Westcott Aluminum v.s. Amazon Aluminum

[PNWkip]

Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this. Westcott uses 6061 Auluminum. Amazon brand says T6061 aluminum. Amazon lists 5-6,000lb weight capacity (not that I trust that). Westcott doesn't list a capacity.

Just curious if any knowledgeable folks know much about aluminum strength. I obviously trust a US made brand over cheap chinese brands (learned that lesson before) but wondering if the extra $160 of juice is worth the squeeze for most folks if it is the same type of aluminum.


Westcott v.s. Amazon

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[Cabby30]

6061 indicates an aluminum alloy, T6 is a very common temper of 6061.
Theoretically, if they're are both 6061-T6 then the material properties will be the same for either one.

What I have noticed, just based on your images, are the different designs.
The amazon design appears to copy the OEM tow hook design. The OEM ones are forged steel and designed with that specific material in order to meet whatever requirements/specifications Toyota intended. This alone would keep me from purchasing the amazon ones unless you don't actually plan to use them.

You can see the mounting holes on the westcott ones have much thicker material in that area, likely because they were designed to be aluminum from the get-go.

However, If just for bling... then doesn't matter.

 

[PNWkip]

6061 indicates an aluminum alloy, T6 is a very common temper of 6061.
Theoretically, if they're are both 6061-T6 then the material properties will be the same for either one.

What I have noticed, just based on your images, are the different designs.
The amazon design appears to copy the OEM tow hook design. The OEM ones are forged steel and designed with that specific material in order to meet whatever requirements/specifications Toyota intended. This alone would keep me from purchasing the amazon ones unless you don't actually plan to use them.

You can see the mounting holes on the westcott ones have much thicker material in that area, likely because they were designed to be aluminum from the get-go.

However, If just for bling... then doesn't matter.

Good insight !

Yea I did notice the thickness at the mounting points. Also for me, the tapered design of the Westcott would fit better with the aftermarket crossmember on the SR5.

I have the OEM hooks and spent the extra money there in case I ever never use them. Was just looking around for the raw aluminum to match my machined wheels, and wondered about this, but would ultimately rather have something safe and functional in the off chance that I have to use them when I'm doing my light wheelin'

 

[PNWkip]

The Sxth mounting holes are pretty thin too, but 7075

 

[PNWkip]

I ordered the Westcott hooks, but out of curiosity because Amazon does overnight delivery and free returns, I snagged a set of Amazon special hooks to see the quality. 100% low quality. With cracks in the mounting points!
I would say even if you only plan to use them for aesthetics, don't get them. If you ever get into a situation where you have to use them, even once in the lifetime of the truck, they are not safe to use for recovery.

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