Should Weight Distribution Spring Bar Chains be Tight When the System is Installed

Question:

Should the chains that attach the spring bars to the trailer tongue bracket be stretched tight to their limit? Ours are taut and on the last link when installed. We literally have to jack up the trailer tongue in order to ease enough of the tension to swivel the bracket hook down to get them off. I think the ball needs to be adjusted a little toward the tongue to pull the spring bars up more from the ground, but should the chains be stretched tight or have a little play in them? We have to remove them to turn while backing and being new to this dont know if thats the way they are supposed to be or not.

asked by: Margaret

Expert Reply:

On a weight distribution system that has spring bars hanging from chains, once you engage the spring bars and lower the jack the chains will be tight. It does sound like some adjustments need to be made though since you should have about 5 chain links from the hanger to the spring bar.

You should be able to back up without remove the bars on a system like # RP66542 so it does sound like it is either a little too tight and needs to be adjusted or the system is not rated properly for the trailer tongue weight.

I have included a link to our help article on weight distribution and a link on determining tongue weight for you.

expert reply by: Michael H