Any one use these quick links

[Eric_Phillips]

I am looking for some quiklinks to help in connecting my safety chains to the hitch. Still not sure why no one has figured out how to make a hook that easily connects to a class III hitch. Below is the link to the quicklinks I am considering. My concern is these seem to have a higher WLL than any other I have found.

Amazon.com: Stainless Steel 316 Quick Link 9/16" (14mm) Marine Grade: Industrial & Scientific

This is to connect a new camper to my minivan. The camper is rated at just under 3100lbs. The van has a towing capacity of 3500lbs. The tags on the safety chains said WLL 7700lbs. These chains seem to be extreme overkill. From what I have read is the total chain break strength for the 2 safety chains added together must be equal or greater than the weight of the trailer. I am thinking a 3/8" or 1/2" quicklink might be easier to work with the hooks on my safety chains than the 9/16". That would bring the WLL to 3950lbs or 5500lbs. That is still more than required. I know it would make the quiklink the weakest link but do I need to keep over engineering something just because the person before me did?

 

[bdog]

Will a screw pin anchor shackle work? I would try to match the rating of the chain. While it may not be necessary legally it would be nice to have a single chain be able hold in case of an accident.

 

[ArlyA]

I use them on a regular bases and love them but not on safety chains. Seems they may work to attach the hooks just fine.

 

[JJZ 109]

Will a screw pin anchor shackle work? I would try to match the rating of the chain. While it may not be necessary legally it would be nice to have a single chain be able hold in case of an accident.

This is what I did because the shape of the safety chain holes on a 2017 F250 are not conducive to any kind of a proper sized hook.

 

[Eric_Phillips]

I was also considering screw pin shackles. My concern with them is the possibility of them coming unscrewed while bouncing down the highway. I have found a bolt type with a nut and cotter pin which would fix that problem. The quick links could be situated such that gravity would keep the nut closed. I am wanting these to be relatively easy to remove since the hitch is only 7" above the ground. When I am not towing I want to be able to remove them so they don't hit the ground over bumps and such.

 

[ArlyA]

Locktite does work.. (to keep threaded parts from loosening)

 

[bcp]

I was also considering screw pin shackles. My concern with them is the possibility of them coming unscrewed while bouncing down the highway.

That's what the hole in the pin is for.

Bruce

 

[Eric_Phillips]

Here is an interesting link from Reese. They use 7500lb chain with 2200lb quick links. How does that make sense? I am sure they are using the quick links to attach the chain to the trailer. I am wanting to do like JJZ to attach the hooks to the hitch.

Laclede SC3-K Safety Chains with Safety Latches And 3/8 Inch Quick Links

 

[BeeferMan]

This is what I did because the shape of the safety chain holes on a 2017 F250 are not conducive to any kind of a proper sized hook.

View attachment 555276

A good way to use that shape hole is to pass the hook through the hole and hook it back into the chain, assuming your hook will hook into a link. This is also the best way to adjust the length of the chain so it's not too tight, not dragging.

 

[davrow]

A good way to use that shape hole is to pass the hook through the hole and hook it back into the chain...

Hey, I'm no expert, but you should never hook to the hitch. As BeeferMan says, pass the chain through the hole in the hitch and attach the hook over a link (not THROUGH a link!). Then use the quick link, in a totally non-load bearing way, to hold the hook to the chain. The quick link is not intended to be a chain extension.