Can Weight Distribution Chains Hang at an Angle or Do They Have to be Straight Up and Down

Published 05/17/2013

Question:

I have a problem similar to what someone else posted but opposite. I just picked up a weight distribution hitch and quickly found that the sway brake hitch was too far back for me to get a straight up-and-down angle of the support chains. Its welded on so I plan on grinding the welds and moving it forward a snitch. But I went around to the other side and found that Im still limited on room that I can move forward due to how my propane pigs are mounted on this trailer. It is one of the trailmanor hard body pop-ups and this particular model has a slideout front section so the propane tanks are mounted horizontally. this leaves limited room under the tanks to pull the chain levers up. The result is, without having to remove the tanks every time I hitch up, I would have to have about 10-15 degree angle on the chains - but toward the back of the trailer. Is this going to present a problem? Im considering trying to put a very small bend on the bar that comes out of the top of the levers so I can still pry it a bit under the pigs - I might be able to get them another 1/2inch forward if I do this and would only have to unscrew the front wingbolts on the pigs to lock the chains in place. But this would still probably end up being 1inch back from ideal positioning.

asked by: Scott

Expert Reply:

Ideally, you would want the chains to be straight up and down. A slight angle is permissible. What I recommend is to change the chain hanger type being used. There are 2 options. First we have a type that bolts to the side of the trailer frame, # RP58305.

The other type is a skinny bracket that fits around the frame (up to 6-1/2 inches tall and 2-3/4 inches wide), # RP58306. With either set up you would need to use the trailer jack to jack up the trail and vehicle to achieve the required amount of tension for your weight-distribution systems spring bars.

expert reply by: Michael H