Can 2018 Ram 1500 Class IV Trailer Hitch Safety Chain Loops be Used for Recovery

Question:

While trying to pully friend out of a ditch, I found myself wondering about the reliability of a hook point that we all use regularly, but never seem to truly use. Most pickup comes with a factory class IV hitch, and we know that the receiver can handle a good amount of force, around 10 000 lbs. So the tow strap and 5/8 inch pin technique is a great idea, but what if you have a strap with hooks already on there? Its now too big to fit inside the receiver. But we have an alternative right next to it, the 2 loops/brackets where you hook the safety chains of your trailer. But can they be trusted for this job? My question is: how much force can a single loop/bracket handle? I know theyre capable of catching the tongue of your trailer just in case, but what about a truck deploying all its force to pull another one? Can a single loop be able to withstand the same force as the whole hitch 10 000lbs? Thank you for your input.

asked by: Christophe V

Expert Reply:

Great question.

You are correct that the tow hooks for a 10K Class IV hitch on your 2018 Ram 1500, like the Curt # 14374, are designed to hold the tongue of the trailer via the safety cables in a worst-case scenario. Since the trailer would be uncoupled in this kind of scenario the safety cables, and likewise the safety chain loops, need to be rated high enough to handle the weight of the trailer for an emergency stop.

Manufacturers don't rate the chain loops for weight since they are only there for an emergency situation but if you think about it logically each chain loop would be "rated" for 5,000 lbs if the trailer hitch is rated for up to a 10K trailer.

With all of that being said, I definitely don't recommend using the chain loops for vehicle recovery. These are designed for a worst-case scenario so they haven't been tested for the hard work and pulling that needs to happen in a recovery situation.

If you're wanting to avoid using your tow hooks then I recommend using is the Patriot Hitches The Captain 5-Way 3-Ball Mount # PH34FR instead of the safety chain loops. This is rated for up to 10K and it has a D-Ring at the end which is perfect for recovery situations.

expert reply by: Jon G