TOW&HITCH Red Powder-Coated D-Ring Bow Shackle

The shackle is the weakest link in any recovery chain — which is exactly why you should not trust a cheap hardware-store bolt with your truck. The TOW&HITCH D-ring bow shackle is forged from high-grade steel and finished in a tough red powder coat, built to take the snatch loads that come with pulling a stuck 4×4 out of the mud.

Bright red is the pro choice for recovery gear: it is visible from 30 meters away on a dusty trail, easy to spot on the bumper of a helping vehicle, and instantly tells fellow off-roaders that this is a rated recovery point — not a decorative tie-down loop.

The threaded pin runs freely and seats firmly. Back it off a quarter turn after tightening, drop an R-clip through the cross-hole, and the pin cannot work loose. The included black isolator washer eliminates the annoying clatter you get with bare-steel shackles bolted into a receiver mount or bumper ear.

We even include the serrated snap-on cover that other brands sell as an add-on. Clip it onto the bow for a rugged, toothed look that matches modern off-road bumpers, or run the shackle bare for a cleaner factory finish. One shackle, two looks, zero extra purchase.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Q1. What size shackle is this?

This is a 3/4-inch (19 mm) bow shackle, the most common size for Jeep, pickup and SUV off-road recovery. It pairs with a 7/8-inch (22 mm) pin hole on a recovery mount or bumper ear. Confirm your mount's pin hole size before ordering.

Q2. Can I use this with a 2-inch receiver shackle mount?

Yes. This shackle is designed to bolt into any standard 2-inch receiver recovery mount (including the TOW&HITCH receiver shackle mount) or any reinforced off-road bumper recovery ear.

Q3. What is the difference between MBS and WLL?

MBS (Minimum Breaking Strength) is the tested load at which the shackle breaks. WLL (Working Load Limit) is the safe working load with a safety factor (typically 5:1). Always size your recovery so the expected snatch load stays well below the WLL.

Q4. Do I need to buy the protective cover separately?

No. The red serrated snap-on cover and the black isolator washer are already included in the box. Clip the cover onto the bow for a rugged look, or run it bare.

Q5. What can I connect to this shackle?

Rated recovery straps, snatch ropes, kinetic recovery ropes, soft shackles, winch extension straps and tow chains. Do not connect non-rated straps, cables, chains without certification, or improvised ropes.

Q6. How do I install the pin?

Slide the threaded pin through the shackle eye and the mounting ear (with the isolator washer between them), thread it by hand until snug, then back it off approximately 1/4 turn to allow free rotation. Secure the cross-hole with an R-clip or safety pin.

Q7. Is the red coating durable?

The shackle and pin are powder-coated, not painted. Powder coat is chip-resistant and rust-proof under normal trail use. After each trip, wipe off mud and salt; touch up any scratches that expose bare metal to prevent rust.

Q8. Can I use this for lifting?

No. This shackle is rated for towing and recovery only. It is not a lifting point and must never be used with a crane, hoist, jack or sling to lift people, vehicles or loads.

Q9. How many should I carry?

Carry at least two: one on your own recovery point, one as a spare or for double-strap rigging. Most overlanders also keep a third for emergency use on a friend's rig.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Confirmed observations are filled in below. Values marked [TO BE FILLED] must be verified against the production sample or certified test report before publishing — do not ship a live listing with placeholders.

WHAT'S IN THE BOX

1 × TOW&HITCH red D-ring bow shackle (forged steel, powder-coated)

1 × threaded pin with cross-hole (red powder-coated)

1 × serrated snap-on protective cover (red)

1 × black isolator washer

R-clip / safety pin: [TO BE FILLED — confirm whether included]

Usage instruction / warning label (recommended)

DISCLAIMER & SAFETY WARNING

PLEASE READ BEFORE USE — RECOVERY COMPONENTS ARE HIGH-RISK.

This is an off-road recovery shackle, not a trailer hitch, not a lifting point, and not a tie-down for securing cargo on a roof rack or trailer. Use it only for rated recovery and towing applications.
Never exceed the Working Load Limit (WLL) of the shackle, the recovery strap / rope, the mount, or the vehicle's rated recovery capacity — always respect the LOWEST of these.
Dynamic snatch loads can multiply several times the vehicle's weight. Only use rated recovery straps or snatch ropes. Never use chains, steel cables or non-rated straps for dynamic recovery.
Always stand clear of the load path. Keep all bystanders at least 1.5× the strap length away. Place a damper, jacket or blanket over the strap to arrest it if it snaps.
Before every use, inspect the shackle body for cracks, bends, dents, corrosion or thread damage. Inspect the pin threads and the cross-hole. Do not use a damaged shackle — replace it.
Tighten the pin finger-tight, back off 1/4 turn, and secure the cross-hole with an R-clip or safety pin. Never recover with a loose, missing or partially threaded pin.
Never side-load a shackle (pulling at an angle across the bow). Load must be applied in the plane of the bow to avoid bending the pin or body.
Images are for illustration only. Actual bow diameter, pin size, MBS, WLL, dimensions and included accessories are subject to the Specifications table and product label. Values marked [TO BE FILLED] must be confirmed against the production sample and certified test report before the listing goes live.
TOW&HITCH and the seller are not liable for property damage, personal injury or death resulting from misuse, overloading, improper attachment, side-loading, use beyond rated capacity, failure to inspect, or operation in violation of applicable laws. By purchasing this product, the buyer acknowledges the inherent risks of off-road recovery and agrees to use this product at their own responsibility.