Safety Chains vs. cables

[jkimball]

I wanted to see what the group consensus was regarding safety chains vs. safety cables, as well as bow safety chain vs. safety cable.
My trailer (2011 aluminum magic tilt tandem) has cables currently but they are pretty rusty and starting to fray and I am looking to replace them

 

[MH Hawker]

both work

 

[oldjeep]

both work

Yup - most trailers seem to use coiled cables for the safety hookups. Bow safety seems to still be mostly chain, likely because coiled cable that short can be a pain.

 

[jkimball]

Yup - most trailers seem to use coiled cables for the safety hookups. Bow safety seems to still be mostly chain, likely because coiled cable that short can be a pain.

Surprisingly, mine actually has a cable for bow safety.
I was just thinking chains may be better/stronger bu HOPEFULLY that'll never be a concern.

 

[WIMUSKY]

My '07 has chains all around. Chains don't fray.......

 

[hemi rt]

Got caught up on this. Was stopped by the RCMP (our federal police force) for what he called a safety inspection, took a look at the trailer with the a boat on it (just bought) and said that the cables were not legal but seeing as I just bought it he gave me a warning ticket to have safety chains installed. The actual law up here in Canada does say 'safety chains' so I guess he was right.

 

[Starcraft5834]

I've got a chain....if cable is rubber coated, suppose that's fine too, otherwise agree with WIMUSKY.. frays hurt!

 

[dingbat]

Saltwater....chains are a rusted mess in 6 months.

#6500 vinyl coated safety cables with clevis hooks
Hot dip galvanized turnbuckle for bow tie down

 

[bruceb58]

I have galvanized chain. Little to no rust.

 

[BRICH1260]

I`ve seen dark coated rubber chains rust from the inside out without any signs of going bad. If you do cables, opt for the clear coating.

 

[Thundra]

 

[BRICH1260]

I`ve seen dark coated rubber chains rust from the inside out without any signs of going bad. If you do cables, opt for the clear coating.

I meant to say cables.

 

[garbageguy]

I've had both, prefer chains

 

[Blind Date]

I have cables on the trailer for the CVX18 and chains on the SeaRay trailer. Prefer chains because as others have already said, frays hurt!

 

[ilovekingfish]

Stainless chains don't rust. Just sayin'

 

[bruceb58]

Stainless chains don't rust. Just sayin'

Yes and 5 to 10 times the price of galvanized chain.

 

[ilovekingfish]

Yes and 5 to 10 times the price of galvanized chain.

Very true, unless you work for a shop that has an account with a local hardware store and you get that sweet commercial discount.

 

[adam9280]

What's the u-bolt near the hitch / ball insert?

 

[WIMUSKY]

All I can think of, it's keeping the hitch from slightly moving up and down which makes a little noise at times.... Can't be a security setup.... IDK....

 

[bruceb58]

All I can think of, it's keeping the hitch from slightly moving up and down which makes a little noise at times.... Can't be a security setup.... IDK....

Yep, keeps the hitch from rattling.