how to hook up chains from trailer

LongrangeLauber · April 2, 2016

here is the picture of new hitch still not sure what to use for chains

Those shackles will fit there from the looks of the picture, then hook chains to them from there

crankman · April 12, 2016

here is the picture of new hitch still not sure what to use for chains

Okay if you haven't figured it out I took you some pics of my 2500 hitch. These are 9/16 chain connects are whatever you want to call them. That's what I use there solid and just barely fit the space to slide them in. Hope this might help

rjkinpa · April 17, 2016

thanks for the pic couldn't find the 9 16th chain connects finally found a hook that i can play with that gets through both holes... stupid design in my opinion. Dealers solution was to put a chain through holes and bolt together then hook chains from trailer to that.. didn't seem safe to me... thanks for your help im sure it helped others too.

crankman · April 22, 2016

If you decide you want a couple look at Amazon.com website search 9/16 quick connects or chain connects it should pop up. They werent expensive. I tried 1/2 but they were just slightly to small to slide in but the 9/16 just fit.

SouthpawHD · April 22, 2016

As I stated earlier, many of this cheaper quick links simply do NOT have the weight capacity rating to hold a trailer of any size should the need arise.

crankman · April 22, 2016

As I stated earlier, many of this cheaper quick links simply do NOT have the weight capacity rating to hold a trailer of any size should the need arise.

No problem I was just letting him know they weren't real expensive 9.69 each but the quality was good and the product description said for repair of large chains and HD trailer connections. I was comfortable using them for my trailers. If I find something better out there to use cool I will give it a try.

LongrangeLauber · April 22, 2016

I'm pretty sure the coupler links have a higher rating than the chain that is used on most trailers LOL

DBTravelers · April 23, 2016

here is the picture of new hitch still not sure what to use for chains

Mine looks exactly like rjkinpa's, but I was lucky and my hooks will still connect fully. Not easily, but they do. Have to come in from the side hole and then out through the front hole; once I am there I can twist the hook and the latch will close properly. The links also look like a good idea but the hooks on mine are NOT going to bounce out at any time as they are pretty much just as difficult to unhook also. I used a 9/16" link to make the chains longer and it was rated at 5600# I think, more than enough for my 1,100# tongue weight.

SouthpawHD · April 23, 2016

I'm pretty sure the coupler links have a higher rating than the chain that is used on most trailers LOL

Most of those links are rated at only 600 pounds or less.

LongrangeLauber · April 23, 2016

Most of those links are rated at only 600 pounds or less.

Maybe for anything 3/8" and below, my half inch ones are rated for over 4k a piece (not sure of the exact weight) people just need to be smart enough to make sure they can handle the trailer tongue weight

Chevor · April 23, 2016

GM has had that fd up receiver since 2011. To me it makes no sense you have to buy links to make breakaway chains hook to truck.

If I had a truck with that receiver I would complain to GM.

Cowpie · April 24, 2016

For those that like to leave their hitches in the receiver when they are not towing, why not go to your local Tractor Supply or other farm and home type store and get a couple of clevis' that have screw type pins that fit thru the chain hook up holes. Those things are designed for some serious strength and it would add to the social statement of leaving in the receiver hitch. Add on a set of bull balls an your are set!

DBTravelers · April 25, 2016

Tractor Supply was where I picked up the 9/16" shackles I have. They were about $4.50 each and were stamped 5600# for the rating. Auto supply and hardware stores generally don't carry these that are rated high enough. And the first shackles that I found in a hardware store were indeed 9/16" but only rated at 1,000#, so be sure and check before you buy them.

Adamrg · April 25, 2016

Tractor Supply was where I picked up the 9/16" shackles I have. They were about $4.50 each and were stamped 5600# for the rating. Auto supply and hardware stores generally don't carry these that are rated high enough. And the first shackles that I found in a hardware store were indeed 9/16" but only rated at 1,000#, so be sure and check before you buy them.

I'll have to go to another tsc and look then. The one closest to me only had 1/2" rated at 3500?

Which would be fine for the trailer I use, but they were about 1/8" too small to fit through both openings. And they were $6/ea

Dale L · June 8, 2017

Maybe for anything 3/8" and below, my half inch ones are rated for over 4k a piece (not sure of the exact weight) people just need to be smart enough to make sure they can handle the trailer tongue weight

I'd think the link needs to be able to support the trailer weight, not just the tongue weight.