Safety chain strength ratings

I know someone has the answer on the forum, I could not find it.

I was installing my new WDH when I realized my safety cable was too short to reach their latching place on the truck. In doing my research I found that these cables, and all other class 3 safety cables I came across are rated for 5000 lbs. and I could not find any that were more than the 48" ones I have. So I went to Tractor Supply and was going to buy some chain make my own. I discovered that any of the chain they sell only has a rating of 750 lbs. unless you get one of the VERY big links.

Questions: What can possibly be the difference between the chains or cables used to make 5000 lb rated safety chains over what chains Tractor Supply sells?
Where can I find chain rated at this higher value?
Does it really matter?

I am going to Niagara with my old hitch till I figure out an answer or maybe Ed can tell me what to do. Hmmm, maybe take it all with me.

[Barb&Tim]

My cables were just a little too short so I added one of these;

http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-...tch/49135.html

to each cable and it worked out perfect in my situation.

Tim

[commodor47]

Dave,

What changed to make the safety cables too short? How short are the cables? If you need to extend the cables by a few inches consider using a few "quick links".

Dick

Tim . . . we think alike . . . you were quicker with a response.

[Barb&Tim]

But Dick, your post was classier than mine -- you posted pictures!

Tim

I added a new Weight Dist. Hitch and the shank was at least 4 inches further from the truck than the original. I like the link idea and will try that tomorrow.

You were probably looking at the low alloy chains with a low G-rating.

Tractor Supply does sell some G70 chain that would work:
G70 Chain

Some places might have even higher alloys like G80 or G100, but that would be really expensive even if you could get it.

Remember, the fittings have to be as strong as the chain. The "weak link" principle.

Thanks for the education, unfortunately none of the TS staff could answer that question! I think I will buy 2 feet and add that length to the cable and just close the S hook onto it, then use the closeable link like above for connection to the truck. Ugly, but it will work I think.

Thanks again.
Dave

THIS IS FOR A GOOD LAUGH AND WORRY ABOUT THE INFO WE RECEIVE

Talked to two dealers here in town in reference to the safety chain issue above'

One said they use the cheap stuff to replace old and damaged chains and have never had an issue.

One went further and said he uses the cheap stuff cause "if something goes wrong you don't want that thing bouncing around behind you anyway, let her go".

One is a large RV dealer, the other is with a large chain.

Oh and both of them said it is a crap shoot on whether their staff puts the chains on crossing under the tongue or not.

Really gives you a warm feeling knowing we have so many experts to serve us isn't it. (ex- a has been>>>>>spert-- a drip under pressure)
Have a safe day. I am going after the good chain later today. Trying to get ready for Niagara!!
Dave

[T and C]

Clown,

I see you have the same TV that I do. I have two of those links shown in the photos hanging on my hitch. The reason is that the designers at FMC do not seem to have ever hooked up chains to their own hitch. Getting the TM cables with the S hooks and clips into and then out of those odd shaped holes is "difficult" to say the least!

So, a link hanging from each side solved the problem for under $10.

Tom

If you use the quick links, make sure they are rated for 5000 lbs. Most are not.