Using gooseneck safety chains with factory pucks
#1
03-08-2019, 01:51 PM
Using gooseneck safety chains with factory pucks
Just bought a new Big Tex 14GN 30-foot gooseneck trailer. My truck has the factory GN/5ver hitch prep. I used the Reese Elite kit designed specifically for factory prep. When I attached the trailer, the first problem was that the safety chain hooks were not large enough to get through the "ears" on the safety chain loops in the bed. I used a shackle rated for the load. But upon getting home and backing into my space, I felt a tug...the chain isn't long enough and when the truck and trailer were turned about 60 degrees to each other, one chain was stretched fully taut. I ended up disconnecting the chains for now to back in, but is it common for the safety chains to not be long enough to use with the factory-style chain loops? They are certainly spaced much further away from the GN ball compared with an aftermarket setup.
#2
03-08-2019, 07:47 PM
Logistics Pro
My safety chains were plenty long on my Belmont goose with the factory prep mounting points. I'm not following the hook/loop mismatch. I found the hooks on my chains were too big for the standard Reese chain mounting pucks. Reese actually makes a tall chain mounting point that works with the bigger hooks. Though it sounds like your issue is the other way around?
#3
03-08-2019, 07:55 PM
Lead Driver
Just bought a new Big Tex 14GN 30-foot gooseneck trailer. My truck has the factory GN/5ver hitch prep. I used the Reese Elite kit designed specifically for factory prep. When I attached the trailer, the first problem was that the safety chain hooks were not large enough to get through the "ears" on the safety chain loops in the bed. I used a shackle rated for the load. But upon getting home and backing into my space, I felt a tug...the chain isn't long enough and when the truck and trailer were turned about 60 degrees to each other, one chain was stretched fully taut. I ended up disconnecting the chains for now to back in, but is it common for the safety chains to not be long enough to use with the factory-style chain loops? They are certainly spaced much further away from the GN ball compared with an aftermarket setup.
#5
03-09-2019, 06:41 AM
#6
03-09-2019, 09:04 AM
Lead Driver
i do believe there is a little difference in the FoMoCo and the Fiat in that the Ford pucks are directly over the frame rails, and the Fiat ones are outboard of the frame rails, making them even further away from the ball/pivot point.
#7
03-09-2019, 09:18 AM
Could be, but considering the entire factory gooseneck hitch is mounted between the frame rails and below the bed, wouldn't it make sense the pucks are still part of the hitch? Are you saying the Mopar hitch extends beyond the frame rails? I'll have to check.
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#8
03-09-2019, 11:14 AM
Lead Driver
All I remember for sure is that the pucks were in the way for my fuel tank mounts, and I had to modify the tank mounting because of it.
#9
03-17-2019, 09:51 AM
#10
03-18-2019, 06:14 AM
On that first trip the chains literally wouldn't reach when crossed, so I had to leave them connected on each side with no cross. I've now got some better shackles which allow easy connection between the hooks and the pucks, so they can be crossed now.
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