FITHOIST Grade 80 Chain V-Bridle | 3/8In x 2Ft Towing Chains Bridle with J Hooks and Grab Hooks | Transport Chain with 7,100LBS Safe Working Load | for Flatbed Truck Rollback Wrecker Carrier

First impressions

I tossed the FITHOIST G80 V-bridle into the side box expecting a basic tow bridle and found something a bit more serious. The 3/8-inch chain is substantial, the 15-inch J-hooks are larger than most in this class, and the forged pear link at the master ring feels like it’s built for a long, rough life on a rollback. It’s a short, two-leg setup—each leg is 2 feet—so it’s meant for controlled picks and quick hookups, not long reaches. Out of the box, the gold finish looks like the usual chromate treatment, and it shrugs off fingerprints and early-season road grime. Everything arrives tight, clean, and ready to work.

Hardware and build

This is a Grade 80 alloy assembly, and the components are marked accordingly. Highlights:

• Chain: 3/8-inch G80, welded and consistent, no odd links or questionable welds in my sample.
• Hooks: 15-inch J-hooks with generous throats for frame holes and steel wheels; a center grab hook gives you a way to shorten a leg or take slack out quickly.
• Master connection: a heavy 5/8-inch forged pear link. It fits standard winch cables, chain pockets, and many hook clusters without drama.

The proportions are robust. If you’re used to 5/16 chain bridles for passenger cars, this will feel oversized. That’s partly the point: the assembly carries a 7,100 lb safe working load (WLL), and it’s designed to meet or exceed DOT and CVSA specifications. The finish is uniform, and the hooks seat positively on frame holes without feeling sharp or “bitey,” which matters for minimizing damage.

In the field

I used the V-bridle in three scenarios: loading a disabled midsize SUV onto a rollback, stabilizing heavy flip-up ramps on an equipment trailer during solo loading, and pulling a dead sedan up a steep driveway apron.

• Rollback loading: The big J-hooks slid into factory frame holes easily. Because each leg is short, I could control steering while winching without the front end “walking.” The center grab hook made fine-length adjustments quick. The heavy pear link sat nicely in the winch hook and didn’t fight me when the line angle changed as the vehicle crested the deck.
• Ramp control: I attached the J-hooks to the ramp gussets and ran the pear link to a front-mounted winch. The stout chain and long J-hooks made it simple to transition the ramps up and down without manhandling them. It’s not a typical towing use, but it’s the kind of shop hack this bridle handles well.
• Steep apron pull: The short legs kept the load central; I appreciated the lack of sponginess you’d get with straps. The J-hooks held in slotted frame holes without rolling out, provided I kept a clean, straight line of pull.

Across all tasks, the bridle felt predictable. There’s a confidence you get from G80 chain—no stretch, clear feedback through the line, and a secure connection that doesn’t rely on friction the way webbing does.

Capacity and safety notes

The assembly’s WLL is listed at 7,100 lbs. A few practical points:

• Sling angles matter. As with any bridle, the capacity changes with leg angle. Keep the legs as vertical as practical; shallow angles increase load on each leg.
• Hook placement: The 15-inch J-hooks are great for reach, but any J-hook can roll out if the connection point is too open or misaligned. Use frame holes or properly sized structural points; avoid thin sheet metal and cast components. If you’re working on unibody cars with specific tie-down slots, a T-hook or R-hook cluster is often a better choice.
• Wheels and rims: These long J-hooks can grab steel wheels in a pinch. I avoid hooking alloy rims to prevent damage; if you must, use rim protectors and low line tension.
• Not for overhead lifting with the J-hooks. While the chain is G80, this assembly is a transport/towing bridle. Keep it on trucks and trailers, not cranes.

The bridle pairs well with soft axle straps if you’re worried about marring components. I keep a set in the box so I can choke the strap around a control arm and then hook the J to the strap’s delta ring.

Ergonomics and handling

The upside of 3/8 chain is stability; the downside is weight. This bridle is chunky in the hands, and the long J-hooks are bulkier than typical minis. If you service compact cars all day, this may feel like overkill. For trucks, SUVs, equipment, and scrap vehicles, the mass is welcome—less bounce, fewer surprises.

I appreciate the 2-foot leg length for control. The short legs reduce the chance of underbody damage because the hooks don’t wander as far during a pull. The tradeoff is reach. If a pickup’s tie points are set far back, you may find yourself repositioning more than with longer bridles.

Durability and maintenance

After several wet weeks and a couple of salt-dusted runs, the finish has held up, with only minor scuffing where metal meets metal. The welds on the chain links still look clean. As with any chain bridle:

• Wipe it down after wet or salty jobs.
• Inspect J-hook throats and the grab hook for burrs or deformation.
• Check the pear link and connecting pins for play.
• Keep an eye on any rating tags for legibility; roadside inspections depend on them.

Storage is simple. I hang it by the pear link in the side box; a small bungee around the legs keeps it tidy.

What could be better

• Leg options: Two-foot legs are great for control; I’d like an option for 3- or 4-foot legs for awkward pickups or front-end jobs with recessed tie points.
• Hook mix: Including a mini J or a T-hook option would broaden compatibility for unibody cars and OEM tie-down slots. As it stands, this is a J-only bridle.
• Balance on light vehicles: The mass of the J-hooks can encourage a roll-out if you’re connected to marginal sheet metal or wide, slotted surfaces without a defined shoulder. Use proper frame holes or supplement with axle straps to keep the connection stable before tension is applied.

These are more about coverage and use-case than faults. Nothing in the build quality raised concerns.

Who it’s for

• Rollback and wrecker operators who need a compact, high-WLL bridle for everyday vehicle recovery.
• Equipment haulers who want a stout, short bridle for ramp control and occasional machine positioning.
• DIYers and small operators who prefer chains over straps for predictable, low-stretch pulls.

Who might want something else:

• Passenger-car specialists who rarely touch trucks or equipment may prefer a lighter 5/16 G70 bridle or a strap-based V-assembly for delicate tie points.
• Operators who rely on OEM-specific tie-downs should look for a cluster bridle with T-, R-, and mini J-hooks.

Value

Given the G80 rating, forged hardware, and clean assembly, the bridle offers solid value for a professional kit. It’s not a flashy piece of equipment; it’s the kind of tool that earns its keep by just working every time you pull it out. The ability to shorten a leg with the center grab hook adds versatility without carrying extra gear.

Final thoughts

The FITHOIST G80 V-bridle is a heavy-duty, short-leg chain assembly that inspires confidence. The 3/8-inch G80 chain, long J-hooks, and forged pear link make for quick, secure hookups on frames and steel wheels, and the 7,100 lb WLL—paired with DOT/CVSA-ready markings—fits right into a professional transport setup. It’s heavier and bulkier than a strap or 5/16 chain bridle, and it’s not a universal answer for unibody tie points, but used correctly it’s a reliable workhorse.

Recommendation: I recommend this bridle for rollback and equipment-trailer operators who need a compact, robust chain solution with predictable behavior and a proper safety margin. If your work skews toward light passenger cars or OEM slot tie-downs, consider supplementing it with a strap V-bridle or a hook cluster. For mixed fleets, this FITHOIST bridle earns a permanent spot in the side box.