Ford! What were you thinking?? | Hammerlock | RV Safety chain

SEASON 3, EPISODE 4. November, 2020. Finally getting around to towing the Airstream with our new truck, only to discover Ford made changes to the tow hitch in 2018, making the safety chains nearly impossible to attach. Grrr!! Our solution is to use Hammerlock links.
Amazon link to Hammerlocks: www.amazon.com...
---------------------
Music: Epidemic Sound

[@sizzlechest6070]

Whom ever designed that never towed anything. Just another desk jockey with a degree. No common sense.

[@mygooglusername]

Thank yaw so much. Ordered mine after watching. For my new/used 2020 F350.

[@RemotelyRetired]

Welcome!

[@raza-man]

You guys are awesome. I just started researching to overcome the hassle of clamping on the safety chains on a 2019 2500HD. I'm definitely buying based on your video. Thank you!

[@RemotelyRetired]

Thank you so much! Hope it's a good solution for you. Happy travels!

[@jgonz3542]

Thank you guys for putting this video together and sharing. I got a set but wasn't sure the best way to install it with the hammer.

[@RemotelyRetired]

You are welcome! Glad it helped!

[@victorriceroni8455]

They are going to keep improving things until nothing works.

[@georgewashington938]

ford must have done a lot of market research to identify the shape that fits the fewest number of safety hook options

[@danlux4954]

GM 3/4 ton has those too

[@jhscheppele2448]

Ford has a better idea. N o t.

[@arlynmartin91]

@@danlux4954 GM had that problem in the past but not anymore I have 21 Chevy 2500 duramax and my safety chains ⛓ fit just fine.

[@jonathanfurtado3696]

I wonder if the redesign was due to the fact that some engineer. wanted the safety hooks to actually survive and do their job, if a trailer unhooked. Either way they could have designed it better for ease of use.

[@niveknospmoht8743]

The hammer lock was an excellent choice for this application. The trucking industry has been using them for years

[@igowhereimtowed6839]

I just changed the hooks on the safety chains. With largest available from the local hardware store. Problem solved and for less money.

[@WayneTX254]

Ditto. That blue things looks like it would be noisy if left on all the time. Time consuming to take on and off if you didn't leave it on all the time.

[@jbandit2044]

Not cheaper if you have to do it to several trailers

[@pickleknuckles]

@@WayneTX254 Surprisingly they're not. I have a pair of black G80 hammer locks on my '22 F250 and even w the all the window open (including the rear) you don't hear them at all.

[@jhscheppele2448]

The chains should be crossed, so if you have a breakaway it will cradle the trailer hitch and won’t let it dig into e ground or pavement.

[@cam_bro]

I can see 50 different camera angles as I back my truck up yet I can't hook up a damn chain. Brilliant work. I also own a 2020 F250 and shared the same frustration.

[@focojeepr]

If it ain’t broke, engineer it till it is!

[@mrgoodtimes05]

The reason for different colors is not for looking pretty, it's to help identify the group capacity rating at a glance.

[@Weetbix1969]

it shows what grade they are not the rating as you still have to look at the rating charts for the size. these are blue which shows G100 but not all companied use that colour for their G100 products (Gunnebo for example use a lime yellow colour for their products)

[@newsveteran4466]

We can do without the woman's voice and the attempt to be cute with the cat "saying" something. Just stick to business and stay with the install which was fairly good. Next question, how do you remove the hammer locks?

[@patmason7276]

Don't know who designs their hitch mounts but they need a beating. (Kiss) keep it simple stupid!!!🤯

[@coreyb4073]

The trick to installing the pin is to put bigger hammer on the other side to act like an anvil

[@86753094agt]

I was taught to always cross my safety chains - something to think about.

[@KD-gh2op]

Twisting works best

[@kcmatloff5707]

You twist the chains so if the trailer falls off the chains catch the tounge like a basket and keep the trailer centered

[@lynnwilson1797]

This REALLY pisses me off! GM did the same thing. What the fuck were they thinking. They have literally millions of customers who use their trucks to pull trailers and suddenly the safety chains won't fit! I paid over $70K for my 2018 3500 HD GMC and then find I cannot pull my trailer with it.

[@OCHO7474]

Buy two Crosby brand shackles / clevises that have bolt, nut, and cotter pin. mount them in the same holes instead of using hammer locks and safety hooks fit like a charm. I trust them before i trust that pin in the hammer lock. Just my opinion

[@corey97140]

These are Grade100 though, and you could probably pick up the whole trailer with one of them.

[@mtbsobe]

I did the hammer locks because you can get the correct weight range. If you take 1 inch heat shrink wrap you can keep it from making noise when driving

[@Tripp_777]

I have no problem hooking up either of my 2 trailers to my truck without any other hardware.

[@uriahmorgan3879]

Same seems to me like installer error more then anything

[@josephleonardo7773]

A permanent solution to the problem would design it right all the money we pay these vehicles and you have to do your own engineering

[@Weetbix1969]

Hammerlocks are not ideal for this situation as there are sharp edges where they sit trough the attachment point and even though they are Grade100 they will with lots of vibration of the vehicle moving cause wear, they are not made to be taken apart regularly. i would suggest looking for Wide Mouth Bow Shackles of the correct rating so they can be removed in between use. (was good he showed they have a correct way to drive the pin as you damage and bind up the locking rings going the other way, you must also remove the pins that same direction or it will be very hard to get apart) the other device he showed with the screw gate is called a Maillon (some call them a Mallion) the whole area for hooking into is a very bad design and not suitable for most fittings you could use. it is better he has gone to G100 Hammerlocks rather then G80 as they will resist the vibration wear for longer. they also have a 6.7tn lift rating each. (they are officially called a Chain Joiner or Coupling Link as Hammerlock is a brand name from PWB Anchor but most people i ever met just called them a Hammerlock) i was a Chain and Rigging Certification Tech for 9 1/2 years.

[@adloutdoors]

Jackasses at ford put a Curtis receiver on my 350 knowing that these trucks are used primarily for towing. A kid could have designed it better!

[@lawrencecavens5760]

And here's a great tip for you. Being that you have a F250, To help with keeping your Radiator and Condenser coil clean and bug free - Simply use a House hold screen that has its own frame and put it in front of your condensor coil. This in turn will keep the Bee's and the moths and all the flying insects out of your Coils and allow the air flow to be unabstructed and keep those coils from getting damaged . On a 2008 modle its easy to install but on yours I dont know how new your truck is. If your grill opens with the hood then it'll be easy - If your grill stays put as you open the hood youll have to remove the grill in order to install - But I found this idea from whom ever owned the truck before me did a great thing and saved my cooling system and Air conditioning . Every fall Its easy to clean for the next summer and wow I do catch a lot of Bugs. Hope this to you helps. Cheers...

[@frklein1]

What if you put a wood block behind it when hammering the pin in?

[@teeanahera8949]

No. A wood block will absorb too much energy of the hammer. A hefty metal block or sledge hammer behind it will not absorb shock and therefore all your hammer force will be directed into the pin and drive it through easily.

[@andrewn8788]

That 1/2" screw link is rated more like 3,300 lbs not 10,000

[@integr8er66]

Why not just use a clevis?

[@tomnewham1269]

Here in Australia safety chains are attached to the vehicle using D shackles. Also we cross the chains over, like the left chain attached to the right side and visa versa with the other chain. That way if the trailer does come off the hitch, the trailer will not dig into the road.

[@RemotelyRetired]

Chain crossing is done here as well. Thanks so much for your comment and enjoy your travels!

[@danlux4954]

D shackles with screw in pins will loosen.

[@Fordgroup00]

@@danlux4954 No they don’t. And they’re safer than hooks with spring latches

[@mattyb7736]

​@@danlux4954never had one come loose.....ever. if it does, it wasn't tightened properly, I only do mine up hand tight and have never had an issue

[@Weetbix1969]

should NOT use a "D" Shackle as they are designed for a straight line load only and if the trailer detaches the ball the first force it will get is on a downwards angle as the chain snatches tight to take the load, you should use either a Bow Shackle or Safety Bow Shackle which is deigned to take loads on an angle. i was a Chain and Rigging Certification Tech for 9 1/2 years.

[@HeritageFarmsTexas]

New follower here. I have a Chevy HD2500 with the exact same issue. Great channel, we are trying to grow our channel as well.

[@MrMuffinsTrains]

Thank you. I couldn’t figure out how that collar went on to secure it. No directions in the package.

[@RemotelyRetired]

You are welcome! That is exactly why this video was made. Marvin couldn't find directions, either, so he wanted to help others.

[@jhscheppele2448]

Here is a real good idea don’t buy a damn piece of junk called a Ford.

[@barnhooty2956]

We use Hammer locks with cables on heavy lifting fixtures in aerospace/aircraft jig and fixture fabrication. Great product and at grade 100 their stronger than the grade 70 chain hook. Threaded pin Shackles would be another solution for those that don't want anything hanging on the truck. Threaded 3/8" carabiners are ok for lightweight trailers...not a heavy trailer. A 3/8" carabiner at 2200 lbs doesn't have the same strength as the 3/8 G70 safety chain.

[@anthonymauger9388]

Bow , D shackle ,would do as well

[@F450FTW]

The hitch on my 2022 F450 is no longer like this. I hated the one on my 2017 F250 and I used hammerlocks however the hooks on my TT and enclosed trailer fit great on my new one

[@edwardchampionIII]

You needed a heavier hammer to knock the pin in

[@kevincoughlin4459]

That's known as a "Ford Wrench" to most Ford guys,

[@tomedgar4375]

Looks like a D ring would be an easier solution

[@philswords6390]

Worse on my F150 2020. Can’t see to hook.

[@Fudgieguys1969]

It is called trailer safety chains.............

[@stryder7171]

I forced the safety chain on and actually had to take it apart to get it off. I am currently using d-rings but will look into these hammer locks.

[@momo_the_great6969]

Its Ford. What did you expect

[@TheDefenderSisu]

You are a life saver

[@jeffreyhouston2043]

Lesson, never buy a ford !!!!!

[@jeffnelson9280]

Criss cross your safety chains

[@tunafish3216]

Ford has lost it’s marbles on a lot of dumb things.

[@bajamedic]

What else?

[@donaldcampbell5277]

Another part to rattle.

[@jamrvkids1475]

Would a large enough shackle do the same thing?

[@RemotelyRetired]

Need to make sure whatever you use can handle and is rated for the weight of whatever it is you're towing.

[@winstonrocco1981]

Use a large c clamp

[@petepeterson7230]

Welcome to the club, nailed it exactly "Ford what where you thinking."

[@johnt6673]

@Account NumberEight wow, you think ford is the first one to use the plastic parts? Lol. Get a fucking clue. These have been in use for many auto manufacturers for years now. Millions and millions of vehicles with no issues.... Wake up....

[@knotbumper]

Ford changed the hitches because of people using incorrect safety chains. Now, you have to use an appropriate safety chain hook for the tow capacity. Yes, if you are towing something smaller, it is inconvenient. But when you approach the upper range of trailers, these force you to use the correct hooks. Grade 80 or 100 self locking hooks are the appropriate hook allowed now.

[@danlux4954]

The manufacturer of the trailer puts them on.

[@brotherinarvroger9990]

Camped next to y’all days before Pandemic at Thousand Trails in Texas

[@RemotelyRetired]

Hi! Nice to hear from you! I hope you are doing well and staying healthy during these crazy times. Are you still on the road or have you hunkered down for a while?

[@lawrencecavens5760]

WOW! What a neet design I sure need that design and am going to get a set. So wonderfull in thanking you for sharing - Now it will be a whole lot easier attaching my safety chains for my 29ft trailer to my 2008 F250 with a class 5 hitch. Thankyou for shareing. Cheers!

[@trd4d]

Recently discovered these when making straps to pull vehicles out of the sand. Much better than d-rings for permanent connections.

[@ixamxangel]

Synthetic soft shackles work great and eliminate the danger of flying metal objects. Plenty of videos showing the dangers of d rings or metal objects to bind 2 straps together. Be safe out there.

[@tammeyruiz3856]

Thank you guys

[@samuelfink4799]

Glad I’m not the only one laying down cussing like a sailor, I questioned my intelligence.

[@robertheinkel6225]

Are you able to remove them, or is it considered a permanent installation?

[@RemotelyRetired]

Haven't had to remove them, but according to what we understand, the pin can be hammered through the lock. So they are not considered "permanent," although we don't plan on removing them, even if we sell the truck.

[@peladinho769]

They are relatively easy to remove with the proper straight punch however when assembling I would use a little never-seize in the center barrel.. a little rust makes them a bear to remove.

[@RambunctiousHamster]

My only issue with these is the worry that they will wear through the receiver metal over time with all the rubbing and bouncing as they don't come off(like a tag on a dog collar) I ended up putting 3/4 bow shackles on mine. They don't move at all which makes me feel a bit better about preventing that, but I know the load rating is compromised because of the position they are in. Their rating is for 9,500lbs working(57,000lb breaking) load for each, so they are a bit overkill for the application anyway so I'm not worried.

[@thefartdart]

lol run the chain in and out the hole then hook your quick link or you called locking oval. Not rated very high weight wise . The 80 and 100 are in reference to the chain rating 100 is an European chain 80 grade chain is heat treated made mostly for over head lifting . 100 grade is about 25% stronger . 70 grade chain in mostly for tie-down or for towing and DOT approved

[@teeanahera8949]

Be careful to never use a tow hitch with its dog leg to get yourself pulled out of a boggy situation. I saw recently one snapped in half under the force of a snatch strap and it went through the wind screen and killed the driver of the bogged vehicle. There is a video of it here somewhere on YT.

[@clarencemcgregor8568]

One should never use a carpenter's claw hammer to beat on hardened steel pins as the hammer head is also hardened and prone to chipping either the head or the pins and the bits of flying metal are an eye hazard, did you wear your safety glasses? Get a machinist's ball peen hammer and still use safety glasses please.

[@stevenl8687]

Same thing happened to me, seriously ford what gives? Thanks for posting

[@trishcouncell2342]

My 2014 F-150 has this problem. Thanks

[@susiemore246]

Very interesting

[@greengoat5654]

You didn't try putting them in sideways did you. Standard safety chains work perfectly fine on those, just learn how to use it

[@suskyhilloutdoors513]

Don’t have a problem with any of my trailers. These are hd trucks for towing larger trailers.

[@troublemakingpups5787]

Nice links and I do like the color. I am getting some just for decor on my truck...😁 Some people hang those naughty rubber things from theirs, but I will have hammer locks!! 😉😃

[@gorillaman08zx]

I have never had a problem putting hooks on my 17 F- 350 with the 3 inch hitch

[@mattc.310]

Hey, container links but smaller and a lot harder to use. The pins usually unlock and come out easily. I guess that's why they call them "hammer locks". Those are a pretty slick solution.

[@dalp6657]

Is it DOT approved?

[@RemotelyRetired]

Marvin did look this up when he was researching and did find that they are DOT approved. The color of the link corresponds with weight ratings.

[@007SurvivalGuy]

And now without a trailer your Ford will rattle like a Chevy!

[@Leotheconstructionguy]

Great idea even the newer non super duty trucks have the same issue too

[@joedirt9600]

Now you have to listen to them rattle when you drive ..

[@johnleden1909]

Your video was very helpful - I'm going to install mine tomorrow. Thanks for posting!

[@RemotelyRetired]

You are welcome! Glad we could help.

[@CosgroveNotts]

I love to see Muricans Nackling with full tool kit.

[@skybox51]

Do you have a Link?

[@RemotelyRetired]

Yes, the link is in the description below the video.

[@jasonturner1045]

another case of engineers fixing things that ain't broke.

[@imzackson]

why not just buy d rings?

[@trappereric7578]

I believe I would grind that hole out

[@illmazing]

I ordered mine from amazon and they arrived today. I have an F-350 with the same safety chain issues.

[@RemotelyRetired]

We love ours! So easy to use!

[@joshsmykalski3950]

They made them bigger in 18 or 19

[@georgewahlers2854]

The colors represent the load capacity

[@andrewhelmer7710]

very useful video thank you

[@roysiewerth980]

Ford didn’t make the hitch

[@charlesball1308]

Replace the chain hook,done!

[@lancemckee4113]

Weld a couple eyes on it.

[@iglapsu88]

Thanks for the pointers!

[@randthompson5716]

And hows the rattling? A bungee hooking them together may help some, with or without the rig.

[@RemotelyRetired]

We don't hear any rattling. Wondered about that when we first installed them, but has not been an issue.

[@adambatchelder4121]

Reasons why i own a welder

[@eljackster]

Thanks, just what I was looking for, well now I know I was looking for this. I'm going to subscribe to your channel, you have not posted video's for awhile. hope you haven't given up, sometimes it take a bit to let people find you. Just like me today.

[@RemotelyRetired]

Greetings! Glad you found the video! No, we have not given up. Just taking a forced break from fulltiming for a while. We are getting antsy to get back on the road again!

[@bigfoot-wo3qy]

Lol....great work around!

[@spiderbrandt4066]

Mate , put a jack under that before you hammer it

[@gomango71]

Use a clevis

[@SaltHeadz777]

Thanks a million, was going to throw away mine not knowing how to I stall them, headed out to the truck to install mine....cool blue like it

[@RemotelyRetired]

So glad this helped! We noticed that there weren't any videos out there with details on how to install them so that inspired us to do it. Happy travels!

[@johnwood406]

Thanks for showing me how to install these!

[@RemotelyRetired]

Happy to help!

[@dewardtaylor4192]

Try putting the hook in the bottom then turn to come out of the hole in the back works like it was intended. it’s the best setup on the market and the safest on the market

[@gl7431]

..or you could simply use a slightly longer chain and hook it through the holes and into itself

[@actpiet]

An engineer will tell you that leaving these (or any D or Bow shackle for that matter) swinging on the towbar will eventually provide a weak spot on the link. I guess half inch provides a significant safety factor, but I would keep an eye on wear

[@MarkWitzel]

can you get them off?

[@RemotelyRetired]

Yes, it is possible using a spike to continue driving the pin all the way through. Probably would not be fun, though! As an aside, we refer to these as the "truck earrings." Ok - not real macho, but that's what we call them. :-)

[@raza-man]

I wondered this question myself to reduce possibility of theft.

[@raza-man]

It sounds like it is a pain in the behind and not worth stealing. :)

[@johnt6673]

This video was a joke. I want 5 minutes of my life back. Wake the hell up please. It was a minor change, others use the same design. Stronger better built, damn the sky is falling. Give me stronger better built please...

[@Fudgieguys1969]

Nope never will use this item on my truck. If you have to hammer the item together, how in the heck will you get it off when you go and sell your truck? Poor design. Get shackle and use that instead.

[@MrPir84free]

A $70K truck - when you sell it , and you're wanting to keep $70 worth of used hardware ?

[@stephentruscott200]

A Grinder or a Cutting Torch would be my fix.

[@potatopie1696]

That basically de-rates your entire tow system.