Hitch Shackle Comparison--Brief

[JSparky]

I'll preface this by saying I have no ties with either of these companies, this is purely a user's observations that may be helpful for others.


I thought I'd share my recent experience with hitch shackles. My brother got me a Rampage hitch shackle for Christmas, however upon inspection neither of us were very impressed.

The hitch mount looks like an inexperienced/sloppy chop-saw job and I question the quality of the steel. The pin on the included D-ring shackle doesn't even screw into the shackle all the way, even after using a tool for extra leverage.

For comparison is what I ordered next, a Billit4x4 hitch mount with US-made Crosby McKissick D-ring shackle. The hitch mount is a solid cast-steel deal and finely finished, and the D-ring operates smoothly and securely.

Granted, the billet hitch shackle costs double what the rampage "tube" hitch shackle costs. That said, seeing them in person makes me feel that the money was well spent. In my opinion, for occasional use the more affordable tube mounts will likely do the job, granted the D-ring's operate, but I wouldn't want to tow a disabled vehicle through the desert for 3-days with one.

 

[JBurt]

I really like my tail gear hitch shackle. Seems almost identical to your billit.

However another super cheap option would be the harbor freight tube one. I think it is around $12.

 

[JSparky]

I really like my tail gear hitch shackle. Seems almost identical to your billit.

However another super cheap option would be the harbor freight tube one. I think it is around $12.

Nice. I just checked out the Trail Gear one, looks very similar but the load ratings are different. It's priced accordingly though, so it may be the sweet spot.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I keep a hook in the tow hitch I got from a member for recovery (just used it to pull my friend's FJ after he spun out in the snow and almost kissed a tree having too much fun :heh: ) and for threatening tailgaters. The weld job on it isn't the prettiest thing in the world (rather poor in my opinion appearance wise) but its robust and while a tube style one it is rated for 10,000lbs. I used it to snatch two 4Runners at the same time in the snow without issue and it seems to hold up well.

That being said, I'm curious how they did the end; is it just formed/shaped into the loop at the end or is that a solid piece welded to the tube like my hook? I wouldn't be too thrilled with the D-Ring included based on how it fits, but that's easy to fix. The one thing I will say is that it does look to be drilled fairly far in, which means even if the steel wasn't the best quality in the enclosed tube of the hitch carrier it shouldn't rip out easily.

I do like that solid cast piece though! It looks great!

 

[JSparky]

I keep a hook in the tow hitch I got from a member for recovery (just used it to pull my friend's FJ after he spun out in the snow and almost kissed a tree having too much fun :heh: ) and for threatening tailgaters. The weld job on it isn't the prettiest thing in the world (rather poor in my opinion appearance wise) but its robust and while a tube style one it is rated for 10,000lbs. I used it to snatch two 4Runners at the same time in the snow without issue and it seems to hold up well.

That being said, I'm curious how they did the end; is it just formed/shaped into the loop at the end or is that a solid piece welded to the tube like my hook? I wouldn't be too thrilled with the D-Ring included based on how it fits, but that's easy to fix. The one thing I will say is that it does look to be drilled fairly far in, which means even if the steel wasn't the best quality in the enclosed tube of the hitch carrier it shouldn't rip out easily.

I do like that solid cast piece though! It looks great!

It's a solid end-piece. Looks like it matches the inner diameter of the tube, as it appears to be inserted when looking inside the actual tube. I'm guessing the builder then welded the exterior excessively, then ground it down to smooth it out and make it look tapered.

x2 on the deep drill, I liked that. I'll probably still return it though, the D-ring is useless lol. It's off amazon so I'll see what they say, I've never returned anything through them before.

 

[Volcom]

However another super cheap option would be the harbor freight tube one. I think it is around $12.

Super cheap and recovery don't belong in the same sentence. I'm a HF fan for certain things but not for their chintzy recovery gear.

 

[txbonds]

For a little more money these are nice

HitchLink | Winch Safety Thimble | Factor 55

 

[BlackWorksInc]

For a little more money these are nice

HitchLink | Winch Safety Thimble | Factor 55

We need a "Bling Bling BILLET YO!" Emote with sparkles and dollar holla signs out:

Joking aside, those do look nice.

 

[iBison]

I got this Smittybilt for Christmas. Haven't used it, but it looks solid.

 

[fattire]

I have that Smittybilt. Have used it quite a bit with zero issues. Works well but i think I'd like to have a hook as well. Most of the recoveries I'm involved in don't require a snatch, just a slow and steady pull to get a rig over an obstacle (we're usually just trying to avoid body damage). A hook would be just fine for that and would be faster with the strap than a shackle.

 

[ARC]

For years in several vehicles I have just used a hitch pin. You know the $1.97 pin that holds all these fancy things in your receiver. I just insert the loop of my strap poke the pin through the loop and done.

 

[nevada]

I got this Smittybilt for Christmas. Haven't used it, but it looks solid.

i made one many years ago, that looks a lot like that.

we have ABused it a LOT for many years, no issues. its plenty strong. stronger than whatever straps/chains/cables we have hooked up to it over the years.

 

[T.Rock]

What is preventing that pin from screwing all the way in? It clearly has more room before it contacts the shoulder. Did you chase the threads with a tap?

 

[spstar]

Menards

Just came from Menards and they have a billet w/shackle for $29.95

 

[rnywickizeh]

I really like my tail gear hitch shackle. Seems almost identical to your billit.

 

[Hyde802]

I got this Smittybilt for Christmas. Haven't used it, but it looks solid.

I use this one in the front of my truck all the time. Works great and pretty cheap through amazon.