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I did some comparing of safety chains between my trailers tonight. It appears that the exact same safety chains and hooks were used on the 1.5 ton M105 and 3/4 ton Pioneer Tool Trailer and M101A1. The chains are about 24" long (not counting the hook) and the links ~0.4" in diameter. So I presume roughly 3/8" chain. I am unsure the grade of the chain used.
Also since my sample set has increased, I can tell that the former owner(s) of my 1960 Pioneer Tool trailer bent out the hooks.
Compare the above with my M101A1:
So that's fairly disappointing. I don't think I'll try to bend them back to continue to use them. I know we had the discussion here about using the quick links, but to be honest, I prefer slip hooks with the spring loaded clip anyway. I know myself, and I know would prefer both trailers to match each other. Therefore, on both trailers I'm still considering cutting off the chains and hook (reusing the stock bolt-on chain mounts) and replacing the chains with some Grade 70, 5/16" (overkill) or 3/8" (way overkill) yellow zinc coated chain with clevis slip hook. I think yellow zinc hardware looks real sharp when used on MVs.
Like the following:
Bolt on Trailer chain mount -> Double clevis link -> chain with clevis slip hook
For reference, Grade 70 Working Load Limit (WLL), see below. Per the TM, this M101A1 has a max GVW (highway) weight of 3590 lbs. So any chain with a WLL (which is, according to my reading, typically 1/3 of breaking strength) of 3600+ lbs is more than sufficient.
From US Cargo Control
Also since my sample set has increased, I can tell that the former owner(s) of my 1960 Pioneer Tool trailer bent out the hooks.
Compare the above with my M101A1:
So that's fairly disappointing. I don't think I'll try to bend them back to continue to use them. I know we had the discussion here about using the quick links, but to be honest, I prefer slip hooks with the spring loaded clip anyway. I know myself, and I know would prefer both trailers to match each other. Therefore, on both trailers I'm still considering cutting off the chains and hook (reusing the stock bolt-on chain mounts) and replacing the chains with some Grade 70, 5/16" (overkill) or 3/8" (way overkill) yellow zinc coated chain with clevis slip hook. I think yellow zinc hardware looks real sharp when used on MVs.
Like the following:
Bolt on Trailer chain mount -> Double clevis link -> chain with clevis slip hook
For reference, Grade 70 Working Load Limit (WLL), see below. Per the TM, this M101A1 has a max GVW (highway) weight of 3590 lbs. So any chain with a WLL (which is, according to my reading, typically 1/3 of breaking strength) of 3600+ lbs is more than sufficient.
From US Cargo Control
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