Retracting Trailer Safety Cables

[DuckHunterJon]

This one is new to me. Every trailer I've ever owned has had safety chains. Yes, I've always crossed them.

When I went to pick up my new boat/trailer on Saturday, the trailer (Trailstar/Procraft) has self retracting cables instead of chains. They are spring loaded so you pull them out to hook them up, then they spring back taught. Question is - should I still cross them? I did, and it seemed fine, other than I can hear the cables extending and retracting (sounds like creaking and cracking) when I turn sharp. The cables are 3/8" stainless. Not sure just how far they will extend out.

Anybody else have these style safety cables?

 

[Philster]

Re: Retracting Trailer Safety Cables

I cross my cables. Retracting only takes up the slack. It's not as though they can't be pulled out should the trailer come loose. So, if you believe in crossing cables/chains, then do so with the retracting type, too.

It's not much more complicated than that. Crossing vs. not crossing has been covered.

If you cross your chains or cables, continue to do so.

Edit: It occurred to me that they might bind up or wear on each other. If so, disregard my comments. Maybe a pic would help.

 

[retire2disney]

Re: Retracting Trailer Safety Cables

first question that comes to mind is as you are going down the road and turning the cables are rubbing against each other? how long before strands start to wear and break? easily replaceable as an assembly with what i am assuming the spring load assembly? if hitch comes off ball how far away will trailer get before "shock" loading the cables?!!

 

[kailec00]

Re: Retracting Trailer Safety Cables

I have the retracting cables on my trailer as well. I do not cross them. I did cross chains so that if the trailer came off the ball it would rest on the chains and keep the trailer from digging into the ground. ( I was thinking that is how it would work, never tested it) With the cables they will not go out far enough to allow the trailer to hit the ground. I have tested it on my trailer and they would lock up before it hits the ground.

 

[mtp9302]

Re: Retracting Trailer Safety Cables

My trailer did come with cables, I just swapped them out this past weekend for chains. One of the reasons was that I wasn't able to cross them due to their coiling/impacting on my draw bar, the other was that I didn't trust them to hold up the trailer tongue if I ever needed them to. They seemed like they would stretch way too far, and there's not really an adjustment I could have made to shorten them (like twisting a chain).

 

[Stachi]

Re: Retracting Trailer Safety Cables

here in Pa. , it is law that chains on any trailer must be crossed.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Retracting Trailer Safety Cables

What's the supposed benefit of the retracting cables? I've been trying to figure out why anyone would use them. Last thing I want on a boat trailer is more things with springs and moving parts to corrode, break, etc.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Retracting Trailer Safety Cables

What's the supposed benefit of the retracting cables? I've been trying to figure out why anyone would use them. Last thing I want on a boat trailer is more things with springs and moving parts to corrode, break, etc.

Makes keeping them from hitting the road idiot proof and you don't get the clinking that you get with chains banging together. They would be nice on my trailers since the distance to the chain connection can vary by 4 inches depending on which vehicle I'm using.

This type of setup looks like it would contact the rest of my hitch (huge aluminum adjustable type)
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=3933&BASE

If your cables are really 3/8" stainless I wouldn't worry about breaking them. 3/8 stainless braided is what I run on the winch on my jeep. Even if you really abuse the stuff it is hard to break, it certainly isn't going to break because the cables rub a little.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Retracting Trailer Safety Cables

well not to say that you must but on trailers I have had I remove cables and toss em in the garbage.... I then install chains with strength of at least double the weight of the loaded trailer.... overkill but it works

 

[iop]

Re: Retracting Trailer Safety Cables

I would think crossed or uncrossed... heavy chains at the right length is the RIGHT way to achive the goal, which is... no one gets killed if your coupler comes off the ball. If they are dragging on the ground... hey at least there is a chance you'll hear it. With that retractable thing-ama-jig not so much.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Retracting Trailer Safety Cables

Thanks for all the replies. My fear is crossing them causes them to rub on each other, and might lead to wear. Was just curious what other's thoughts were. I agree on the spring loaded mechanism being one more thing to fail, but I'm not replacing them with chains until that day comes. The cables are much more stout than any of the coiled ones I have seen on other trailers. I think I'll continue to cross them and not worry aout the noise.

Thanks again.