How would you refab these tailgate chains?

[rslaback]

I'm about to start in on some work on my little 5x10 tilt trailer. The hinges on the gate are shot. While I'm there I want to redesign how the gate chains work. So the chains have a snap hook on them that serves to both hold it shut as well all support the gate when it is open. With the tilt factor to the trailer I don't want the gate to be unsupported as it falls down and holds the back of the trailer up when tilted. The setup as is works great with the exception that the snap hooks can't take the weight. They spread apart if there is much load and I'm constantly replacing them.

Whoever made the trailer originally inset the gate into the side frame so I can't just weld chain to the side. Anybody ever solve a similar problem or have a source for 3/16" snap hooks capable of an actual load?

I imagine raising the anchor point in the chain as high as possible with longer chains would provide better triangulation and reduce the force on the snap but I don't know if that would be enough.

 

[Kev In]

I agree, moving the chain up to increase the angle would help. You could use a D Shackle which are stronger and still removable. You could put the d shackle on the trailer frame or gate.

 

[Muckin_Slusher]

Moving the chain higher would be an enormous improvement.

The stress on that chain increases exponentially as the angle decreases.

Think about trying to hold an open door in the wind and the difference between holding it near the hinge compared to near the handle.

 

[tarbellb]

Those snap hooks are referred to as carabiners, typically sold by mountain climbing outfits.

They come in all sizes, locking features, materials, and weight ratings. They are literally the lifeline in climbing situations.

What you have is used for keychains and such, you might want to try just replacing those first.


fyi (when spec'n a carabiner, they use kilonewtons which roughly translates to 1 kN = 200+lbs)

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[rslaback]

Those snap hooks are referred to as carabiners, typically sold by mountain climbing outfits.

They come in all sizes, locking features, materials, and weight ratings. They are literally the lifeline in climbing situations.

What you have is used for keychains and such, you might want to try just replacing those first.


fyi (when spec'n a carabiner, they use kilonewtons which roughly translates to 1 kN = 200+lbs)

These aren't really climbing style carabiners. They are spring links that have been for sale in hardware and farm stores forever.

Electro Galvanized Spring Snap Links

Electro Galvanized Spring Snap Link

www.e-rigging.com

Maybe you would have better luck than me but I have not found any carabiners that only have a 3/16 max material thickness.

 

[tarbellb]

Couldn't you open the existing hole for a larger carabineer?

 

[racecougar]

Another option is to ditch the carabiner altogether and used a forged hook, much like an older pickup. And yes, I'd definitely improve the angle of the chain.

 

[Jayman17]

Racecougar, wow I love your truck! Very nice...

Jay

 

[racecougar]

Racecougar, wow I love your truck! Very nice...

Jay

Thanks. I really enjoyed building that one.

 

[Mallen]

Just swap them out for the kind you use on the trailer safety chains.

 

[joe49]

Weld new chain from outside of side at or near top, to the back/bottom of gate near the top. Add the carabiner to one of the mid chain links so it is handy and not in the way with gate down

 

[tarbellb]

Any progress on this

 

[mogandave]

Why not just weld the chain to the tailgate?

 

[Mallen]

Why not just weld the chain to the tailgate?

With a stick welder.... While blindfolded.... And turn the amps way up so you really get it on there good. Because that's how I always see it done when I buy an old truck.