Bite the bullet and install some brackets that will accommodate the massive
D rings.  Install rings when you need to tow.  Leave brackets welded on the
front rails.  A quick check with the syncronuts will give you more ideas.

Pensionerd

On Tue, May 24, 2011 at 8:39 AM, Rocket J Squirrel <
camping.elliott@gmail.com> wrote:

> My son has shackles, e.g.,
>
> <http://www.4by4connection.com/drings.html>
>
> mounted to his Jeep's front and rear bumpers. I know the bumpers on the
> Vanagon are not strong enough to use to mount shackles to for unstucking
> purposes.
>
> So are there sufficiently strong points on the van?
>
> I do have a fairly sturdly hitch receiver mounted to the rear tow loops.
> Maybe attach a couple shackles to it?
>
> For the front, I dunno.
>
> --
> Rocky J Squirrel, AKA Jack Elliott
> '84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
> '74 Westrailia: (Ladybug Trailer company, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
> Bend, OR
> KG6RCR
>