Weight Distribution System is Bending the Bolts that Secure Snap-Up Brackets to Trailer Frame

Expert Reply:

When the chain hangers or the bolts that attach them to the trailer frame are bending, it usually indicates that something is installed or adjusted incorrectly. You will want to carefully review your installation instructions.

Way too much force is being applied to the chains that suspend the spring bars. Although being improperly adjusted or installed is typically the problem, you will also want to make sure that the correct system was chosen for the trailer weight you are dealing with.

Weight distribution systems are rated by their range of tongue weight capacity. We calculate the trailer tongue weight as being between 10 and 15 percent of the fully loaded trailer weight. Ideally, you will want the trailer tongue weight to fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the system you choose.

Take a look at the spring bars once the system is all hooked up. Are the spring bars parallel to the trailer frame or pointing downward at an angle toward the rear of the trailer? Is the height of the trailer ball approximately 1 inch taller than the height of coupler when the trailer is level? Are you using less than 5 links of the chain (number of links between the spring bar and the chain snap-up bracket)?

A certain amount of popping and squeaking is normal for a system, as there is some metal-to-metal contact. This being said, an excessive amount of noise would indicate that the system needs adjustment, is overloaded or has been incorrectly installed.

Once the problem is found and corrected, replacement bolts are available, part # 58033.

We have some excellent weight distribution videos that will run you through the process of troubleshooting your system. To view them, click on the provided links.

expert reply by: Mike L