New Andersen WD hitch

newsomer wrote:

BenK wrote:
Am curious on the last link to the shackle, as the shackle dia is way larger than the chain link's inner dia. . .

Look closely at the picture and you'll see a

flat spot on one side of the shackle

. On both sides of that end of the shackle they've shaved (no grinding grooves) a slight bit off the sides of the end. This flat spot enables that end of the shackle to slip through the end chain link.

Well, this is quite a discussion. I guess the only votes on my question points to analaity. I currently have no accurate weights on the trailer. I will see what I can do about that. There is a CAT scale a few miles down the road I have wanted to visit. I guess now is the right time.

Unfortunately the trailer is currently parked on a slight slope. The good thing is that I have acquired and installed an after market receiver and ball/ball mount (rated at 1,500 tongue, 15,000 tow) that have a rated capacity that exceed the potential weights (9,590 GVWR * 12% tongue weight = 1,150). That means I can get the trailer out of the yard and to a flat level parking lot to install and adjust the new hitch.

Youbetcha I'll be getting the most accurate before and after weights and measurements I am capable of.

flat spot on one side of the shackle

is NOT a good thing
unless they calculated that the now reduced cross section of what I
think is the weakest portion of any shackle is still strong enough
for the calculated dynamic loads...plus some margin

To me, indicative of the designers and management philosophy and
fastidiousness for the big picture and details in the rat holes

What some see or consider analaity, is, IMO, fastidiousness of details

Where I've used shackles and the chain can not slip over the ends, I
have flipped it to have the pin be the chain side and the hole or
whatever on the other end large enough for the shackle end to pass through