How to Choose Correct Capacity for Trailer Safety Chains

Question

Question:

Prior response to another customer: My confusion: If 5,400 pounds is the Working Load limit and the 5,400 lbs is 1/3 of the breaking strength, that means that that particular chain has a breaking strength of 16,200 lbs. So if my trailer has a 5,000 GTW I need a chain and hook that has a minimum of 1,700++ breaking strength and not the 5,400 lbs as stated?? Or must the chains WORKING LOAD LIMIT exceed the GTW and not the chains breaking strength as stated above?

asked by: Jack H

0

Expert Reply:

I definitely understand how safety chain capacities and determining exactly what chain rating you need for your trailer can be a bit confusing.

To keep it as simple as possible, safety chain requirements state that the breaking strength of EACH chain, not the working load limit (WLL), should be equal to or exceed the gross trailer weight.A 5,000 pound trailer needs safety chains that each have a break strength of at least 5,000 pounds. A chain's working load limit comes more into play when choosing chains to secure cargo.

A couple of factors to help clarify why this is the case is that first, in the event of a trailer coming uncoupled, the safety chains won't have the full weight of the trailer on them since a lot of the weight is supported by the road. Also keep in mind that the chains will only be engaged for an instant in this scenario, they won't be responsible for actually pulling the trailer over a longer period of time.

With the above in mind, the 35" Long Safety Chain with Clevis Slip Hook # 1483-535-04 referenced in your question, which features a 5,400 pound working load limit, is more than enough for a 5,000 pound trailer. As you mentioned, the break strength for this chain is 16,200 pounds.

There is certainly nothing wrong with using chains that are over-rated, but using a lesser rated chain like the 27" Long Safety Chain # 2118-605-04 will still be sufficient. This chain features a 5,000 pound break strength (and a 1,250 pound working load limit).

expert reply by: Chris R

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Answer 1

It really depends on your setup, if the safety chain loops on your tow vehicle are spaced far apart then you will need more slack to make a tight turn then if they were closer together. What I would recommend you do is connect your trailer to your…

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Answer 2

Safety chains or safety cables should be rated for the full loaded trailer weight. Most of the safety chains we have that are rated for your 6300-lb loaded trailer weight will have clevis or S hook connectors that are larger than 5/16-inch. Titan 5K…

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Answer 3

I was able to find more info on your slipper spring. Looks like you have a Dexter 5115 slipper spring that is 27-1/2 inches long and has a 4k capacity. I attached a picture that has all of the hanger spacing dimensions needed when installing this…

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Answer 4

Hi Douglas, Thanks for the photo and since you have the #10 Torflex axle with a 2,300 to 4,000-lb capacity, the only aftermarket option to add lift is indeed the 2-5/8" Torflex Lift Kit - Single Axle #K71-707-01. This is a pretty good amount…

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Answer 5

So this will depend on if you want an in cab monitor like the Coachlink #SM99945 or a light in your flat towed vehicle like what comes with the basic Demco Air Force One #SM99243. I have linked the instructions for the Air Force One near the bottom…

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Answer 6

Hey Eric, so we do have what you need with the replacement cap part #VA55JR but the one you mentioned is smaller so it would not work for you. The cap you need is 4 inch diameter and the one you referenced is 3.75 inch.

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Answer 7

We only have the white version of what you mentioned with the part #DM99VR. The #DM69FR has mounting holes that are 5/8 inch.

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Answer 8

Since the Curt S-Hook with Wire Keeper for Safety Chains and Cables, part #C81820 is made of 7/16 inch diameter zinc coated steel, I recommend using something like a vise or channel locks if available to crimp the end around your safety chains. If…

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Answer 9

Yes you could use a long enough and correct diameter nut and bolt to secure the safety chains to your trailer if you wanted or you could use the Buyers Products weld on safety chain retainer #3375471000 that you referenced as well.

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Answer 10

For the Tall Safety-Chain Loops for Reese Elite Series Under-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch #RP58468 you can use safety chain #FCHA0070324. Reese has performed a test fit and this chain works with the loops.

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Answer 11

From what I could find it looks like your 2017 Lance model 1475 has the Dexter #10 torsion axle. If that is the case, the Torflex Lift Kit #K71-707-01 is the correct lift kit for that axle. I recommend that you verify that is the axle that you have…

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Answer 12

To determine if you have the correct system for your trailer tongue weight, you should determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. The weight of any gear stowed behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle also needs to be…

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How to Choose Correct Capacity for Trailer Safety Chains

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