A load compensator (80, 190, 200) includes one or more tension spring assemblies (96, 97) that are contained within a tubular housing (100, 205) when tension from a load is applied to the tension spring assemblies (96, 97). The housing further contains a crush pad (185) which is crushed by the elongation of a tension spring assembly (96, 97) when tension applied from the load exceeds a threshold. When the load compensator (80, 190, 200) includes more than one tension spring assembly (96, 97), the tension spring assemblies (96, 97) are mechanically connected to each other in series and stacked in-line with each other in the housing (100, 205). In a preferred construction, each of the tension spring assemblies (96, 97) includes elastomeric tension elements (120, 142, 153, 156) mounted between two plates (130, 143, 151, 152, 154, 155).