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Old 01-20-2017, 05:31 PM   #1
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Silverado 2500 Safety chains connecting to hitch

In late Nov we purchased a new Chevy Silverado 2500. The receiver hitch on this thing is a configuration I am not used to. I've only done a short test tow with the camper so far, and I am having a problem figuring out how to connect the trailer safety chains to the truck. This hitch has holes on front, side, and back on the material on both sides of the receiver space. It does not have the traditional (at least what I am used to) "Loop" areas to attach the chain hooks.

You are supposed to somehow hook the chains to one of the may holes on either side of the hitch. So far, I cant figure out how in the heck they are supposed to connect. The factory "S" hooks on the ends of the trailer chains are no where near large enough hook thru the holes in the hitch. The front hole is mostly blocked by the hitch pin. I thought maybe a large quick link thru the holes and then connect the chains to the quick links, but the quick links wont fit either.

Here is a picture of the hitch. I did not think to take a picture of the chaining up attempt.

I'm sure its something simple that I'm just not seeing, but I cant figure it out.
Any suggestions or pictures of your setup with this same hitch would be helpful.
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Old 01-20-2017, 05:41 PM   #2
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Ain't it crazy? Chevy HD trucks just put these insane hitch thingies on there.....plus they use a 2.5" receiver, which requires an adapter for most boat trailers and such.

I got some heavy duty snap clips and just hang them down from the holes that are there. Then I attach the boat/utility trailer safety chains to these things.

I lost a 16' utility trailer last summer.......came off in transit!!! Safety (??) chains snapped right off anyway. Not sure they will 'save' a heavy trailer.
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Old 01-20-2017, 06:02 PM   #3
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I got HD D-Rings that stay in the holes on the hitch. Trailer hooks attach easily .
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Old 01-20-2017, 06:52 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flybob View Post
I got HD D-Rings that stay in the holes on the hitch. Trailer hooks attach easily .
If you have a picture of your set up, that would be much appreciated.
I can't visualize how they would attach.
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Old 01-20-2017, 07:15 PM   #5
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Here you go.
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Old 01-20-2017, 08:09 PM   #6
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And here's mine. If you do this, make sure your shackles that are rated for what you're pulling. Mine are good to 10K lbs. I had to file about 1/32" of an inch off the inside curve just before the pin to allow it to fit around the hitch.
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Old 01-20-2017, 08:22 PM   #7
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My trailer is rated wet at 9,500. I would be scared to have a D-ring not rated for at least 2 times the trailer weight. If the trailer should get loose, I would think that the pull would be a lot more than the wet weight of the trailer.

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Old 01-20-2017, 09:56 PM   #8
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Thanks Guys, that's what I was looking for!
As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
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Old 01-21-2017, 04:37 AM   #9
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I also have added shackles to make the connection easier. But if you take the S hooks up through the hole underneath with open end facing you they should fit and clip over the bottom edge of the rear hole. The colorful metaphors begin when you go to unhook them.

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Old 01-21-2017, 07:50 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BandJCarm View Post
Ain't it crazy? Chevy HD trucks just put these insane hitch thingies on there.....plus they use a 2.5" receiver, which requires an adapter for most boat trailers and such.

I got some heavy duty snap clips and just hang them down from the holes that are there. Then I attach the boat/utility trailer safety chains to these things.

I lost a 16' utility trailer last summer.......came off in transit!!! Safety (??) chains snapped right off anyway. Not sure they will 'save' a heavy trailer.
Did Chevy stop supplying the "2-1/2 to 2" sleeve? All of my Chevy/GMC HD trucks came with the sleeve! Youroo!!
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Old 01-21-2017, 08:00 AM   #11
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Did Chevy stop supplying the "2-1/2 to 2" sleeve? All of my Chevy/GMC HD trucks came with the sleeve! Youroo!!
My 16 did. I use it for my lighter trailers but I bought the 2 1/2" drop bar for the equalizer hitch.
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Old 01-21-2017, 08:04 AM   #12
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My 2015 2500 did not have the sleeve. I had to buy one. The current 2016 3500 has it. But I just bought a Class V 2.5" ball mount and now it doesn't rattle, or worry me that there's another failure point.
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Old 01-21-2017, 08:42 AM   #13
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Did Chevy stop supplying the "2-1/2 to 2" sleeve? All of my Chevy/GMC HD trucks came with the sleeve! Youroo!!
My 15 GMC had it, in a plastic bag stuffed in the glove box. If you don't get one either the dealer misplaced it or someone lifted it while the truck was on the lot.

If you drive interstates a lot just keep your eyes open and youll find one along the shoulder, probably a few bungies too. I have 3 spares I found along the road.
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Old 01-21-2017, 08:51 AM   #14
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Same frustrations here with my 2500. Just go to Tractor supply company store in your area and get this hook Koch Industries Latch Hook, G70, Clevis Slip 3/8 in. - For Life Out Here to replace the one on your trailer. It is stronger than the one that is on your trailer, and will fit the holes on the Chevy hitch. Very easy to switch.

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Old 01-21-2017, 09:22 AM   #15
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Here was a previous post on this topic:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ns-106995.html
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Old 01-21-2017, 12:13 PM   #16
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Did Chevy stop supplying the "2-1/2 to 2" sleeve? All of my Chevy/GMC HD trucks came with the sleeve! Youroo!!
I got one with mine. I think I've read that some of the 3500's are coming with 3" receivers now, but don't quote me.
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Old 01-21-2017, 01:32 PM   #17
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For my 12,000 dump trailer I place the hooks back to side. As for my boat (20 foot not sure of the weight) I boarded the two small holes on the bottom of the hitch to 3/8 then used stainless Steel eye bolts which I then snap the tow hooks like you show.
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Old 01-21-2017, 01:33 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MOD Guy View Post
In late Nov we purchased a new Chevy Silverado 2500. The receiver hitch on this thing is a configuration I am not used to. I've only done a short test tow with the camper so far, and I am having a problem figuring out how to connect the trailer safety chains to the truck. This hitch has holes on front, side, and back on the material on both sides of the receiver space. It does not have the traditional (at least what I am used to) "Loop" areas to attach the chain hooks.

You are supposed to somehow hook the chains to one of the may holes on either side of the hitch. So far, I cant figure out how in the heck they are supposed to connect. The factory "S" hooks on the ends of the trailer chains are no where near large enough hook thru the holes in the hitch. The front hole is mostly blocked by the hitch pin. I thought maybe a large quick link thru the holes and then connect the chains to the quick links, but the quick links wont fit either.

Here is a picture of the hitch. I did not think to take a picture of the chaining up attempt.

I'm sure its something simple that I'm just not seeing, but I cant figure it out.
Any suggestions or pictures of your setup with this same hitch would be helpful.
I wouldn't trust that flimsy hook and chain as a "safety chain". IMO that hook is better suited as a fastener for the break-away control cable.
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Old 01-21-2017, 01:42 PM   #19
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I wouldn't trust that flimsy hook and chain as a "safety chain". IMO that hook is better suited as a fastener for the break-away control cable.
Your choice I guess but it looks like the standard one used on many trailers. It sure looks the same as was on my last 3. It evidently meets DOT specs or they would not be using them and I would bet it has stamped tags confirming DOT compliance attached. If you think those hooks are flimsy, both chains typically attach to the same piece of 5/16" or maybe 3/8" bar they bend into a U, and weld each end to the underside of the A frame tubes where they come together at the coupler assembly.

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Old 01-21-2017, 02:10 PM   #20
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I use shackles on mine. I don't know why GM did that.
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