Trailer Chain connection?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,824
Likes: 39
From: Boise
I ran the same setup as ATC Crazy. I see the same shackle set up the most whenever I see a Alum SDs. I can't believe Ford still puts out this hitch. I and a bunch of others complained about this back in September 2016!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,778
Likes: 153
I believe the issue is with the 2-1/2" receivers. I've pulled 4 different trailers and never had a problem hooking up to my 3" receiver once I learned the trick. You turn the hook sideways and insert from below so it fits through the bottom slot, then you rotate so the tip comes through the rear opening and tip it vertically so the latch can engage. Easy once someone shows you...
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 234
Likes: 5
From: Orange, CA
I am using these on my trailer...
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 135
Likes: 2
I believe the issue is with the 2-1/2" receivers. I've pulled 4 different trailers and never had a problem hooking up to my 3" receiver once I learned the trick. You turn the hook sideways and insert from below so it fits through the bottom slot, then you rotate so the tip comes through the rear opening and tip it vertically so the latch can engage. Easy once someone shows you...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,778
Likes: 153
Unless the adapter is needed then then all that has been added is an additional point of failure.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
Mr. Kreep's method also works on my 2-1/2 hitch with my new trailer. Bummer is that I drove 1000 miles to pick up the trailer and so had some hammerlocs ready to go but didn't need 'em. Took a while for us to learn to hold our mouths exactly right, but latch up, from the rear, sideways, twist, then rotate down works great.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 180
Likes: 8
Mr. Kreep's method also works on my 2-1/2 hitch with my new trailer. Bummer is that I drove 1000 miles to pick up the trailer and so had some hammerlocs ready to go but didn't need 'em. Took a while for us to learn to hold our mouths exactly right, but latch up, from the rear, sideways, twist, then rotate down works great.
I would be interested to know if the folks using shackles and hammerlocks have tried it using the "trick."
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,840
Likes: 4,131
From: Jacksonville
I've never tried it on a 2-1/2" hitch but I suspect Ford designed it this way for an extra measure of security. There is basically no way a hook could bounce out - even if it didn't have a latch. The sad thing is, Ford didn't bother to include the instructions in the user manual and it is far from intuitive (everyone knows how to hook safety chains, right?)
I would be interested to know if the folks using shackles and hammerlocks have tried it using the "trick."
I would be interested to know if the folks using shackles and hammerlocks have tried it using the "trick."
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Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,343
Likes: 4,368
From: SW VA
Yes, the hooks on my trailer fit without using the shackles. But it's a pain, and the shackles make it much easier to just snap the hooks on.
Also, what if I have to use someone else's trailer with different hooks? What about my utility trailer with different hooks? The shackles make my truck's hitch universal for any trailers safety chains.
And...I can use the shackles as a recovery point when using my winch from the rear hitch or from the trailer (when using a ****** block)
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