What gauge/size chain is used on the turnbuckles?

My TorkLift set up came with springs only on the two front ones. You hand tighten till there is 1/8 inch of possible travel for the springs.

The rears you bring to a hand tight level. I go a bit less because the threads on my sailboat turnbuckles are not tapered as much as course threads. Fine threads afford a bit less effort to tighten at the right tension.

Load rated 3/8 chain is way way overkill.
Agree on the turnbuckles.
Any 1/4" or bigger welded chain will work fine. You'll rip the camper mounts out before the chain breaks.
The key is make sure you have some load springs whatever they're called on the tie downs. A rigid setup will break something.

watch real close using hardware store turn buckles. They are not very good and I've broken a few just within 20 30 miles. I use sailboat hardware turnbuckles with a 7,000 lb breaking strength.

deltabravo wrote:

Kayteg1 wrote:
...I had to enlarge the end links with tapered rod.
Price on couple of feet will be marginal.

Stretching those end links weakened them.

Nope. Stainless steel is not heat-treated and you can bend it several times before worry about metal fatigue.

Thanks guys!...that's the feedback I was looking for.

Phil

I am using 3/8" chains. Later this year I plan to upgrade to Fastguns, which will eliminate the need for chains.

I believe Torklift uses 3/8" chain with their FastGuns.

Kayteg1 wrote:
...I had to enlarge the end links with tapered rod.
Price on couple of feet will be marginal.

Stretching those end links weakened them.

Home Depot sells stainless steel chain I think thinner than 1/4" but I love SS and used it for my Fastguns. I think it is rated for 2000 lb.
You might like it as well for your application.
Since my Fastguns had big hooks, I had to enlarge the end links with tapered rod.
Price on couple of feet will be marginal.

I wouldn't worry about strength. Something else will fail before the chain.
Take your tiedown with you and get the smallest link that will fit the hook.