Safety Chains

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Was reading trailer mishaps on SHT's and came across one that said " I saw a guy today that didn't have his safety chains crossed
Can anyone clue me in here? BTW, if you read read SHT's I'm first boat part I,II & III. I have made almost every boating mistake their is to make but so far
have not had a trailer mishap. I know, I know, their's a first for everything and SOONER OR LATER IT WILL HAPPEN Stay tuned

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Safety Chains

Crossing the chains will cradle the receiver if it jumps off the ball.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Safety Chains

Agree.

 

[Sinko]

Re: Safety Chains

It's law in Ontario

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Safety Chains

Yep, keeps the tongue from nose-diving onto concrete/asphalt...gives you some time to notice something is amiss and pull over.

 

[7-c's]

Re: Safety Chains

the only problem i found when crossing the chains enough to "cradle" the tongue in the event it did come off and drop is that i really have to watch my turns because of a big binding problem/possible damage? to the trailer tongue and/or chains??

 

[dwco5051]

Re: Safety Chains

Title 75 Chapter 49 - Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code

(d) Safety chains.--Whenever two vehicles are connected by a ball-and-socket type hitch, or pintle hook without a locking device, they shall also be connected by two safety chains of equal length, each safety chain having an ultimate strength at least equal to the gross weight of the towed vehicles. The safety chains shall be crossed and connected to the towed and towing vehicle and to the tow bar so as to prevent the tow bar from dropping to the ground in the event the tow bar fails or becomes disconnected. The safety chains shall have no more slack than is necessary to permit proper turning.

 

[LIQUID PROZAC]

Re: Safety Chains

the only problem i found when crossing the chains enough to "cradle" the tongue in the event it did come off and drop is that i really have to watch my turns because of a big binding problem/possible damage? to the trailer tongue and/or chains??

if it comes off it's already damaged might look at a little longer chains if they are way to short but not to drag the ground

 

[derekpfeiffer]

Re: Safety Chains

Some such as the ones on my trailer have cables and come out the bottom of the tounge together and there's really no way to cross them like the old style chains could

 

[HappierWet]

Re: Safety Chains

Some such as the ones on my trailer have cables and come out the bottom of the tounge together and there's really no way to cross them like the old style chains could

I wonder if that is legal......Or safe???