Safe Working Load Limit vs Break Strength Rating for Quick Links

Question:

Hi, I have a travel trailer with a dry weight of 3627 lbs. When I go on a load balance on highway, with the cargo my travel trailer the weight is around 4300 lbs. On my two chain I have plate with the following information : SWL 3900 lbs, Ultimate Break : 11700 lbs, what’s that mean ? I bought two ½” quick link with WLL 3300 lbs write on them. I want to know if I am secure with these quick link ? I see that your quick link Item # 49135 have Capacity: 10,000 lbs and Safe Working Load Limit: 3,300 lbs. Is it the same kind of product that I already had ? Just another question, I know that the two quick link have a capacity of 6600 lbs that is over my travel trailer load but in the very worst case what happen if one chain or quick link break ? Is another quick link must have the capacity of the total weight of the travel trailer ? I added some pictures.

asked by: Joel

Expert Reply:

Great questions!

The safe working load limit that you see on products like the Curt Safety Chain Quick Link # C82932 has to do with everyday use. So, if you were to use this quick link to regularly pull something Fulton doesn't recommend exceeding 3,300 lbs (6,600 lbs for 2 of them).

Since you're looking to use these for your trailer safety chains you need to be looking at the break strength or capacity. With a break strength of 16,500 lbs you are well over the weight of your 4,300 lb loaded trailer.

Safety chains should both be in good working condition and while you would probably just need to make sure the combined capacity exceeds your loaded trailer; it wouldn't hurt to make sure each chain can handle the weight of your trailer by itself just to be extra cautious.

expert reply by: Jon G