Trailer Safety Chains
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 768
From: SoCal/Wyoming
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 443
Likes: 30
For my conventional trailer, given that the safety chain loops on the 3" hitch are so big, I went with Curt 81970 7/16" forged steel clevis hook with safety latch, they are rated for 40,000 lbs, have a 1 1/3" inch opening, on Amazon for 14.85 each. I went with 3/8" galvanized chain, but I think 5/16" would have worked as well, the pin that goes through the chain is just a hair over 1/2". These will just snap onto the loops, but you can only come top down, you can't hook them coming up from the rear, at least I couldn't. Should be plenty strong.
Tuned
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 409
Likes: 12
On my F-350 I found the best size to fit in the opening is 5/8” screw pin shackle. Easy to install. Hooks for the #14,500 trailer hook right on trailers with lighter chain go through and back to hook on themselves.
if necessary, i add intermdeiate size screw pin shackles for smaller hooks and chain.
remember to wire the screw pin so it cannot become unscrewed.
if necessary, i add intermdeiate size screw pin shackles for smaller hooks and chain.
remember to wire the screw pin so it cannot become unscrewed.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 273
From: South Central Indiana
X2 5/8 shackles for me as well. Easy on and off. Added a little anti seize too. Looked at the hammerlocks, didn't want to mess with them.
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 329
Likes: 20
From: Ohio
I did the same, except put a piece of heavy duty shrink tube on the pin, then tightened the pin, then shrunk the tubing. It not only prevents the pin fron unscrewing, but quiets the rattling and paint rubbing between the clevis and hitch.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 4,064
Likes: 13
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,250
Likes: 192
From: Livingston Tx
You cant hear it I cant even living on a dirt bumpy road in my single cab.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 329
Likes: 20
From: Ohio
Time for some spring touch-up!
