Tailgate chain rubber install??

[XtechX]

I have some new tailgate chains all powder coated and the new rubber tube like covers. How the heck do you get them on, they're definately not going to slip right on.Any help would be great.

[ChuckW]

I'm just guessing here. Assuming your chains are still attached to you hooks etc... If so, you'll need to unbend the hook where the chain is and slide the chain off of the hook. Crow bar and a good vise! Not easy but very doable!

[XtechX]

Well, I figured it out! In case anybody else runs into this problem, here's what I did.
I put the new rubber tube style chain covers in boiling water until they became a little more pliable, pulled them out with a set of tongs and gloves. I sprayed Pam cooking spray on the chain hook and started to fish them on. There was a little grunting to get them to go on but not too bad.

[62-One-Ton]

^ That sir is using your noggin. Hats off to that. I was just going to say lube it up and slip it in. But you got it figured out.
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[nyg215]

I tied a shoe string to the bolt side and pulled my chains straight through. NO LUBE!

[1963c-10]

Just a note....the clear covers will collect mildew and turn cloudy eventually

[XtechX]

The covers are pretty rigid right now, holding
the chains in a odd and unatural way.
I'm sure they will relax eventually.
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[grs]

I once used an inner tube from skinny tires off of a bike to make chain covers. A bike shop will give bad ones to you for free.

[aggie91]

When I have done them in the past, I just used a string tied to the bolt end like mentioned above. That way the tube does not have to stretch over the hook end...Also, a little WD40 on the inside of the tube helps is it is being stubborn...

I have seen the clear ones with a drain hole added to the bottom side once installed to allow the water to drain out...

[1963c-10]

I have the clear ones and they do have the drain hole. With the condensation sticking to the chains in early a.m. hours and rain...they will eventually cloud up and will have to be removed and cleaned or replaced. I have installed them on every truck I've owned, and always had the same result. I haven't taken mine back off yet to clean (installed 2 yr ago w/stainless chains), but they still do their job and protect the paint.