Capacity of Titan Safety Chains And Can They Be Shortened

Question:

42inch Long Safety Chain with 5/16inch Clevis Grab Hook - 5,000 lbs - Qty 1 Item # TCTSCG70-842-06x1 This says it has a 5000 lbs strength to it. Is that per 42inch length of chain and if I were using 2 of these as safety chains for my towable travel trailer would the total strength be 10,000 lbs. Also if I were to shorten the chain to say 24inch does that change the 5000 lbs strength at all. I know there is working load limits and there are break strength limits with break strength typically being considerably higher than the working load strength. The chain information tag on my trailer says the following: 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 I want to make sure the new safety chains I would purchase would meet or exceed these specifications, especially the break strength lbs. Thanks, Shenan

asked by: Shenan F

Expert Reply:

The 5,000 lb capacity on the # TCTSCG70-842-06x1 is per chain. You are correct, the limit would be 10,000 lbs with two of the chains working together like a typical safety chain setup which would be higher than your current 7,600 lb limit. It is perfectly acceptable to shorten the chain to 24" and it will not reduce the capacity of the chains.

expert reply by: Robin H