Big Shackles for Big Trucks
Some of our readers definitely have a need for big D ring shackles. We're not talking about those wimpy 3/4" shackles that come in a recovery kit, we're talking the big stuff.
"Need" might not be the word for it, though!
Some shackles are so massive that you could never exceed the working load limit on some of these huge shackles.
We'll take a look at the specs on some of these monsters so you can figure out how to fit one to your 4x4.
- 6 Reasons Tow Straps with Hooks Will Kill You
- The Winch Recovery Kit Comparison Guide
"Normal" 4x4 Recovery Shackle Sizes
The most common D ring shackles in the 4x4 recovery world are the 9,500 lb. 3/4" shackle and the 13,000 lb. 7/8" shackle. They're provided in tons of winching kits and are probably the first winch accessory that you'll buy.
Those sizes are perfectly fine for most 4x4 recovery, but sometimes you want something a little bigger, like a 55 ton, 2 1/2" shackle!
Let's take a look at your options.
Big Shackles
This way bigger than your typical 3/4" or 7/8" shackle used for recovery!
Shackles have standardized sizes and load ratings, meaning that you can buy a huge 2" D ring shackle from one manufacturer and it'll be exactly the same as one from another manufacturer.
We're going to link out to Crosby shackles in this article.
Why?
We know that they're made with quality steel alloy, plus they're made in the USA. It's getting harder to find high quality, made-in-the-USA recovery gear since the market is becoming flooded with products from China.
Crosby shackles also have the Working Load Limit stamp on the shackle
along with some angled markers that that riggers would use to position a
sling.
We have a few larger than standard shackles around for farm-type work, but if you're reading this, you probably just want a big shackle for your big shackle hitch.
In our chart, we included the overall height.
This will help when you hang this thing off your tow receiver - many trucks will need a lift to keep from scraping the ground with the larger shackles.
These are the dimensions you need if you're fitting a big shackle to your truck.
It's worth mentioning that shackles are named by sizes in inches.
But:
The size is "nominal", which means "in name only". It's just like how a 2x4 from the lumberyard isn't actually 2" by 4" - we just call it that.
Some shackles have some part of them that actually measures the nominal size, but not all of them.
| Size (nominal) | Ton Rating | Pin Diameter | Working Load Limit | Weight | Bow width | Length | Pin center to end |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4" | 4 3/4 tons | 7/8" | 9,500 lbs. | 2.4 lbs. | 3.50" | 4.97" | 1.81" |
| 7/8" | 6 1/2 tons | 1 " | 13,000 lbs. | 3.6 lbs. | 4.03" | 5.83" | 2.09" |
| 1" | 8 1/2 tons | 1 1/8" | 17,000 lbs. | 5.0 lbs. | 4.69" | 6.56" | 2.38" |
| 1 1/8" | 9 1/2 tons | 1 1/4" | 19,000 lbs. | 7.4 lbs. | 5.16" | 7.47" | 2.69" |
| 1 1/4" | 12 tons | 1 3/8" | 24,000 lbs. | 9.5 lbs. | 5.75" | 8.25" | 3.00" |
| 1 3/8" | 13 1/2 tons | 1 1/2" | 27,000 lbs. | 13.5 lbs. | 6.38" | 9.16" | 3.31" |
| 1 1/2" | 17 tons | 1 5/8" | 34,000 lbs. | 17.2 lbs. | 6.88" | 10.00" | 3.63" |
| 1 3/4" | 25 tons | 2 " | 50,000 lbs. | 27.8 lbs. | 8.86" | 12.34" | 4.19" |
| 2" | 35 tons | 2 1/4" | 70,000 lbs. | 45.0 lbs. | 9.97" | 13.68" | 4.81" |
| 2 1/2" | 55 tons | 2 3/4" | 110,000 lbs. | 85.8 lbs. | 12.87" | 17.84" | 5.69" |
Big Shackle Hitches
For trucks using such a large shackle hitch, you'll need a lift to actually clear the huge shackle.
Are you just looking for a big shackle hitch that includes the hitch and the shackle?
You can get a custom setup from Bigass Hitches here.
Last updated: September 5, 2019
