Troubleshooting Bend In Trailer Frame and Safety Chain Length

Question:

I recently took delivery of a travel trailer - our first experience towing a trailer. A couple of months after delivery I noticed the A-Frame was bent under the propane tank. Is it possible that too short of a chain length could cause this to happen? My chains are barely long enough to attach when the truck and trailer are aligned. Thanks.

asked by: Bob C

Expert Reply:

Your safety chains would not cause your trailer frame to bend like you pictured even if the safety chains are barely long enough to attach. It would be wise to get longer safety chains, but you would need to have amazingly strong chains, bolts, and hitch chain loops to cause your trailer frame to bend before the other parts failed. It looks like someone jack knifed the trailer to cause a bend like that. The good news is the back side of that frame rail still looks straight and will most likely allow your trailer to still function properly.

I recommend the Curt Safety Chains with Latching Hooks - 60" Long - 5,000 lbs - Qty 2 # C19749 or similar in proper length and capacity to replace your current chains. If you have a really big travel trailer I recommend the Tow Ready Safety Chain Kit with Clevis Hooks - 44" Long - 16,000 lbs - Qty 2 # 49150.

expert reply by: Jason S