2 1/2 Inch Receiver Questions

[Mikesr]

Recently updated from a 2005 Silverado 2500HD with a 2 inch receiver to a new to us 2016 Silverado 2500HD that has the larger 2 1/12 inch receiver. Got the reducer adapter and adjusted hitch and all works fine. Question I’m having is about the attachment of the safety chains to the truck receiver. They are a double walled odd shaped opening and are difficult to attach the locking hook ends of the chains. I have a large carabiner to attach the emergency brake cable and that fits fine.
Due to the weight rating of the chains I’d want something that matches or exceeds the rating as a link or shackle to attach the safety chains to the truck.
Anyone have any suggestions? Or is this just the nature of the beast for this size receiver ?
Thanks in advance

[ppine]

I use galvanized marine shackles with weight rating like you would use on a large anchor.

[Grit_dog]

Anything to extend the hitch point with a couple tons rates load capacity is good.
To the op, get rid of the hitch adapter and get a 2-1/2" shank. Likely to bend the hitch pin

[Sport45]

So far, I’ve been able to thread the hooks through the holes and hook them back to themselves. But on the Ford forums I follow I see many have installed these hammerlock chain links on their hitch to give themselves something to hook onto.

Hammerlock link

[ktmrfs]

yup, not easy. I went to larger hooks with spring keepers. Get big enough ones and they drop through the holes pretty easy.

It's obvious someone who trailers didn't design the hitch

[ksss]

I use large hooks with spring loaded keepers. I don't have any issues. If the hooks are small then you will have issues.

[Super_Dave]

Look for the large threaded chain links. Or a Heavy duty shackle.