In trailer eyebolt connections, which hardware option can be used to connect the towline to the eyebolt?

In trailer eyebolt connections, which hardware option can be used to connect the towline to the eyebolt?

• A. RING
• B. SHACKLE
• C. CLIP
• D. SHACKLE OR SKIFF HOOK

Answer: (D)

A towline needs a connection that is secure, rated for the load, and stays put under tension. The eyebolt is just the anchor point, so the connector must provide a positive, locking connection rather than something that can slip or come loose. A shackle or skiff hook fits this role because both are purpose-built for towing: they’re strong, rated hardware and they use a locking mechanism—a pin in a shackle or a latch in a skiff hook—that prevents the towline from unintentionally releasing. The load is carried through the body of the hardware, not risking pull on the eyebolt’s eye itself. Rings tend to be passive loops that can shift or work loose under load, and clips aren’t reliable for towing because they can open or fail when the line is under strain. So the best, safest choice is to use a shackle or skiff hook to connect the towline to the eyebolt.

A towline needs a connection that is secure, rated for the load, and stays put under tension. The eyebolt is just the anchor point, so the connector must provide a positive, locking connection rather than something that can slip or come loose. A shackle or skiff hook fits this role because both are purpose-built for towing: they’re strong, rated hardware and they use a locking mechanism—a pin in a shackle or a latch in a skiff hook—that prevents the towline from unintentionally releasing. The load is carried through the body of the hardware, not risking pull on the eyebolt’s eye itself.

Rings tend to be passive loops that can shift or work loose under load, and clips aren’t reliable for towing because they can open or fail when the line is under strain. So the best, safest choice is to use a shackle or skiff hook to connect the towline to the eyebolt.