Safety Chain Hooks Too Small

AKGperson · 05-06-2015, 08:23 AM

I tried to hook up my TT to the new TV yesterday and discovered that the TT hooks on the safety chains won't connect to the heavy duty towing platform on my 2015 GMC 2500 HD Duramax.

I don't want to modify the chains on the new trailer and am looking for a connector that will pass through the platform holes that I can then hook the safety chain into.

All suggestions are welcome (with a URL and/or a photo).

Thanks,

Ken

Jmooney · 05-06-2015, 08:25 AM

I used these on my previous TT

AKGperson · 05-06-2015, 08:32 AM

I was thinking of using a link like that but couldn't find one big enough at the local hardware stores to pass through the holes in the platform. Plus I want to make sure it is rated high enough to hold the TT in case (God forbid) it breaks loose.

oldmanAZ · 05-06-2015, 08:43 AM

I used what Jmooney posted. I found the large size I use at a 'Tractor Supply' store (Farm and Fleet).

ddrueckh · 05-06-2015, 08:49 AM

I went to the local hardware store and purchased the next bigger hook size for my 2500. They clip on easily and work great. Easy to swap out. Only thing I still want to do is extend the chain a little. Not sure of the best way to do this. It works, but is a little snug for my liking.

scottraycraft · 05-06-2015, 08:58 AM

I also used what was shown above...but don't leave these on the tow vehicle...they WILL rust and it can be a pita to remove them

AKGperson · 05-06-2015, 09:02 AM

Thanks guys. I'll try to find a local tractor supply store.

ddrueckh, could you use 2 links on each chain to lengthen it?

Ken

Jmooney · 05-06-2015, 09:04 AM

try this site - lots of sizes and load ranges

Quick Link - from Tulsa Chain, Inc.

oldmanAZ · 05-06-2015, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKGperson

Thanks guys. I'll try to find a local tractor supply store.

ddrueckh, could you use 2 links on each chain to lengthen it?

Ken

I use 2 on each side. I have an extended shank and required the added length to be able to connect.

Seann45 · 05-07-2015, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddrueckh

I went to the local hardware store and purchased the next bigger hook size for my 2500. They clip on easily and work great. Easy to swap out. Only thing I still want to do is extend the chain a little. Not sure of the best way to do this. It works, but is a little snug for my liking.

IF yours is like every other one I have ever seen it is simply bolted under the A-frame. I took mine off and added a longer single piece of grade 8 chain. Sure glad I had the grade 8 when my hitch shattered on the way home from California this spring.

AKGperson · 05-07-2015, 07:47 AM

I believe my chains are welded on but don't know for sure and the TT is in storage right now.

VicS1950 · 05-07-2015, 09:18 AM

Screw pin D-ring shackles will work. I've seen USA made screw pin shackles distort under load without failure. (Don't know if that applies to the typical emerging country products.) I recommend selecting a screw pin or bolt shackle, not a pin shackle that just uses a cotter pin keeper. Stainless steel may be a good option if sized correctly.

Clevis D Ring Shackles

Page 28 below

http://www.cmworks.com/Public/12058/PMC-10.pdf

I prefer them to hooks for directly connecting chains to the anchor points. S hooks have been known to jump off. I loop the shackle over the hitch anchor loop and position the pin through the proper length safety chain link. I always orient the screw pin thread to be on the lower part. A bit of Vaseline or grease on the threads keeps things from seizing.

A hook will easily fit into a D-ring shackle if that is what you want to do.

vic

redenbacher · 05-07-2015, 07:59 PM

I had the same issue and my dealer put these on also. They work well.

clubhouse · 05-07-2015, 11:44 PM

I use the threaded links shown.

Remember they don't need to crazy heavy duty. The safety chains are expected to support the TT tounge weight, for a brief period of time till you can stop. You aren't going to suspend the TT from the safety chains.

I think mine a 3/8".

okieinalaska · 05-08-2015, 06:01 PM

That Tulsa chain store is literally 1 mile away from me. I can't believe I have never heard of it before!

I had the same surprise when I bought my new to me chevy 2500 btw I use the quick links.

AKGperson · 05-16-2015, 03:55 PM

I finally got around to going to a local cargo trailer sales lot and they had a 1/2 inch quick link that fit very snugly. I bought two and filed the openings down about 1/16th and they fit great. I think I may buy 2 more to lengthen the safety chains.

chlinthi · 05-18-2015, 12:59 AM

Looks like you found a solution already, and I know this will sound odd, but have you tried clipping the safety chain to those holes with the little flipper gate of the safety chain pointed UP and hooking it from the front towards the back?

AKGperson · 05-18-2015, 07:34 AM

Yes, I tried that. I stood there for several minutes trying every position possible. In addition to the snap hooks being too small, the chains were just long enough to reach the platform when crossed so I couldn't hook them up backwards. These 1/2 inch links work fine but I may order 5/8 inch links and use these to lengthen the chains.

Ken

AKGperson · 05-26-2015, 01:24 PM

I want to thank JMooney for suggesting Tulsa Chain. I just received the 9/16th inch quick links that I ordered here Quick Link - from Tulsa Chain, Inc. and they are a perfect fit. Only $3.00 each with a weight rating of 6100 lbs. I bought 4 just in case I misplace a set or they "walk off" while camping.

Unfortunately the shipping ($14.75) costed me more than the 4 links ($12.00) but it was well worth it. Now I can move on to another TT project.

Ken

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