I always dreaded hooking and unhooking my Escape because those nasty safety chain connectors with the so called Quick Links. Quick my a**! Screwing that little nut in the rain or with cold fingers (it does not work with gloves) was not my idea of fun. Then I always worried about loosing them so had to screw them back up, at least enough to keep them from falling off. Of course all of this while stooped down and leaning over.
I think I have found an alternative that will speed the process and reduce my aggravation. They are called clevis hooks and readily found at farm stores or any place that sells chain. I paid $5.49 each for mine. Be sure to get the ones with the proper weight rating for your vehicle and choose the model with a safety latch. Also watch for the model that includes a fastener and cotter pin for easy installation.
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Paul and Janet Braun
2003 Toyota 4Runner V8 now 2012 Toyota Sequoia V8
Escape 19' 2010 now 2014 Escape 21'
Re: Make That Hitching Process Easier – Clevis Hook
Those Hooks are about a dozen times stronger than the links, too. And you don't need to buy stainless, as you would if you want to get the speed links apart!