Safety chains on a trailer....

[KFC911]

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.

[masraum]

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

[cabmandone]

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

[Bill Douglas]

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

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by cabmando

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

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.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

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

Makes sense.

[oldE]

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

[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.

[URY914]

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

I use these.....

[URY914]

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.

This is true.

[911boost]

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

[KFC911]

Crossed and anything but an "S" hook here.

[cabmandone]

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.

[gregpark]

This is what I use. Fast, easy and at least as strong as the chain

[cabmandone]

^^^
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.

[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

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by cabmando

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.

I take back what I said about hooks

[rfuerst911sc]

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 😁

[TimT]

The funny thing to me is what that hook...

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)

[cabmandone]

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

Provided you keep that battery up to snuff.