2013 Camry XLE tow hooks

[windeye]

I have just become aware that my Camry (made in Kentucky) does not come with any tow hooks like my mazda3 does. Searched the internet, it is clear that gen 7 Camry made in USA does not have any tow hooks.

Some said to use control arm, some said there are elongated holes on body rail on the front. Some said to add hitch, of which I looked at the recommended attach points in the rear. The body rail in the rear is not reinforced, the shell is thin, and I don't believe it will be able to sustain reasonable forces.

Apparently this has been a trend for car makers to not include tow hooks or not design for tow hooks either.

How do we manage a tow or recovery/rescue? Any experiences? Please share.

 

[Nick1994]

Tow truck drivers use a bridle chain and they’re like a key that fit into the front frame rails, if they aren’t in a convenient spot or it doesn’t have them, they just use big hooks to the control arms.

But, for DIY, kinda screwed.

 

[Pelican]

This is a pet peeve for me,, I have a 2017 RX350 with no tow-hooks, just one level below top line,
apparently the VERY TOP Pkg and perhaps the Sport model have screw ins that screw from the grill,
but mine does not. What if you have to pull the vehicle from a ditch? No front or back hooks, for shame
Lexus/Toyota rectify this.

 

[D60]

I have just become aware that my Camry (made in Kentucky) does not come with any tow hooks like my mazda3 does. Searched the internet, it is clear that gen 7 Camry made in USA does not have any tow hooks.

Some said to use control arm, some said there are elongated holes on body rail on the front. Some said to add hitch, of which I looked at the recommended attach points in the rear. The body rail in the rear is not reinforced, the shell is thin, and I don't believe it will be able to sustain reasonable forces.

Apparently this has been a trend for car makers to not include tow hooks or not design for tow hooks either.

How do we manage a tow or recovery/rescue? Any experiences? Please share.

Does Toyota offer a factory hitch option? If so, what do they claim as GTW?

I understand your concerns but if the load is properly spread sheetmetal can take a surprising amount of force, which of course is basically why unibodies work at all.

 

[windeye]

 

[windeye]

Manual says no tow hitch.

 

[paulo57509]

I wondered why there are these little square-ish "windows" on the bumpers of Toyotas. You remove them and thread in one of these for recovery.

51961-30020 Genuine Toyota Hook, Front

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There's a place for a hook in the tool tray of the Highlander but it's vacant. I don't know if Toyota still puts the threaded nuts behind the bumper. There's no hook "windows" on the rear bumper.

FWIW, Toyota Part No.: 51967-0E040 is a rear tow hook for a 2013 Camry.

 

[windeye]

The US build Camrys don't have that feature... it is a feature on Japan built camrys. The emergency tool kit does not include the eyelet that screws into front bumper. The rear tow hook I checked, it is for Japan build camry as well, but don't know if it will fit, will investigate further.

 

[windeye]

well. looked. carefully. there is no room to add anything on the rear passenger side, there is a muffler there. It's possibility to add a hook to the rear driver side. I can cut a slot in the splash shield.

 

[eljefino]

The "tow hooks" are for tying down for shipping first, tow trucks second.

The screw in bumper eyebolt came in handy when my Prius got hung up on a snowbank. I would miss having them too.

 

[Dave9]

At the risk of seeming crazy, my strategy has been to drive something that isn't likely to get stuck, in areas where I might get stuck. Otherwise, instead of permanently mounted, I'd consider assembling a chain hook assembly that you can slap on the control arms when the need arises. Inconvenient for sure if it is buried in snow, but if you really want something permanent then I'd consider welding on a plate that distributes the load better, then mount the hook to that. Where to put it? I'd need it on a lift to tell you.

 

[SC Maintenance]

My 2019 Rav4 was built in Japan and has tow hooks. As mentioned there designed for shipping the car - tie down on the ship.

Handy for tying kayaks off the roof rack also.