DIY: Installing Factor 55’s UltraHook To Add Closed System Winching Safety For Off-Road Overland Vehicle Recoveries

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Factor 55’s UltraHook is unique in the world of winching. What sets it apart aside from its over the top robust build, is the introduction of a shackle mount hole, machined right into the body of the hook.

The UltraHook was originally created to cater to off-road racers who craved the speed and functionality of a hook while enjoying the safety of a closed system winch. Now it’s widely used on all forms of off-road vehicles, such as our overland tourer, the OVR Project Land Cruiser 100 (OVR LC100).

Aside from being supremely capable, the Factor 55 UltraHook looks mighty good, doesn’t it?

Its precision CNC machined 7000 series military grade aluminum construction ensures both strength and lightweight performance. You can use it as a conventional hook or a shackle mount thanks to its shackle pin mounting hole that accepts screw pins from common 3/4” and soft shackles up to 1/2”. This design eliminates the need for rope splicing, as it accepts rope/cable eyes, suitable for both steel and synthetic winch ropes.

UltraHook allows for traditional and closed system winching. Note the radiused corners. perfect for soft shackle use.

UltraHook allows for conventional as well as closed system winching. Note the radiused corners that are perfect for soft shackle use.

Safety latch with integrated latch lock pin allows for true closed system winching.

Safety is a priority with the UltraHook, featuring a safety latch with an integrated latch lock pin, providing true closed system winching. The latch pin is neatly tucked away in the hook’s body, ready to lock the safety latch securely in place. To make life even easier, integrated finger grips help you ensure you’ve got the proper “Hook Up” orientation, eliminating any guesswork.

Integrated finger grips promote proper “Hook-Up” orientation.

Double shear pin design accepts rope cable eyes, for use with steel or synthetic winch rope. EPDM rubber pads prevent rattling and fairlead scratches.

The UltraHook isn’t just about functionality; it’s about protection too. It comes with 5/8” aerospace-grade titanium double shear pin and thanks to built-in EPDM rubber pads, this hook can be neatly stored against your winch’s fairlead. That means no more worrying about metal-on-metal connections or rattling.

Can we talk about the beautiful finish and laser markings on the UltraHook for a second? Just look at it, it’s gorgeous.

The hook can accommodate line diameters up to 3/8”, folds flat to 3” thickness, and has a maximum load of 16,000 lbs, with ultimate strength reaching 31,000 pounds at the hook throat opening and 48,000 pounds at the shackle pin mount. Weighing just 32 ounces, the Factor 55 UltraHook is engineered, tested, and proudly made in the USA.

Comparing the standard hook with Factor 55’s UltraHook.

The standard clevis pin versus Factor 55’s titanium double sheer pin.

DIY - Step by Step Install
All that said, we thought this was a quality upgrade for our recently installed WARN VR EVO 10-S winch. Installation is a breeze and takes just a few minutes, which we’ll take you step-by-step in this article.

Tools used for the job: pliers and snap ring pliers.

Factor-55-UltraHook-unboxed

Factor 55 UltraHook unboxed.

Let’s start by taking off the hook you’re looking to replace.

Remove the hook by removing the cotter and clevis pins.

Locate the snap ring at the base of the UltraHook.

Use snap ring pliers to disengage the UltraHook’s snap ring. Carefully remove the snap ring. Be careful not to lose it as we’ll be re-using it.

Use snap ring pliers to disengage the UltraHook’s snap ring and carefully remove it. Be careful not to lose it as we’ll be re-using it.

With the snap ring removed, the double shear pin comes out easily.

Hook the winch rope into place.

Replace the double shear pin and snap ring.

Double and triple check to make sure the snap ring is seated correctly.

The install is complete.

Final Thoughts
A heck of a lot beefier – and bling-ier than standard hooks, the UltraHook is no doubt tougher but a lot safer to use too. This upgrade is the perfect companion for our WARN winch and we’re confident that it will do its job well when called upon. At nearly $300 out the door, the UltraHook sure isn’t a budget item. But we decieded that it is an item worth splurging on even for our ”budget build” OVR LC100. When it comes to safe, efficient and effecive off-road recoveries, the capability that the UltraHook gives us will be priceless.

UltraHook is the first winch hook that can be stored neatly against a winch’s fairlead protecting it from a metal to metal connection, thanks to EPDM rubber pads, which also eliminate the UltraHook from rattling.