Bridle Questiin

JCTex

Observer
When the day comes that it's my Jeep that needs pulling out, I will use a bridle. This is prevent one side of my frame being pulled more than the other.

If I'm being winched out, I know that's a static pull; and a static strap (probably 20', 10' to each pull point) is required. However, if circumstances call for a dynamic pull using a kinetic rope, I have this question:

Can I use a static strap as a bridle; or should I use another dynamic rope? My guess is the answer is both bridle and tow rope should be the same; but what do you experts think?

Jerry
 

s.e.charles

Well-known member
unexperienced opinion disclaimer: I assume a dynamic strap (or rope?) as the bridle would encourage your intended stress distribution.

but watching along as the experts weigh in on this one. good question.
 

DaveInDenver

Middle Income Semi-Redneck
The few bridles I've seen used are static, a wire rope choker with a snatch block that rolls across it to keep it equalized. Dynamic introduces another level of variables.

Bridles and equalizing is something that people think is good but mostly of the time you just want to pick the single recovery point that works best. It's easy to make things worse. You need the included sling/lift/pull angle to be kept small to prevent squeezing the frame rails together or ending up with sling legs being highly unequal. Plus you may need to be aware of how you're loading your shackles, which also need to be de-rated when their load is off axis.
 
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DaveInDenver

Middle Income Semi-Redneck
Consider this crib sheet, taken from the Crosby website. If done incorrectly a bridle can put as much force on a recovery point as a simple axial pull would have.

Panel_Page_13.png
 
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s.e.charles

Well-known member
I automatically assumed the only reason a bridle would be used is in an off-center extraction (lower 2 diagrams).

if math is involved, i'm staying on terra-firma.
 

DaveInDenver

Middle Income Semi-Redneck
There are probably use cases for them but as a matter of routine IMO they hang a piece of hardware out there (shackle, block, not secured to a vehicle hard point) unnecessarily, especially in a dynamic recovery. The physics and trig need to be thought about with them.
 
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My Bronco had frame damage from someone using a bridle when I bought it. The front frame horns were bowed in and twisted. They did not have a front bumper. The only brace between the frame rails beyond the front crossmember was the radiator support which is mounted with rubber bushings.

Make sure whatever anchor points you use that they are properly braced as to not cause frame damage. Using a bridle is not a bad thing just using it wrong can be harmful to life and property.
 

frans

Adventurer
Bridle: static. Load line should be a static line when you are pulling from the winch. If pulling using a vehicle (motive power), then use a dynamic line. If pulling with a vehicle, its best to use a 'shock absorber' such as a tire incorporated into the pull line.
 

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