How to install new safety chains?

towdog

Cadet
Joined
Apr 12, 2006
Messages
19
My safety cables have rusted out and need to be replaced. They are fastened on to the trailer through a single bolt. I believe the cables have plate almost like the end of a battery cable that fits over the bolt.

But the cables I am seeing on websites have loops at the ends. How do you fasten these onto the trailer? A really big, strong washer? Could someone take a picture of how these fasten ont the trailer?

These are the cables I am talking about:

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...&r=view&from=grid&review=1#details_box_holder
 

Wingedwheel

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jun 16, 2009
Messages
1,071
Re: How to install new safety chains?

Yep, bolt and a heavy fender washer.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,657
Re: How to install new safety chains?

I always thought these created a couple problems.

1 - No way to effectively shorten the cable to keep the tongue from hitting the ground in the case of an uncoupling. That is what the chains or cables are for.

And no easy and sufficiently strong way to secure them on most trailers.

Ideally a large grade 8 bolt should run through the tongue, or a flange extending from it, then through the 2 cable ends or chains, then through a flange or the tongue on the other side, and capped off with a washer and locking nut.

I wouldn't entrust my boat, or some else's life, to a fender washer.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,657
Re: How to install new safety chains?

I always thought the
 

Hottip

Cadet
Joined
Apr 9, 2011
Messages
20
Re: How to install new safety chains?

For a few dollars more get the safety cables. They won't drag and they take a bolt thru the tounge like the chain.
 

towdog

Cadet
Joined
Apr 12, 2006
Messages
19
Re: How to install new safety chains?

Here is a diagram of my trailer

CiQ3s.png
 
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