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Do these come with a car new? Why are some $20-40 and some $199? And don't tell me quality capt obvious. I'm pretty sure some are made in china and some are marked up big time.
It seems like you already have an idea of the answer to your second question. In addition to quality, I'm sure things like brand, construction, and fit/finish all factor into cost. Lighter weight (titanium) hooks are more expensive than steel ones. Well-finished and painted ones are more expensive than those that remain a little "rough" or less "finished." FWIW, I wouldn't trust the well-being of my Corvette to a $20 tow hook that almost certainly is made from Chinese steel, to Chinese QC standards.
some of the tow hooks are made from light weight aluminum and are not for towing/pulling - just looks. these were selling for $60 each while the "real" ones - steel, where selling for $120 each
I bought this one from ebay for about $36 shipped: "Tow hook towing eye loop bracket ring Chevrolet Corvette Cadillac XLR" https://www.ebay.com/itm/274582442547
It fit in the front without any issues and seems like it would be comparable to factory, havent used it but just wanted to have something just in case.
It also fit in the stock location above the battery just had to file out some of the hard foam, so it was pretty much the same size/length its just more oval than circle at end.
I have the Corvette 14-19 Premium Tow Hook ZL1 Add Ons. Good quality. They work and you can modify foam a little to keep them in car. If you buy cheepo unbranded ones on eBay or Amazon.. you get what you pay for is all I can say.
Last edited by Gixxerman; Aug 16, 2021 at 12:01 PM.
I bought this one from ebay for about $36 shipped: "Tow hook towing eye loop bracket ring Chevrolet Corvette Cadillac XLR" https://www.ebay.com/itm/274582442547
It fit in the front without any issues and seems like it would be comparable to factory, havent used it but just wanted to have something just in case.
It also fit in the stock location above the battery just had to file out some of the hard foam, so it was pretty much the same size/length its just more oval than circle at end.
If that one actually works, you got a screaming deal.
The official hook for our 2017 Z51 had a list price of over $100, weighs about 5 pounds, and looks like it came off a 1920's steamship.
I bought this one from ebay for about $36 shipped: "Tow hook towing eye loop bracket ring Chevrolet Corvette Cadillac XLR" https://www.ebay.com/itm/274582442547
It fit in the front without any issues and seems like it would be comparable to factory, havent used it but just wanted to have something just in case.
It also fit in the stock location above the battery just had to file out some of the hard foam, so it was pretty much the same size/length its just more oval than circle at end.
Originally Posted by NortonCO
I wouldn't trust the well-being of my Corvette to a $20 tow hook...
even if it appears to have been made in Lithuania, rather than China.
Just because it fits doesn't mean it won't fail when you actually need to use it, potentially damaging your car. IMO, a quality hook was well-worth the $100 investment.
Originally Posted by Gixxerman
I have the Corvette 14-19 Premium Tow Hook ZL1 Add Ons. Good quality. They work and you can modify foam a little to keep them in car. If you buy cheepo unbranded ones on eBay or Amazon.. you get what you pay for is all I can say.
I also went with a ZL1 Add Ons tow hook. Construction, fit, and finish are all excellent.
I have the Corvette 14-19 Premium Tow Hook ZL1 Add Ons. Good quality. They work and you can modify foam a little to keep them in car. If you buy cheepo unbranded ones on eBay or Amazon.. you get what you pay for is all I can say.
I have the same one. Appears to be excellent quality, and HEAVY! What's the short one for?
The "long" tow hook is designed for the front, but can be used front or rear, while the "short" one is designed for the rear and can only be used there.
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Your captain obvious comment really says it all - a huge difference is the quality of the tow hook. I would want one that is a heavy duty piece and the finish is top notch. But it is your choice as to whether you want to take a chance on a really inexpensive tow hook.
All this being said, they are not really "tow" hooks except for tracking, and that for very limited dragging out of the way of the action... nothing more. .
I went onto pea gravel once.. you cannot move.. the tow hooks let them help you get back on track. If you need anything stronger I would think car is pretty wrecked and probably doesn't matter at that point.
All this being said, they are not really "tow" hooks except for tracking, and that for very limited dragging out of the way of the action... nothing more. .
If my 'Vette ever required a tow vehicle it would likely be a flatbed. The tow hook would be where the flatbed winch connects.
There is little difference in quality between the different tow hooks. Some have added features such as a swivel loop but whether it is the simple GM version or the highest priced aftermarket version they all do the job and that is what quality is all about. If it does the job it is a quality piece. Looks are unimportant since they all look like crap hanging on the front or rear of the car.
Using the tow hook to load a C7 on a flatbed will pull your car to the left and put stress on the hook. It is better to use a tow strap that has T-Hooks using the T-Hook slots (where you put the lifting pucks) and will winch your car straight up the bed. and then use over the wheel to tie it down.
I have the Corvette 14-19 Premium Tow Hook ZL1 Add Ons. Good quality. They work and you can modify foam a little to keep them in car. If you buy cheepo unbranded ones on eBay or Amazon.. you get what you pay for is all I can say.
Not to hijack this thread, but what did you use to cut out/shape foam - looks like a nice clean job? I have same tow hooks and had thought abought this, but haven't had good results cutting molded foam in past. Thanks.
Last edited by PaConehead; Aug 18, 2021 at 09:27 PM.
Using the tow hook to load a C7 on a flatbed will pull your car to the left and put stress on the hook. It is better to use a tow strap that has T-Hooks using the T-Hook slots (where you put the lifting pucks) and will winch your car straight up the bed. and then use over the wheel to tie it down.
I bought this bridal also. I just keep it in the cubby in the hatch area just in case.
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