Hitch vs Frame Recovery Points

[GavinH]

I’ve used both to recover myself and others but is one point stronger and less likely to break anything over the other. I use a Factor 55 hitch receiver that uses a soft shackle for recovery or recovery points with bow shackles hanging that are bolted directly to the frame horns. Assuming it’s a kinetic pull recovery. Which is better? Why?

Sponsored

 

[AZ Hella]

I would like to hear feedback on this topic too. I like the Idea of a closed recovery point like the hitch mount offers. In my brain the recovery point at the frame rail seems like it would be stronger for a kinetic recovery.

 

[GavinH]

I would like to hear feedback on this topic too. I like the Idea of a closed recovery point like the hitch mount offers. In my brain the recovery point at the frame rail seems like it would be stronger for a kinetic recovery.

I think of it as where’s the weakest link and with the hitch I would assume it’s the welds holding the receiver onto the frame and with the frame rails it’s possibly the bolts and washers you’re using? I like the idea of the hitch point being perfectly centered on the vehicle so it distributes load more evenly but I feel it’s the weaker pulling point overall however it’s still what I prefer when snatching someone out so I can stay centered. Having both options available I’ve realized 99% of the time the person pulling me out does not hook up to my Factor 55 receiver unless I mention it.

 

[Medsker]

I usually use a bridle between the two recovery points so it spreads out the load between them when I'm doing a kinetic recovery. They make specialized bridle straps but I always just use a heavy duty tree strap.

 

[Mx5red]

Something to keep in mind.
Bridles can decrease the load on each recovery point, but can introduce pretty significant side loads (which they aren’t designed for) in the recovery point if the bridle isn’t long enough.
Mopar front hooks are 77.5cm apart so according to this prob need at least a 4.7m long bridle, longer would be better.

Sponsored