a tow hitch version would need. Since you need a stout piece of steel for a hitch anyway it just makes sense to make all hitches good enough for the TH model, which is why it's at least possible to upgrade the rear end. If you do go with that, the Renegade Ready kit is what I used to put a hitch on our TH. It's a lot of work especially if you want wiring to go with the hitch, but may be worthwhile if you want the extra strength.
@TWX That factory screw in tow hook eye bolt (or the cheap crappy ones on ebay) is for moving the car on a track, on the road or on to flat bed tow truck. Not for offroad recovery. But I guess some people have to learn the hard way. Remember all of the bumper cross members (aluminum or steel )these days are part of the crumple zone to reduce g forces on occupants in a crash. They are not intended for recovery. The Factory Trailhawk two hooks are beefy and mounted to reinforced locations. On top of that, the parts, like everything else for this renegade are way overpriced. You can see the parts and prices HERE. Its about $400 for the two front tow hooks at the discounted online prices not including the brackets and front bumper crossmember. You can see the prices for the frame parts HERE. The crossmember is about $225. So it would add up quickly with some of the other small parts, bolts, nuts and brackets. Not to mention a new bumper cover if you wanted the TrailHawk one. I hope this helps.
