Shackle Protector Poser!
 

The use of these shackle protectors is getting out of hand! :icon_rant:

The only practical reason for these is to minimize the noise of them clanging against your bumper when you are driving around. To me this raises the question, why are people driving around with these shackles installed while in town? Are they doing it to look cool? I have a recovery shackle mount that goes into the rear receiver on my truck but I don't drive around with it installed. And if I do, I leave the shackle off.

Then I see the 4Runner in the picture below. This person has put shackle protectors on shackles that don't move! So as best as I can tell, the shackle protectors were installed only for the look of having them. (And yes, I saw at a description of these that the protectors protect the paint of the shackles but really, are there people that vain about the look of their recovery gear?? Real recovery gear is used not shiny!)

OK Rant over! LOL

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/blazerf...1e05f626b9.jpg
Useless shackle protectors!

It's called "color coordinating with your accessories."

LOL Yes of course. How silly of me! :D

Maybe it prevents wear on their tow strap. :icon_lolsign:

Ah, that must be it. Silly me for not thinking of the importance of keeping one's tow strap clean! LOL