wear on WDH chains

[Buzam]

When I was hitching up to head home from our recent camping trip I noticed the start of some wear on the links of the chains for our WDH. Mostly it is the links down the bottom where they attach to the tension bars.

A couple of years ago I had to replace the chains because one of the links in the chain popped a weld. The link didn't fail, but I did replace the chains with heavier duty chain so its a little fatter and has less room to move. Is this kind of wear normal? should I look at replacing these chains every few years as a wear item? Should I just replace my chain with the standard gauge?

Thanks
Scott

[usmc616]

Try e-trailers website.

[MitchF150]

I have noticed a 'slight' bit of wear on the chain link that attaches to the bar of my Eaz-Lift setup. It's over 13 years old, but not enough to cause me any concern at this time however. The amount of wear that is present is pretty much insignificant, IMO.

I'm at about #650 TW with #1000 rated bars. Works fine for me.. 🙂

Mitch

[Huntindog]

I have worn out the chains on a previous hitch.
There are a LOT of factors involved as to how long a chain will last.
The chain actually moves quite a bit when turns are made. I had the opportunity to ride in the truck bed and observe the WD bars/chains when moving.
Usage, time, and types of roads will all have and impact on when a chain wears out.

[Ranger431]

If it were me I'd ask the manufacturer what type of chain, maybe even see if you can order it directly from them.

[jerem0621]

first things first,

How tight is the bottom half link with threads on it that attaches the chains to the torsion bars? There should only be 1-2 threads showing past the lock nuts.

I did always grease the contact point on the snap up chains, but thats all I did.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[Buzam]

After some more thought I think I know what's happening:

I replaced the chain with one that has fatter links. The link I hang on requires me to rotate the chain 90 degrees to hang it, it doesn't line straight up to the hook. So the fatter links are binding on themselves as I go down the road causing some wear. (the wear is on the inside of the links where one link contacts the next)

So I'm going to replace the chain with one that more closely matches the original. Does anybody know what that could be? 30 grade 3/8"? 70 grade?

Thanks for all the replies
Scott

[69_Avion]

You need to see why it is wearing and also remember that there is a huge difference in the "Grade" of chain. They may look alike, but they aren't.

[SALEM1]

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
My WD bars are almost 30 YO and are just fine. They should not really move around that much.

Same here. Mine are 12 years old with no wear to show. You need to look for the root cause.

[jmtandem]

When I was hitching up to head home from our recent camping trip I noticed the start of some wear on the links of the chains for our WDH. Mostly it is the links down the bottom where they attach to the tension bars.

A couple of years ago I had to replace the chains because one of the links in the chain popped a weld. The link didn't fail, but I did replace the chains with heavier duty chain so its a little fatter and has less room to move. Is this kind of wear normal? should I look at replacing these chains every few years as a wear item? Should I just replace my chain with the standard gauge?

You might want to determine where the chains are wearing. What are they rubbing against? Something does not sound normal.

[icanon]

You should pat yourself on your back that you do an inspection on your setup not many do. I have seen it too many times worn out equipment, people think these things lasts forever, well they don't.
If you suspect there could be any danger 'replace it' it's better to be safe than sorry.

[Buzam]

Hmmm, I'm starting to wonder if I have my bars under too much tension. I really have to jack my trailer up quite a bit to get them snapped up.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

My WD bars are almost 30 YO and are just fine. They should not really move around that much.