Fitting JATE rings (recovery points) to RRC with front valence?

OK, I have been discussing this in the “Offroading” forum but thought it worth an ask here too, just because you’re all Range Rover owners!

I’ve bought a pair of JATE rings for the front of my RRC to use as recovery points, as I know the standard towing eye is next to useless if you get stuck. The rear is taken care of by the towbar. Now, these are usually fitted to the two front cross members, using the holes already there that currently hold the front valence on to the car.

However, I really don’t like the look of Range Rover Classics without the front valence in place, and given I am not ‘seriously’ offroading the car, ideally I would like to keep this fitted to the vehicle. Is it possible to mount the JATE rings anywhere else so that A) they are strong enough to be used as intended and B) can be used with the front bumper & valence fitted to the vehicle?

I don’t mind cutting a small hole in the front valence to allow each JATE ring to poke through, but just not sure if this is possible – anyone managed it before? Photo’s would be perfect if you’ve got them!

Anyone got any ideas on this?

I think the short answer is no not really. The front valance is really easy to take off so I suspect that if it was absolutely necessary you could keep the Jates in the car with appropriate tools to remove valance and fit Jates. A bit of a faff but ultimately if push comes to shove you will have the means to recover your motor if you get it that stuck and you can't be recovered using the rear tow hitch. BTW never try to recover your rangie using the lashing eyes and don't use the standard front towing eye for anything other than normal towing on a flat piece of tarmac.

OK, thanks Kev. Yeah I've been told not to use the lashing eyes (ever) or the towing eye offroad - and having looked at them, I can see why!

I think I am right in syaing the JATE rings fit where the bumper bolts on to - so you can't have both fitted at the same time? I don't mind removing the front bumper, but would be good to have the JATE rings fixed permanently to the chassis if possible, and not have to remove them as well each time!!

I fitted a JATE ring to the front of my chassis using a mount further back, I think its the mount the steering box would have used if it was LHD???

Steve

Oh awesome, thanks for the tip Steve! How much further back are we talking? Too far would make them a pain to access when stuck, but if not a million miles away they could be ideal!

the valence can be fooker to get off if the bolts are stuck , as mine are!!

without cutting them I cant do mine as the two inner ones (abover the number plate area) are solid and outer ones just unwind the brass insert out of the plastic :doh:

Fett - I was on a high from Steve's comments, not you've brought me back to reality with a bang!! If they have to be cut off, so be it

lol , philastine

Dont worry, they'll be replaced! I'm only taking the front valence off to avoid damaging it, it'll then immediately be put back on!

MikeV8SE said:

Dont worry, they'll be replaced! I'm only taking the front valence off to avoid damaging it, it'll then immediately be put back on!

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I'll take some pics for you tomorrow..........

Thanks Steve!

MikeV8SE said:

Thanks Steve!

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Sorry mate, not managed to get out to the car yet, been working silly hours.

I WILL get a pic for you at some point, meanwhile I'll try and describe it!!!

If you look under the front of the car, passenger side chassis leg, you have a small U shaped piece of metal for towing.

Behind that there is a tube mounted to the underside of the chassis, and spans the width of the chassis leg.

I fitted a jate ring to that tube, and removed it to make way for a steering guard that has recovery points built in.

I hope that makes sense!!!!

Tanks Steve! Well, I didn't fit the JATE rings as ran out of time but I think what I am going to do is fit the JATE ring further back to some existing holes in the chassis, then attach a 1 metre strop I've got between them with a bow shackle at either end. To that strop I will then attached my tow rope and feed that through a slot I will cut in the front bumper, and then that can come up to mirrors or windows when offroading so it is easily accessible. Sorted!