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

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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

That is correct, Andy. The only difference between the Square 2-Speed Jack w/ Crank #TJD2SP-12000SP-F and the Square 2-Speed Jack #e26FV is that #TJD2SP-12000SP-F includes the handle and #e26FV does not. You'd have to purchase it…

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Answer 3

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…

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Answer 4

If you are absolutely sure you'd never be over the 12k number you listed a 12.5k actuator like the Demco part #DM8104311 would work great. I really like how easy to use the EZ latch couplers are of the Demco actuators. If you wanted extra…

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Answer 5

Awesome! We have just the thing. I recommend the CIPA dual lens #11953-2. This is a universal mirror that will strap on to the existing mirror. I really like the dual lens mirrors because they give you more adjustability and allow you to fine-tune…

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Answer 6

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you…

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Answer 7

The red wire on a trailer brake controller like the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller part #RED24FR when using the Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers part #RED69FR will need to be attached to the cold side of…

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Answer 8

Safety chains come in a variety of classes: Class I (2,000 pounds gross trailer weight or GTW), Class II (3500 pounds GTW), Class III (5,000 pounds GTW), etc. It is important that the capacity of the chains exceed your GTW, the weight of the loaded…

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Answer 9

I looked on Demco's website and was able to pull some information and diagrams on how you would mount the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator item #DM8609101. I have attached them below. I was not able to find any pictures of this Actuator installed.…

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Answer 10

Tire designations ST205/75D14 and ST205/75R14 are both for special trailer tires with a 205mm width, 75-percent aspect ratio and that fit a 14-inch wheel. The difference between them is the tire's type of construction. The ST205/75D14 tire is a…

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Answer 11

In the tire size of ST205/75R14 the best Load Range D option is the Kenda Karrier Radial #AM10235. It has a load capacity of 2,200 lbs at 75 psi and a speed rating of 81 miles per hour and a 5-year warranty.

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Answer 12

If you want to just add on some sort of extension you can use Safety Chain Quick Link #C82932 which has a working load limit of 3300-lbs. This will give you about 3-inches additional length. Ideally trailer safety chains will be one continuous chain,…

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How to Choose Correct Capacity for Trailer Safety Chains

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