Safety chains on a trailer....

[gregpark]

True. That reminds me to check mine!

[HobieMarty]

I have always crossed the chains and my EZ- Loader trailer for my H16 came with "S" hooks and that is what I have always used without any issues, but this has been some good info and I may rethink things now when towing. I can definitely see the benefit of having a more secure hook for sure.

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[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by gregpark

But there's 2 plus the brakes are instantly applied when the pin gets pulled. I don't know for sure and hope to never find out

Not every trailer has brakes . There are tons of utility/camping/boat trailers out there with no brakes from the factory . Many vehicles used for towing do not have brake controllers from the factory . But if tow vehicle and trailer are set up correctly you are right the break away switch activates the brakes .

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by TimT

What about the other end of the chain? where it attaches to the trailer?

I had a flat trailer where the chain was just bolted with a fender washer, in singe shear.. Always thought that was sketchy..

Can't remember the trailer end of the chain on the 26' enclosed Haulmark I have now.. I do know on the truck end is has Crosby hooks with self closing latches (as pictured)

I honestly haven't paid attention to how it attaches on my 22' tilt. I'll have to look tomorrow!

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

But if tow vehicle and trailer are set up correctly you are right the break away switch activates the brakes .

Ive owned my flatbed for 20 years and I’ve never opened the battery box.

I’m just hoping when the government comes for my guns they don’t check my trailer.

[VINMAN]

Iv'e always used shackles or screw links on my safety chains. ( and yep, always cross the chains...)



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[fastfredracing]

What possible reason would one not cross their safety chains ?

[VINMAN]

Originally Posted by fastfredracing

What possible reason would one not cross their safety chains ?

Ive see a s#!tload of trailers with only one single chain.


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[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

Ive owned my flatbed for 20 years and I’ve never opened the battery box.

I’m just hoping when the government comes for my guns they don’t check my trailer.

My statement assumes proper maintenance has been performed .

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

My statement assumes proper maintenance has been performed .

I know. I have been remiss.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by fastfredracing

What possible reason would one not cross their safety chains ?

I've always figured with about 10,000 on the trailer, if the hitch comes unhooked, crossed or uncrossed safety chains aren't doing jack sh.t and will probably be the least of my worries at the time.

[URY914]

Chain is a bit too long and S hook seems to have jumped off.

[flatbutt]

Back when I did have a trailer I used grab hooks to loop back onto the chain. Didn't take too long to see the error of my way.

[Zeke]

Grade 8 bolts, Nyloc nuts and washers. I use S hooks to hang tools. I don't have a trailer. I use U-Haul because they are cheap. I think they come with S hooks closed on one end. Any type of shackle would get lost every time.

Any chain I have encountered will take a bolt at least the diameter of the links. Some chains are hardened and some are not.

I've never seen a U-Haul employee cross the chains. I never have either but if I did, I'd put another bolt at the intersection.

[fastfredracing]

Weird, it is law here to cross the chains . Id yell at you also if I saw them not crossed
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiw29Sa2NDuAhWBX80KHTrRB7IQFjABegQIAxAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcodes.findlaw.com%2Fpa%2Ftitle-75-pacsa-vehicles%2Fpa-csa-sect-75-4905.html&usg=AOvVaw24RKqIiigAkasWktm0yJOS

[wdfifteen]

Fred, what are they talking about here:
"(c) Deflection of trailer wheels.--Every trailer shall be attached to the vehicle drawing it so as to prevent the wheels of the trailer from deflecting more than six inches from the path of the drawing vehicle's wheels."

[Hugh R]

Originally Posted by David

How about crossed or not crossed chains?

I've heard of some local cops ticketing for uncrossed. The theory is crossed will catch the trailer neck if it falls.

Road master a big mfgr of vehicle tow and braking systems for towed vehicles strongly agrees.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

Fred, what are they talking about here:
"(c) Deflection of trailer wheels.--Every trailer shall be attached to the vehicle drawing it so as to prevent the wheels of the trailer from deflecting more than six inches from the path of the drawing vehicle's wheels."

Might be hard to back up. Ridiculous.

[varmint]

Buying American every Christmas. It comes down to alcohol, books, guns and puppies.

Not much else out there.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by fastfredracing

Weird, it is law here to cross the chains . Id yell at you also if I saw them not crossed
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiw29Sa2NDuAhWBX80KHTrRB7IQFjABegQIAxAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcodes.findlaw.com%2Fpa%2Ftitle-75-pacsa-vehicles%2Fpa-csa-sect-75-4905.html&usg=AOvVaw24RKqIiigAkasWktm0yJOS

Mental note: If Fred ever buys a skid steer from me, cross chains before delivering.