Dinghy Towing and Threaded quick link connectors

[redbaron73]

I have been working on setting my jeep up for flat towing. I have been flat towing for 12 years now, and always a 3/4" Chevy Crew Cab diesel pickup. Due to the weight of the vehicle I have been using the Roadmaster 10K hitch and safety cables.


Part of the Roadmaster & Blue ox setup is to use a quick link connector,like this:



This is typically attached to the towed vehicle side, but could be on either end. This is how I have always towed, and how most others tow as well.


As I was researching the proper connectors for my jeep, I wanted to make use of the D Ring shackles, and I was researching the work load limit and the break strength ratings. I found that I needed a 5/8" D ring shackle to have enough work load limit for my jeep's weight.


When it arrived, it was so much heavier than the quick disconnect, I started to realize there was a problem. I have done some research and found that the supplier for Blue Ox and Roadmaster is Curt, and they only have a workload limit of 3300lbs.


Even with 2 of these, this is a far cry from 10k lbs.



NO company advertises the break strength ratings of these quick disconnects, but they are commonly used in the towed vehicles.


Am I missing something?

[JIMNLIN]

Those threaded connectors are weak and not up to shock loads such as a break away situations.

For my GN and bumper pull trailers I use chain clevis hooks with a safety latch like these....https://www.etrailer.com/search/safety+chain+hooks

They make them for 1/4"...5/16"...3/8".... 1/2 inch chain.

I use a pair of 3/8" on my 10k bumper pull car haulers and 1/2" on my heavier GN trailers.

I have several farm and ranch stores near me that carries lots of flat bed chain/cable/nylon/etc tie down products. Tractor Supply near you should have them also.

[tuffr2]

Those connectors are weak. Surprisingly weak. I needed a pair to tow a small Seadoo PWC trailer. I was looking at Home Depot and Lowe's. The 1st few that I looked at could not handle even that lite load. I finally found stronger metal connectors at a West Marine.

If West Marine did not have what I needed my next place would have been Tractor Supply Company.

[twinboat]

There comes a point where you don't want to much strenght in your safety chains, that why most come with open ended S hooks.

If your toad is broadsides, you want it to break away, rather then drag you along.

Same with a roll over. Let the toad disconnect, it may survive.