Safety Chain Hookup

[Mike Hamm]

We aren't a big fan of the hitch setup on our 2500HD in regards to attaching the safety chains for our Arctic Fox 22G trailer. As you can see in the pics, the hooks are too big for the rather odd hitch hole arrangement. Even if I were to remove the little latch on the hook it still won't quite go through the holes. So, the dealer came up with the smaller chain and quick link type solution so we can attach the safety chains. I guess I don't like the added length from this setup.

I really don't want to drill more holes or grind on the existing ones. I've tried a bigger quick link by itself but it won't go all the way around and through both holes. This GMC hitch setup is just weird. I've looked at a little bit smaller hooks for the safety chains but then they won't fit all the way through on the hitch. Maybe I just haven't found the right hook yet?

Anyone else run into this problem and what solution did you come up with that you are satisfied with?

Edited April 26, 2017 by Mike Hamm

[crankman]

Look at page 2 of this section there is a post that states NEW TRUCK RECEIVER DOESN'T WORK WITH OUR CURRENT TRAILER . I posted some pictures that may help your problem. They work perfectly on my 2500 hitch.

Edited April 26, 2017 by crankman

[Mike Hamm]

Look at page 2 of this section there is a post that states NEW TRUCK RECEIVER DOESN'T WORK WITH OUR CURRENT TRAILER . I posted some pictures that may help your problem. They work perfectly on my 2500 hitch.

Crankman, thanks. I had tried 1/2" but didn't try 9/16". I'll see if I can find some and give them a try.

[ember1205]

Since your hooks are easily removed from the chain, why not get different hooks?

[Mike Hamm]

Since your hooks are easily removed from the chain, why not get different hooks?

Well, I could keep spinning my wheels trying different things or I can come here, ask a simple question and it's likely someone has experienced the same thing and found something that works that isn't what I have already. Seems Crankman has the simple solution I was looking for.

[crankman]

Yea if you look at the pics 9/16 just fits, its real close. You can find them on Amazon if there not available locally. There nice cause we got 4 different trailers and it fits all the hooks. Nice looking truck you got there to Mike.

[Mike Hamm]

Yea if you look at the pics 9/16 just fits, its real close. You can find them on Amazon if there not available locally. There nice cause we got 4 different trailers and it fits all the hooks. Nice looking truck you got there to Mike.

Yeah, I noticed that when I checked out your thread. I've also found a long version of the 9/16 and have also found 5/8 so now all I need to do is order. LOL

Thanks on the truck. Yours is too.

Edited April 26, 2017 by Mike Hamm

[ember1205]

Well, I could keep spinning my wheels trying different things or I can come here, ask a simple question and it's likely someone has experienced the same thing and found something that works that isn't what I have already. Seems Crankman has the simple solution I was looking for.

 

Or you could go to Tractor Supply and pick up a couple of new hooks and you're done.

[Chevor]

Time to stop at a scale and see what the Commercial inspector says....

 

Me being commercial could see myself getting two tickets with that set up...

 

#1 Are quick links rated for trailer?

#2 Breakaway cable can't not be hooked to chains.

 

I just think you are lucky your not a commercial vehicle.

Edited April 27, 2017 by Chevor

[sdeeter19555]

Those quick links aren't rated strong enough for my liking, the only way I would do that loop of chain would be to use a true clevis.

 

I did what the others stated, changed the hooks out for ones that fit right...

 

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[Mike Hamm]

Time to stop at a scale and see what the Commercial inspector says....

 

Me being commercial could see myself getting two tickets with that set up...

 

#1 Are quick links rated for trailer?

#2 Breakaway cable can't not be hooked to chains.

 

I just think you are lucky your not a commercial vehicle.

1. Those quick links are rated stronger than the chains coming from the trailer.

2. Yet another reason to get rid of those chains. It looks like I'll have better and stronger quick links here in the near future so that bit of chain will go away.

[sdeeter19555]

1. Those quick links are rated stronger than the chains coming from the trailer.

2. Yet another reason to get rid of those chains. It looks like I'll have better and stronger quick links here in the near future so that bit of chain will go away.

 

Those links are not rated for shock loading...which is what they will be subjected to if actually used...

 

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[FreeAmerican]

This is what you need, a certified S hook

 

https://www.curtmfg.com/part/81830

[Mike Hamm]

This is what you need, a certified S hook

 

https://www.curtmfg.com/part/81830

When you use that type of hook, after placing the chain in the short part of the "S" do you then hammer (or some method) it closed around the chain?

[sdeeter19555]

FYI, those hooks are too small as well...my RV came with those, and I had to swap out with regular chain hooks because they wouldn't fit the receiver holes.

 

I think those s-hook are meant to pass through the holes in the receiver and then hook back onto the chain, but mine didn't have enough chain to do that either.

 

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