[wingnut60]

Terry,
You may have the world record for a support strap lasting the shortest period of time--I got my trailer used in '07 and it took almost a year more before one broke. Since then all have broken, including a replacement piece. Did the hinge trick and now seems all is well. Was at the factory last month and they installed the hinges where still needed.
As to the 'S' bend, take a look at it when closed to be certain it is actually doubling back on itself--should just be in a long curve in one direction.

Besides being a bad design, I suspect cold weather slide operation hastens the break quite a bit.

Joe