Safety chain

Yikes- classic "false hitch" scenario. That's how I learned to always lift up with the tongue jack just a bit after hitching to make sure it's actually hitched. Isn't it weird that you can actually close the coupler latch without engaging the ball?

Anyway, per your question:
I don't quite understand it and can't see the picture. Are you saying that you're trying to connect two parts, each of which has a closed loop?

If that's the case, could you be missing an intermediate coupling of some kind?

May have broke the the chain link at the s hook and it is still on the road somewhere.

I don't use 'S' hooks...because of the Mr Murphy syndrome so many think only
happens to 'the other guy'...

I use any one of these types on various trailers











I do NOT recommend using these...don't think they have enough strength
holding several tons of trailer going at highway speeds

I guess I didnt consider that the broken chain link could be on the road. I did look all over the road around where I unhitched and didnt see anything, but that doesn't mean it couldn't have snapped off and flew into the ditch or something. It just makes me nervous that a chain and hook can fail at such a low speed, especially without any apparent damage to either the chain or the hook. The hook was left clipped to my truck. I defintely learned a lesson from this: Always jack the trailer back up to see if it lifts the truck! Thanks Ben, I think I will be upgrading my hooks to something a little more sturdier.
Here is what my chain and clip look like: (Hopefully image comes over this time)
http://www.towsmart.us/products/100-epdm-rubber-4-x-17-5-smartstep-w-adhesive-backing-1-pk/

Your link goes to some adhesive backing there, Bro!
Never mind- I think we get the picture.

You could probably tell for sure if you lost a chain link/connector by comparing the busted one to its mate on the other side. Just count the number of remaining links.

If you did in fact lose it, in my mind that's a warning that whatever you've got is not equal to the job assigned. It shouldn't have "failed" when called upon; thank heavens it happened at a low speed and not on the highway. You might have lost the whole shootin' match at 60 mph!

Being skeptical of the strength and suitability of many chains supplied OEM on trailers, we use some big honkin' chain and the same kind of shackles as pictured above. (No mild steel couplers for us, either).

Not having good luck posting pics. That link redirected to somewhere else. Anyway, thank you all for the advice! I think I won't waste my time trying to salvage this s-hook and get some heavier duty hooks instead.

Travel Trailer



Jon Boat

I always jack the trailer up to be able to snap the WDH bars in. Plus while I have it up there. I stand on the step bumper to be sure the coupler is engaged

BenK wrote:

I do NOT recommend using these...don't think they have enough strength
holding several tons of trailer going at highway speeds

I see nothing wrong with using them, provided they are rated for the weight. THe ones I have to use are rated for 10,000lbs each. I have the cast spring-clipped hooks you showed above, but the hook will not physically fit through the hole on the receiver without interfering with the pin for the receiver. (Too much stuff, not enough space)

gijoecam wrote:

BenK wrote:

I do NOT recommend using these...don't think they have enough strength
holding several tons of trailer going at highway speeds

I see nothing wrong with using them, provided they are rated for the weight. THe ones I have to use are rated for 10,000lbs each. I have the cast spring-clipped hooks you showed above, but the hook will not physically fit through the hole on the receiver without interfering with the pin for the receiver. (Too much stuff, not enough space)

X2. A threated link is rated for the same or more than a welded link.