Compatible Quick Links, Safety Chains, and Chain Loops for Adding Safety Chains to a Trailer

Updated 04/19/2013 | Published 04/16/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Safety Chain Loop for Trailer Hitch Receivers - 10,000 lb

(81)

$10.12

Laclede 27" Long Trailer Safety Chain w/ 7/16" Hook - 1,250 lbs Weight Capacity - Qty 1

(339)

$13.66

Laclede Chain 3/8" Quick Link - 1/2" Opening - 2,200 lbs Working Load Limit - Qty 1

(32)

$11.70

Question:

Somebody attempted stealing my trailer previously - Now rewiring and painting the trailer so I decided to remove the safety chains and rear ramp chains to make it harder to steal. Decided to order 4 Safety Chain Loops E950 for welding to frame, 2 for safety chain, and 2 for rear ramp chain. Will need to connect your safety chain and rear ramp chain to these loops, and the chain will be removed when parked. The loops are 7/16inch diameter, the safety chain is 1/4 inch diameter. I need 4 Quick Links that will fit through the 1/4inch safety chain link space the space is about 3/8inch wide - But also opens enough to go over the 7/16inch chain loop. Your information does not say how large the Quick Link opening is or what it fits over, nor the minimum space necessary to fit through a chain link. Possible answers are the 1/4inch Quick Link 750-3204, or the 3/8inch Quick Link 6590-044-04. I purchased the 1/2inch Quick Link earlier and it does not fit so that is not a consideration. Please advise what Quick Link size can be used to attach the safety chain to the Chain Loop. For info, the trailer will have a Coupler Lock. plus an available hitch receiver and latch lock set for movement safety and use when parked. The old lock was cut off, but they did not notice the wheel was chained to the frame. It was moved into the street before they abandoned it, police called me to move the trailer out of the street. Suggest trying on the Quick Links for size. Thanks

asked by: Hugh B

Helpful Expert Reply:

I pulled the quick links and quick loop that you referenced as well as the safety chains, # 2118-605-04, that you purchased and found that the best option for you will be the 3/8 Inch Quick Link, # 6590-044-04. This quick link will fit through the safety chain links and the safety chain loop. The measurement of the opening of the quick link is 0.48 inches (31/64 inches) which is slightly larger than the 7/16 inch diameter of your chain loops (see photo).

I made a short video showing that these items work together for you to check out.

The 1/4 inch quick link, # 750-3204, that you referenced will not fit around the chain loop.

Another theft deterrent that I would recommend is a wheel lock like the Rackem Lockem Magnum Wheel Lock, # RA-25. Determined thief will typically get what they are after, or at least cause a lot of damage, with enough time and opportunity. The more anti-theft items a thief sees on a trailer, the less likely he is to attempt to steal it.

expert reply by: John H