Saftey Chain

[initall]

I tried searching but did not find what i was looking for.<br /><br />I recently bought a boat, in WI we have to have a chain from the trailer to the boat. The setup the former owner had for this, looks like it would not hold the boat. If an accident happened. So I am wanting to change this. <br /><br />Where is the best place to attach the chain to the trailer?<br /><br />Also what is the best method to attach the chain to the trailer? drilling and then bolting the chain to the trailer, or is there a bracket i can buy?<br /><br />Thanks for your help

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Saftey Chain

No drilling required. Buy a safety chain kit from any dept store or marine dealer and bolt it to the trailer using the coupler bolts. If they aren't long enough, head to the home store (Fleet Farm, etc.) and get longer ones. In fact you can get the safety chains at Fleet Farm as well. (May be called Farm & Fleet in Wisconsin).

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Saftey Chain

Not sure what kind of trailer you have...is your coupler bolted on? If yes, then Upinsmoke is 100% correct and that's the easiest way. <br /><br />But if you have an integrated coupler or it's welded on instead of bolted, you may need to drill a hole through the tongue and run a bolt through for the chain as you said. And some people will weld the chains to the tongue instead of bolting through. It all works fine...just make sure whatever you do is strong enough to hold.

 

[Khanhfucious]

Re: Saftey Chain

I think this guy wants to add a chain between the boat and trailer, not trailer and truck.

However, I have no suggestions.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Saftey Chain

My Gambler trailer has a seat belt material that is hooked onto trailer right by the winch tower with a snap that snaps into the same whole that the winch hook does.

I know, an old post, but he might come back.

 

[Pony]

Re: Saftey Chain

For the record we have both "Fleet Farm" and "Farm & Fleet" here. I read this thread as meaning a safety chain between the trailer and the boat, and not between the trailer and tow vehicle.

Here is a picture of what I have, though it may not be suited to a heavier boat. I have a 3/4" bolt going through the winch post that is anchoring the chain.....

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Saftey Chain

Put a pair of straps on the stern. Those in addition to any front hook-up will hold the boat secure.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Saftey Chain

The whole idea is that the nylon straps on the winch get old and can snap in an accident. The chain is a safety item in case this happens.

Bob VT is also right about adding straps to the stern. Again, in an accident you don't want the boat to shift or go flying on you.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Saftey Chain

The safety chain from trailer to bow is required here.
My trailer has the winch strap, the safety chain, and a bow tie down strap, all attached to the bow eye.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Saftey Chain

This is how I have my toon...Trailer to bow eye...

 

[tymtogo69]

Re: Saftey Chain

Safety chain between boat and trailer good idea wether required by local law or not. Always better to be safe than sorry!

 

[JB]

Re: Saftey Chain

I always use a turnbuckle from winch stand to the boat eye. I think it holds the boat more securely.

 

[John_S]

Re: Saftey Chain

On both my trailers, I have the bow stop just below the boat hitch eye. Safety chain and winch are hooked into eye. I use one of those winch straps with hooks, one end hooked into the safety chain as close to the eye as pssible, and the other end wrapped around tongue of trailer, directly below where hooked in chain. It is very tight and very secure. I have never had issue with it loosening up.

PS: The safety chain is bolted to the winch mount.

 

[am_dew]

Re: Saftey Chain

My trailer does not have a safety chain between the bow eye and the winch stand but needs one. Is there a recommended length it should be?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Saftey Chain

Slack enough that it can be hooked and unhooked only when the boat is up to the bow stop. You want to be able to hook it w/o any problem.