Shackle Size Recommendation Guides

Below you will find the recommended shackles sizes for you vehicle size and weight. We have also provided downloadable PDF print-ables for your convenience. To determine the appropriate towing shackle size for your vehicle, follow these steps:

  1. Check Your Vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This information is usually found on the driver’s side door jamb or in the owner’s manual. It represents the maximum loaded weight of your vehicle. You can also do a quick google search for the "Curb Weight" of your vehicle Year, Make and Model for a starting point. Don't forget to factor in an additional weight if you modified your vehicle from its stock configuration. i.e. lift kits, suspension, heavier axles, tents, toppers, etc.
  2. Choose a Shackle with an Adequate Working Load Limit (WLL): The shackle’s WLL should be at least 1.5 to 2 times your vehicle’s GVWR for safe recovery operations.
  3. Measure the Bumper or Recovery Point Hole Diameter: Use calipers to measure the inside diameter of the hole on your bumper or recovery point. If you do not have a calipers you can lay a tape measure across the hole but make sure to account for any coating or paint that might reduce the effective inside diameter.
  4. Select the Appropriate Pin Diameter: Ideally the shackle pin should fit snugly within the hole without excessive play but sometimes this is hard to achieve due to manufacturer bore sizes not matching standard shackle pin sizes. If your hole size is a little loose we offer parts to help with this. Check out our Rattle Rings Nylon Washers and Shackle Adapter Sleeves in our Recovery Parts section of our store. Common shackle sizes are 1/2, 5/8, 3/4 and 7/8 inch, with the pin diameters being 1/8 inch larger than the stated shackle size.
  5. Factor in Safety and Strength: Choose high Factor of Safety shackles made from durable materials (e.g., forged chromoly or carbon steel) and avoid aluminum shackles that are typically for ornamental purposes only. All Moose Knuckle Offroad shackles have a FoS (Factor of Safety) of 5:1 which means the MBS (Minimum Breaking Strength) is 5 times greater than the WLL (Working Load Limit).

Need more guidance? Check out our other size guide options in the SHACKLE FITTING dropdown menu on navigation bar above!

SPLIT SHACKLES

Moose Knuckle Offroad Split Recovery Shackle Vehicle Size Reference Guide

Split Shackle Vehicle Size Reference Guide Print-able Download

SCREW PIN ANCHOR SHACKLES (often referred to as D-Rings)

D-Ring Screw Pin Anchor Shackle Vehicle Size Reference Guide | Moose Knuckle Offroad Recovery Gear

Screw Pin Anchor Shackle Vehicle Size Reference Guide Print-able Download

B-RING SCREW PIN ANCHOR SHACKLES

B-Ring Gathering Screw Pin Anchor Recovery Shackle Vehicle Size Reference Guide | Moose Knuckle Offroad

B-Ring Screw Pin Anchor Shackle Vehicle Size Reference Guide Print-able Download