RE: Screw on links for chains - HELP

[LoveOurBayside]

 When we had our wheel bearings repacked we left our trailer for a week.  When my husband picked it up he found the links that attach the chains and breakaway to the trailer had been left open.  They were very stiff but he got them tightened.  But when he got home twenty minutes later they were very difficult to turn - in fact, the one on the breakaway chain would not loosen at all and he spent quite some time with pliers until he could get it far enough to just take the break away chain off to go to work.  (That link is still on his hitch.)  He did not follow through with the shop, so I drove 45 minutes each way to a dealer yesterday  to pick up some things and bought what looked like the right links.  I also got a couple of extras to have on hand.  Well, they are the wrong size (1/4 and the ones on the trailer say 5/16 - I know, I know, I should have thought to look at them).  Anyway, I am NOT driving all the way back there and we are camping weekend after next.  Can these be bought someplace besides a dealer?    Also, any ideas how to get the one off his truck?  
 
 

[campingboaters]

 LoveOurBayside
If you haven t already, try spraying your current links with WD-40.  Try using the exact size wrench instead of pliers to turn the nut and maybe a large set of channel locks to hold the link while trying to free the nut.
 
 If that doesn t work...
 
 You should be able to find something at your local hardware store (Ace, Home Depot or Lowes).  Make sure you get something strong as this is what will support your trailer should it break away.    Look where they have chains and rope.
 
 

[LoveOurBayside]

 LoveOurBayside
Wow, that was fast!  Thanks so much!  I m always lost in the hardware store so thanks for giving me the area to look in!
 
 

[wynot]

 LoveOurBayside
They just need to be oiled, that s all.  I got a couple replacements in either Lowe s or Walmart.

[mike4947]

 LoveOurBayside
FYI on the links. The 1/4 inch ones are rated to 3500 pounds the 5/16 inch ones are rated to 5000 pounds. In other words just like class II and class III hitches.
 
 I find I have to soak them in WD-40, or some other penatrating or rust removing liquid every year or so as we get a ton of salt on the roads and the tongue of the PU is close enough to the road that come spring (even if we haven t winter camped) it got a salt coating on it and the accompanying rust starting.

[LoveOurBayside]

 mike4947
Thanks to all you guys for the great, and quick, answers. I just doused one link in WD40 and it didn t help.  In fact while I was playing with one I decided my husband may be right, I think it is bent.  They are not rusted and they turn easily until they get to the threads on the other side and then they stop dead as soon as you try to connect [:@]  
 
 Mike,
 
 I noticed on the links that came on the camper they are stamped 1760 lbs, and the 1/4"  ones I bought say 1320 lb.  Do you know what these numbers mean?
 
 

[wynot]

 LoveOurBayside
Max load.
 
 Depends what you encounter on the other side.  If the barrel is surrounding the threads  squarely , unless you have a mashed thread, there s no reason it shouldn t catch and thread on.

[Camping Coxes]

 LoveOurBayside
One thing to remember in the future is not to tighten it all the way.  You go to " tight,"  then back it off a turn or so.  That way it won t lock up and tighten with the vibration of the road.
 
 We just bought some of these.  Home Depot carries them.

[Ab Diver]

 LoveOurBayside
Carole, if the WD-40 doesn t work, run on down to your local auto parts store and get some " PB Blaster" . That should penetrate the threads and loosen them up. It s great stuff to have around if you are working on old machinery. (DAMHIKT)
 
 Sounds like the offending threaded link may be bent. It should twist on/off easily with only finger pressure. Round-file both of the old ones and get a new pair (one for each chain) of the appropriate tensil strength.

[mike4947]

 LoveOurBayside
Carole, since you mentioned the numbers I called Reese s toll free number and asked them what was the difference between their tow ratings and the load numbers stamped on the links.
 They said they were just that. The numbers stamped on the quick links is the ACTUAL load lifted off the ground the link will take when closed. The 3500 & 5000 pound ratings in their catalog are what they have safely tested as the ratings for " breakaway"  load ratings. In other words on an apx. level surface that s the weight of trailer they will hold from breaking loose.
 
 They also stated if you use the links without closing them or have a breakaway they should be replaced. Also in the case of a breakaway the chains should also be replaced.

[LoveOurBayside]

 LoveOurBayside
You guys are awsome.  Thanks for all the information.