How to Choose Correct Capacity for Trailer Safety Chains
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
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).
Products Referenced in This Question
35" Long Safety Chain with Clevis Slip Hook, 5,400 lbs.
- Trailer Safety Chains
- Safety Chains
- Towing a Trailer
- 35 Inch Long
- 5400 lbs
- Single Chain
- Clevis Hooks
- Standard Chains
- Laclede Chain
more information >
27" Long Safety Chain with 7/16" Hook, 5,000 lbs.
- Trailer Safety Chains
- Safety Chains
- Towing a Trailer
- 27 Inch Long
- 5000 lbs
- Single Chain
- S-Hooks
- Standard Chains
- Laclede Chain
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
35" Long Safety Chain with Clevis Slip Hook, 5,400 lbs.
- Trailer Safety Chains
- Safety Chains
- Towing a Trailer
- 35 Inch Long
- 5400 lbs
- Single Chain
- Clevis Hooks
- Standard Chains
- Laclede Chain
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: 35" Long Safety Chain with Clevis Slip Hook, 5,400 lbs.
- Search Results: safety chains
- Shop: Buyers Products 3/8" x 35" Class 4 Trailer Safety Chain w/ 1 Clevis Hook - 43 Proof
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer safety chains
- Shop: Buyers Products 3/8" x 35" Class 4 Trailer Safety Chain w/ Clevis Hook - 30 Proof
- Shop: 27" Long Safety Chain with 7/16" Hook, 5,000 lbs.
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Q&A: How to Select the Proper Length Safety Chains for a Trailer
- Search Results: safety chain
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: 2~5/16 " balls~14000 lbs
- Shop: Buyers Products 3/8" x 22" Class 4 Trailer Safety Chain w/ Clevis Hook - 30 Proof
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Safety Chain Weight Ratings and Dimensions
- Shop: Hellwig Load Pro 35 Heavy Duty Helper Springs with Custom Mounting Kit - 3" Wide
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Search Results: st175/80r13
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: How To Attach Safety Chains To Trailer Tongue
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: chain
- Video: Blue Ox Base Plate Installation - 2011 Chevrolet HHR
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2011 Chevrolet HHR
- Q&A: How Are Safety Chains Rated
- Video: Pollak Replacement 7-Pole RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket Review
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Video: Review of Titan Chain Trailer Safety Chains - Safety Chain S Hook 60 Inch Long - TCTSCG30-760-03x2
- Video: etrailer Campers and Utility Trailers Tongue Weight Scale Review
on Trailer Safety Chains
