How many chains do I need?

[randyo]

Recently bought a 17' ski boat + single axle trailer. The trailer only has 1 chain on it-- do i legally need two? (I live in california)<br /><br />Regardless of the legalities, it seems two would be best-- how would I go about adding an exra chain for safety?<br /><br />The options I see:<br />- drill into the trailer (its painted and will rust!)?<br />- Add a chain to the existing chain using a lock type mechanism (will it provide enough support weightwise?)<br />- Your suggestions?

 

[gutshot grouper]

Re: How many chains do I need?

TWO

 

[ndemge]

Re: How many chains do I need?

Two Chains<br /><br />You can bolt it, and pait as soon as you drill the holes, or weld it on.<br /><br />My last trailer had 2 wimpy chains, went to hardware store and got 2 chains that EACH had the rating to hold the weight of the entire rig plus some.<br /><br />Chains are just cosmetic if they can't do what they are needed to do.

 

[rwidman]

Re: How many chains do I need?

You should have two chains but you can check the legalrequirement in your state by contacting the DMV.<br /><br />As for the attachment, it depends on your trailer and you are in the best position to visualize it. How is the original chain attached? Can you use the same proceedure for the additional chain? Can you use the bolts that hold the coupler on or install longer bolts?<br /><br />Connecting the new chain to the old won't help anything, that's where it will break if stressed.

 

[ahein]

Re: How many chains do I need?

You should have two safety chains. The purpose of the chains is twofold. First, if your trailer detaches from the hitch, the chains will keep it attached to the tow vehicle. That's the reason you want strong chains that can take a sudden strain without breaking. Second, you want two chains so you can cross them under the trailer tongue. If the trailer becomes detached, the crossed chains should be short enough to catch the tongue and prevent it from digging into the ground. Believe me, if it digs in you've got big problems .

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: How many chains do I need?

3 chains .....2 form the trailer to hitch and 1 from winch post to bow eye of boat.

 

[randyo]

Re: How many chains do I need?

So then it seems right now, I only have 2 of the 3 necessary chains. I will look tonight to see what the best way is to add an additional chain. I might just take the existing one off and add two matching chains so that they will be of equal length and attachment location. I'll likely take some pics and report back, asking more questions if need be.<br /><br />Thanks all!

 

[randyo]

Re: How many chains do I need?

Heres an update, I wish my digicam was working so I could take a picture to show you guys.<br /><br />I see now that the single chain on the trailer actually passes THROUGH the front section of the trailer and through trailer tongue. This way, if the trailer did come off the ball, and the single chain was at the proper length, the tongue would be suspended in the air. Does that make sense or should I buy another digital camera?<br /><br />Do I still need to add another chain? Since the trailer was built in 1997, I would think it is up to code, no?

 

[randyo]

Re: How many chains do I need?

In looking at the laws in california, it seems only a single chain is required for an application such as mine as long as it is capable of keeping the tongue from hitting the ground if required

 

[tommays]

Re: How many chains do I need?

it usally works out best with two chains crossing each other <br /><br />they form a nice place to catch the trailer if something goes worng and gives you hafe a chance of stoping with out a compleat FUBAR<br /><br />with one chain the trailer is going to be on the ground and doing bad things <br /><br /><br />tommays