Safety chains on a trailer....
 

I figured I'd start a thread rather than a post on another thread about towing. Do NOT rely on a safety chain with "S" hooks as a backup if something breaks. "S" hooks (even beefy ones) will straighten right out and you may see whatever you were towing skidding down the road... don't ask me how I know :(. Replace those "S" hooks with oval shaped rings that screw together.

Something that I never gave a second thought about until "that one time" decades ago... live & learn.

Good to know. Makes sense, but I can see that it's not something that most folks would consider.

Didn't know S hooks were legal. All of mine have the hook with the clasp.

We only use a shackle. In fact we have to use a shackle.

Any hook might straighten imo. Legal ... hell I dunno, but my bass boat came with "S" hooks on the chain decades ago and that's what I've seen in use ... a LOT.

Makes sense.

Borrowed my BILs trailer for the first time. Didn't get the latch on the hitch seated properly. First big bump it hopped off the ball. The S hooks kept the trailer under control.
But it was empty.
Lucky me.
When we used to trailer horses the hooks had latches.
The more weight you are dealing with, the stronger your gear has to be.
Best
Les

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.

S hooks are cheap thats why they come with new trailers,

I use these.....

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612389919.jpg

This is true.

I cross mine every time and have beefy D ring type deals. Mine are in storage so I cannot take pic.

Crossed and anything but an "S" hook here.

I get a lot of grief from a guy that does hauling because I don't cross my chains. Yes... if you get pulled over you're supposed to have the chains crossed.
Here's the hook I use.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612393208.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612393091.jpg
This is what I use. Fast, easy and at least as strong as the chain

^^^
The funny thing to me is what that hook... hooks to. If my trailer came unhooked and the chains caught it, the hooks would probably pull right through the connector points on the receiver.

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

I take back what I said about hooks :D

I cross my chains ........ always . I have used S hooks , clevis hooks and the links with the screw coupler . Have never had any fail . Had two instances where a boat/boat trailer came unhooked due to a faulty coupler . Lots of sparks and grinding noise but didn't lose the rig . When it happens it will brown your shorts 😁

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)

Provided you keep that battery up to snuff. ;)

True. That reminds me to check mine!

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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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 .

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

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.

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



.

What possible reason would one not cross their safety chains ?

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


.

My statement assumes proper maintenance has been performed .

I know. I have been remiss. :(

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.

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


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612443022.jpg

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.

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.

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&ua ct=8&ved=2ahUKEwiw29Sa2NDuAhWBX80KHTrRB7IQFjABegQI AxAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcodes.findlaw.com%2Fpa%2Fti tle-75-pacsa-vehicles%2Fpa-csa-sect-75-4905.html&usg=AOvVaw24RKqIiigAkasWktm0yJOS

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."

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

Might be hard to back up. Ridiculous.

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

Not much else out there.

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