Side-mountable chain-tensioning device for a load-compensating trailer hitch

摘要

A tensioning device for connecting a trailer to a spring bar of a load-compensating apparatus includes a body unit for securement to a frame member of a trailer; a reel unit having an off-center hub portion with a slot and rotatively secured to the body unit about a pivot axis; a rotation-limiting element which limits rotation of the reel unit to approximately 180° about the pivot axis; a linked chain having a proximal end thereof releasably secured to the slot of the off-center hub portion and a distal end thereof connected to the spring bar of the load-compensating apparatus; a latching element including a biased latch pin; and a lug and removable handle for rotating the reel portion to, and the latching element releasably locks the reel portion in, a chain-tensioned configuration.