pintle hitch rating

I think they are rated by "category" not sure what category the pintle on the mule train is, but I know it is rated at 30 ton and will take 2" - 3" Draw bar loops.
Probably over kill, but such is life in the woods. Wouldnt want that thing to break and fail to drag the truck down the ravine with it,lol.
You could call a trailer outfit and find out fast to.

 

They should have a SWL stamped somewhere on the pintle hook. I've seen very little on the hook itself in the FMCSR but there are a few regulations. Like FMCSR §399.211 (2) (b) Pintle Hooks inspection. There it says ( 2) ( c) "Any part of the horn section reduced by more than 20%" fails the inspection. There's more inspection information about the safety chains or cables that are there in case the pintle hook fails. FMCSR §393 Subpart F - Coupling Devices and Towing Methods §393.70 (c) Towing of full trailers will only say that the hook "be structurally adequate for the weight being drawn". The next regulation talks about the safety devices in case of a tow-bar failure or disconnection. And there they only say the safety device "have an ultimate strength of not less than the gross weight of the vehicle or vehicles being towed".

What I would do if being inspected and asked, I would say the Pintle hook is not worn and more than 20% in thickest and the safety cable exceeds the GVW of the trainer being towed. My safety cables are mounted outside of the pintle hook with enough length to allow safe turns. I don't think there's any more than that. But I've been wrong before and I could be wrong now. Any way you look at it it's a great question and if any new driver checks the information then they would see where the information is located and be better of for it. Thanks for the question.

 

Should have a manufacturer and model number, one could take that information and look it up.

http://www.premier-mfg.com/products/couplings
http://ww1.safholland.us/sites/usa/...roducts/pintle-hooks-heavy/Pages/default.aspx

 

Excellent example. Just remember it's not the law, but I'm sure the LEO would look at it. I also believe that the wear on the hook has got to be more than 60% or you could be in violation.