Can S-Hooks On Safety Chains Be Replaced With Clevis Hooks?

Question:

I have a 34ft travel trailer with safety chains with the following information on the tag. American Bolt and Screw 8/0 Grade 30 Chain ZP Break Strength 7,600 lbs Class 4 GVWR 7,600 lbs Meets CSA Z240 1.2-08s5.4.4 These are the weight ratings as per the sticker on the side of the trailer The GVWR on my trailer is 7500 lbs The dry weight of the trailer is 6556 lbs The cargo carrying capacity is 944 lbs When the safety chains were put on the trailer from the factory, one chain is one link short so it does not reach my hook up points on the truck receiver. So to remedy this, the dealer put a quick link at the hookup point on my trucks receiver. These chains also have the S-style hooks on the end which I am not a fan of after having the clevis style hooks on my last trailer. I want to remove the S-hooks from the chains by using a grinder with a cutting wheel to cut the s-hook off, not disturbing the chain length, and replace these with a clevis style hook. Then for the chain that is too short to reach my trucks receiver, I want to add a double clevis link at the end of the short chain between the chain and the clevis hook to eliminate the quick link that dangles from my truck receiver when not in use. Heres my question: What size and weight Clevis hook and Double Clevis Link would you recommend I use that will match or exceed the weight rating of my chains and trailer weight? Im confused as to whether the break strength of the safety chains is the combined weight of the chains, or if each chains break strength must exceed the weight of the trailer. I see conflicting information online. Also, I do not want to replace the entire safety chains because they are attached to a bar that is welded to the trailer. To replace them I would have to cut the chains and have the new ones rewelded to the trailer tongue.

asked by: Shenan F

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help!

The correct replacement Clevis hooks will be dependent on the thickness of your chain links. Likely you would need either the Curt Clevis Hook with Spring Loaded Safety Latch - 7/16" # C81970 which fits 7/16" Thick chains, or the # TCSLIP-G70-8-L for 5/16" thick chains.

The # C81970 has a 40000lb weight capacity, and the # TCSLIP-G70-8-L has a 4700lb capacity per link so either option will be quite a bit stronger than your chain.

For your shorter chain you can use the quick link to add length, though you will need to find the size of your links to make sure you get the right one.

Since safety chains are an emergency thing and not constantly supporting weight as long as you are under the breaking strength of the component you are fine.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.