Have any of you noticed a difference in swivel performance based on distance from the trap? I set up several new traps this got swivels in place. Any thoughts?

Always have three. One attached to the trap, one in the center of the chain, and one at the stake. When, not if, one swivel gets linked up or mashed and stops working, there are two others to pick up the slack.

Closer to the trap helps keep them from fouling. I set my extra swivels one or two links from the traps swivel.

So in the case of using cable. Go about 3 inches from the trap set swivel then add another near the end.

On my most recent modifications, the trap came with seven links of chain. I cut the middle one out and insert the swivel....so mid chain

This is what I did, a well balanced arrangement...

I use 3 swivels. I’d like to hear more thoughts on the subject. Maybe Mark June or the like could chime in!

By the like, I mean some of the pros. Not putting anyone on the spot

The closer the swivel is to the trap the better it will perform. JC Conner rod swivel at the base then 3 links of chain then a crunch proof. another 7-12 links of chain then another crunch proof, 3 more links of chain to keep the crunch proof up and working, then an S hook or a quick link for anchor attachment. If you have snow and or sand you'll be glad with the extra chain length. Helps a bunch with extended checks also.

This will work. I don't get into brand names and years ago made my own swivels; but 1st swivel at the trap, then three links to 2nd swivel, then a third near the stake. and if you long chain add a fourth at mid chain. and if you set in grass two of the three will be clogged.

I was not accounting for the grass. Hehe. Dirt and ice definitely I might have some more work to do.

I have used countless set ups over a trapping career of 50 years and commenting on setups is in some ways like commenting on someone's puppy. No matter what you say, or how you say it... that person's puppy is the prettiest, brightest, most well behaved puppy they, you, or just about anyone alive today has ever seen .

That said, my two cents are free, so may be worth that much!
Longer chains and rigs and shock springs were a device answer to staking set ups used in the heritage history of us trappers, namely re-rod stakes, cross staking, etc. Big gear, bigger traps, heavier operations. Been there, done that (for decades).

Advances given us by very innovative manufacturers mean lighter gear, better efficiency and productively and thus;
You can go with cabled stakes (lighter, quicker, perhaps cheaper, disposable if needed) and thus less chain and certainly no need for shock springs which serve "little" purpose for a tugging animal vs. yesterday's flopping on feet and feet of chain animal caught in a trap.
I use stock chain and swivels on the factory 550 OS 2-coil and have all over America for the past 9-10 years. Love 'em. Own a pile of 'em. Fur line - ADC work - they perform.
I use wax dirt when it gets chilly and that's as simple as you can get.

But now understand, I DO NOT CARE to work on traps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love picking up turds and finding tracks.
Outdoorsy stuff. But some like welding, cutting, torching, bending, rigging.
We need these types of folks to invent new things for folks like me who don't like inside work.

Short chain, mid-line and end-line swivel and HD D-ring on the base plate (center swiveled) and you're good to go.