Shackles

[Billyk]

Ford has a receiver set up that my trailer chains can not go through the square while. So what kind of shackles does anyone use ? I ordered hammerlock coupling. Anyone use these?

[CedarCreekWoody]

Anchor shackles are the strongest.

[Billyk]

I bought a pair and they did not fit.They flopped around. Bringing them back to store tomorrow

[bobbecky]

Our Chevy has the same problem. I installed one of these in each hole at the receiver hitch, and I can attach the chain hooks to the links. They are a bit tough to squeeze closed, but solved the problem.
https://www.shforestrysupplies.com/1...lated-3-8.html

[NH_Bulldog]

I bought a set of Hammer-Locks for my utility trailer chains to hook to and use a short length of velcro tape to pull them together when not in use so they are not banging around back there. The hooks for my camper's safety chains are big enough that they can hook onto the factory hitch connecting points without having to use the Hammer-Locks

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by bobbecky

Our Chevy has the same problem. I installed one of these in each hole at the receiver hitch, and I can attach the chain hooks to the links. They are a bit tough to squeeze closed, but solved the problem.
https://www.shforestrysupplies.com/1...lated-3-8.html

Have you looked at the maximum working strength of the "lap links" you posted to? Their maximum working strength is 1000 pounds. Two of them would be OK for a 2000 pound trailer (maybe) but certainly wouldn't hold a "break-away 6500 pound travel trailer whipping back and forth behind a tow vehicle"...

I bought some of the same type from Tractor Supply to limit the height of my 3 point bush hog behind my tractor. The first time I hit the "up level" the hydraulic system lifted the bush hog and when the chains got tight, first one of those "lap links" opened up, then the second one opened. So much for being strong enough to contain something pulling against the links. My "maximum lift capacity" on the tractor is 2200 pounds at the end of the 3 point hitch, so it's not a "massive tractor with overly strong hydraulic power"....

[CedarCreekWoody]

I have the same concern over the strength of these links, hence the reason I recommended the anchor shackles. I'm having difficulty picturing what you have.

[markcee]

Originally Posted by Billyk

I bought a pair and they did not fit.They flopped around. Bringing them back to store tomorrow

Not sure what your receiver plate looks like, but I used the Blue Ox Quick links shown in the first pic below in my '19 F150.

In the second pic, for my F350's receiver, I went with these shackles. They are a nice snug fit, they move, but there is zero 'flopping' around.

[GaryUT]

Hammerlock chain connectors are what is recommended.


https://www.amazon.com/hammerlock/s?k=hammerlock


Gary

[NH_Bulldog]

Originally Posted by GaryUT

Hammerlock chain connectors are what is recommended.


https://www.amazon.com/hammerlock/s?k=hammerlock


Gary

I agree. Mine are rated at 12,000 lbs. each, which is more than enough.

[Billyk]

My shackles are 12000 lb good to go

[bobbecky]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

Have you looked at the maximum working strength of the "lap links" you posted to? Their maximum working strength is 1000 pounds. Two of them would be OK for a 2000 pound trailer (maybe) but certainly wouldn't hold a "break-away 6500 pound travel trailer whipping back and forth behind a tow vehicle"...

I bought some of the same type from Tractor Supply to limit the height of my 3 point bush hog behind my tractor. The first time I hit the "up level" the hydraulic system lifted the bush hog and when the chains got tight, first one of those "lap links" opened up, then the second one opened. So much for being strong enough to contain something pulling against the links. My "maximum lift capacity" on the tractor is 2200 pounds at the end of the 3 point hitch, so it's not a "massive tractor with overly strong hydraulic power"....

I'm only pulling small utility trailers with the ball hitch, so those links work just fine for us.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by bobbecky

I'm only pulling small utility trailers with the ball hitch, so those links work just fine for us.

Yep, but the OP has a 2010 Hideout 24' bunkhouse in the 4500 pound range. On his trailer, they'd be a safety hazard waiting to break away from his safety chains.....

[sourdough]

Well, didn't know Ford had done that to their receivers. Was just down looking at a new F350 short bed that came in (very rare) in my red color (even more rare). Was going to go down and bring it home to check garage fit but don't have the slightest urge to have a truck that won't even accommodate chain hooks - and I have a 5th wheel now but sort of illustrates their intentions IMO.

[LHaven]

I'd have to see a photo of what the OP's truck has. I have a 4yo Ford with elongated chain holes on the receiver, and use these guarded hooks. You'd swear they don't fit, until you learned the trick (you sneak them on sideways, sort of like a kid's bent wire puzzle) and then you can get them on and off in a half second.

[Wmckinsey]

I'd use D hooks to hook your chains up to and to the truck.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by Wmckinsey

I'd use D hooks to hook your chains up to and to the truck.

And what is a D hook?

[Wmckinsey]

It looks like a carabiner, but has a thread lock. Any home repair store has them. ~ $10 each or less.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by Wmckinsey

It looks like a carabiner, but has a thread lock. Any home repair store has them. ~ $10 each or less.

Strength rating?

[Wmckinsey]

I really couldn't tell you, but the store like Lowes could