Thanks for sharing that. Excellent catch! Just when I thought I could take something for granted. Now, even chain is suspect. One more thing on the inspection list.
"It`s not important that you know all the answers, it`s only important to know where to get all the answers" Arone Kleamyck
"...An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." Col. Jeff Cooper
Sunset Creek 298 BH
Given the way the chain is hooked in that picture, and assuming it's that way when towing too, that's the cause of the problem. Chains are VERY strong in tension, but not in bending. The link should be hanging square, and the first 'loose' link should be down along side the tensioned links.
gijoecam wrote: Given the way the chain is hooked in that picture, and assuming it's that way when towing too, that's the cause of the problem. Chains are VERY strong in tension, but not in bending. The link should be hanging square, and the first 'loose' link should be down along side the tensioned links.
Agree, that link is binding with the hook and should be below that hook
Still, that chain should NOT have cracked, or think it was never welded
at that spot
Thanks for all the responses! The picture of the chain hanging is just the 'storage' position, though it's possible the links have been in that position while hooked up and bearing weight, I'll definitely make sure to keep an eye on that for future. In the meantime I'll contact Reese, and see what they can do. Will report back with their response as requested.
Mike & Melynda joined by rugrats Alexandra, Zoe, and Georgia
2010 Yukon XL 3/4 ton V8
2011 North Trail 32QBSS, Reese Dual Cam Our trailer and camping pics
2 pieces of chain...$3-$5.00
just get some new chain locally and be done with it......no waiting on shipping, no phone calls...all done within an hour and off to do something fun without any worries
Call Reese, they have a lifetime warranty on the hitch.
The loads of the WD hitch should not be any where near the strength of that chain. I do not see that as a sizing problem but a manufacturing defect. They will stand behind it.
And, good for you for inspecting and looking!! Any machine made needs inspection on some periodic basis.
Let us know how you make out
John
X2 on using the lifetime warrantee. BTW: I have the same setup and mine was made in China.
So, for those still following this thread, Reese was not so responsive. I e-mailed them at the link provided in this thread, and they gave me a number to call. The person I spoke to said because it was a used trailer when I bought it that they could not warranty the chains, as they could not know what sort of stress they had been put under. I guess it's reasonable, although I'm sort of vaguely disappointed they don't just stand behind their product regardless. I mean, seriously, what sort of stress is a chain like that likely to be put under that could cause it to fail if it was properly manufactured.
Anyway, I bought some new chains and installed them, no big deal. Thanks to everyone for the responses!
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