Problems with safety chains (?)

[les45]

I decided to replace the hooks on the safety chains on my NT trailer with Reese quick connectors for a more positive hookup. When I went to spread the hooks to get the chain off, they both shattered in exactly the same place and with the same type of failure. I was wedging them apart with just a couple of light blows on a chisel when they broke like this. I'm figuring that is not a good thing. I looked this up online and found other similar hook failures that occurred on the road with Chinese made parts. Unfortunately, when I looked at the Reese packaging, the quick connectors were made in China too. Now I'm going to replace the chains and connectors with something American made (if there is such a thing nowadays).

[Junkboy999]

Some states Now require a Positive lock device on the safety chains. Like pictured or a small spring loaded
clips to keep the chain from bouncing off the two Vehicle.

[Shadow Catcher]

When I had the accident One of the quick links pulled straight and the other broke, which should not have been possible had they been to code. The chain should have gone first. I have replaced the chains and links with heavier ga chain and links that are stainless steel.
Chain is subject to ASTM standards, but how much is made in China that does not meet those standards.
There are different grades of chain and insisting on chain that meets a standard would probably lead to a good quality chain. You also need to know that there is chain from China that meets ASTM standards.

[les45]

Couldn't find anything with a pedigree in my area so I decided to go with the larger Reese chain set (5,000 lb) with quick connectors. They are nearly twice as big as the ones that came with the NT trailer. Probably overkill but reduces the worry factor. I noticed that the instructions say to loop the chain through the hole in the receiver plate and fasten the connectors back to links in the chains and not directly to the receiver plate. I have never seen anyone do that when using the quick connectors. My only concern now is that piddly little Chinese bolt in the center that holds the chain to the trailer tongue plate. I guess that gets changed out next with a high strength American bolt (if there is such a thing nowadays).

[Shadow Catcher]

What you are thinking of is a clevis or bow shackle



I have a tow strap that I use them on but finding ones of the same strength and diameter as the chain was difficult.

[Dale M.]

What you are thinking of is a clevis or bow shackle



I have a tow strap that I use them on but finding ones of the same strength and diameter as the chain was difficult.

Yeah... They do not fits chains well at all... Think they are mainly used with web or cable "slings" with large loops on ends...

Dale

[Shadow Catcher]

I used a quick link that had to be "persuaded" to go through the link and is the same diameter as the chain.

[Dale M.]

I used a quick link that had to be "persuaded" to go through the link and is the same diameter as the chain.

Have you ever seen any specification or load rating for these links... I don't recall ever seeing any... Just curious if you have more information about them than I have seen...

Dale

[les45]

The Reese box says the connectors are rated at 5,000 lbs. That is the same rating for their larger chain set which uses the same connectors. However, there are no pedigrees written on the box or stamped on any of the hardware. I thought it interesting that the broken hooks were stamped "SAE Aprd". Not sure that a written or stamped pedigree means anything on imports like these.

[H.A.]

n

[Rolly]

Possible solution for hooks.http://www.tulsachain.com/asccustompages/products.asp?AffID=&categoryid=438&navParent=437

Rolly

[les45]

Possible solution for hooks.http://www.tulsachain.com/asccustompages/products.asp?AffID=&categoryid=438&navParent=437

Rolly

I see more people using this style of hook, especially boaters in our area. FWIW and a followup to my original post, I took the S-hooks off my HF utility trailer recently using the same chisel method and they separated cleanly without breaking. Not sure if they are any stronger, but at least they didn't break on impact. I went ahead and replaced them with the positive locking quick connectors also just to be on the safe side. Cheap insurance.

[Redneck Teepee]

I decided to replace the hooks on the safety chains on my NT trailer with Reese quick connectors for a more positive hookup. When I went to spread the hooks to get the chain off, they both shattered in exactly the same place and with the same type of failure. I was wedging them apart with just a couple of light blows on a chisel when they broke like this. I'm figuring that is not a good thing. I looked this up online and found other similar hook failures that occurred on the road with Chinese made parts. Unfortunately, when I looked at the Reese packaging, the quick connectors were made in China too. Now I'm going to replace the chains and connectors with something American made (if there is such a thing nowadays).

The stuff made in china always seems to be over hardened and as you found out very brittle, same with their tools....Junk!

[Kody]

I would never use any Chinese made parts for attaching the trailer to the tow vehicle. I only use certified HT chain fastened with genuine HT bolts, at least Grade 8. The shackle/s I use to connect to the car are again certified shackles. I use either Bow shackles or Straight type if I can find them.The shackles are fitted by screwing up the threaded pin and then backing it off a half turn. The pin is then secured with a wire tie to stop it from coming off. The safety chains are kept as short as possible but still giving me ample slack at full turn. They are crossed over which is a great safety bonus and most States insist that they are crossed over for that reason. Should the hitch come off, the hitch will drop down and be caught in the "cradle" of the crossed chains. To use anything else than certified chain and shackles is a huge mistake that can easily cost you your Teardrop Trailer and worse, the life of an innocent person. I have seen shackles and chain that parted and you only need see the results to convince you that certified chain and shackles are the best way to go. Sure it costs a bit more but you can drive with confidence in your rig and sleep well at night. There are no shortcuts to safety!

Kody

[Shadow Catcher]

Kody One of the problems in the US and I am assuming elsewhere in the world is the availability of genuine parts including chain and quite frankly most folks do not have a clue, and they should not have to. I have worked out of test labs for decades and often testing was done to determine if a part meets specifications including tensile testing to failure. My personal solution was to go with much heavier oversize and hope I never need it.
The specs from Peerless Chain for quick links http://chains-fittings.peerlesschain.co ... uick-links on low carbon probably 1018 steel 3/8" 316 SS quick links appear to have the same tensile strength load of about 2200 Lbs as 1018 steel chain so I was incorrect on my earlier statement.