Trailer safty chains

[puddle jumper]

Just wondering if there is a formula or measurement to take to have the correct length with best performance in the case of a mishap.

Ive seen from factory, chains dragging on the ground to being so short you cant make the turn.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer safty chains

what works, i have one trailer that requires short chains, and one that needs longer. enough room to turn, not gragging the ground, you what the chains to cross under the tongue, and catch it before it hits the ground.

 

[woosterken]

Re: Trailer safty chains

what I did was hook up the trailor,and jack knife the truck to the point just before the truck and trailor meet "L"(truck short line)hook port side chain to truck starboard side, take out slak except for about 1- 1 1/2".
turn truck the other way "_l" (truck bottom line) hook starboard chin to port side of truck,and shorten as above.
that way you know they are not to short,but long enough for full turn.

old truckers never die,they just get a new peterbuilt

woosterken

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Trailer safty chains

what I did was hook up the trailor,and jack knife the truck to the point just before the truck and trailor meet "L"(truck short line)hook port side chain to truck starboard side, take out slak except for about 1- 1 1/2".
turn truck the other way "_l" (truck bottom line) hook starboard chin to port side of truck,and shorten as above.
that way you know they are not to short,but long enough for full turn.

old truckers never die,they just get a new peterbuilt

woosterken

Agreed.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Trailer safty chains

what I did was hook up the trailor,and jack knife the truck to the point just before the truck and trailor meet "L"(truck short line)hook port side chain to truck starboard side, take out slak except for about 1- 1 1/2".
turn truck the other way "_l" (truck bottom line) hook starboard chin to port side of truck,and shorten as above.
that way you know they are not to short,but long enough for full turn.

old truckers never die,they just get a new peterbuilt

woosterken

While I agree with the above advice, keep in mind that all hitches and tow vehicles won't be identical. I like the chains to be a bit longer than needed. You can twist the chains to shorten them if they're too long.

I have four trucks I use to tow with, if I made the chains fit Dodge, they wouldn't reach the hitch on my car, or Ranger pickup. The same goes if someone else will be towing your trailer.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Trailer safty chains

While I agree with the above advice, keep in mind that all hitches and tow vehicles won't be identical. I like the chains to be a bit longer than needed. You can twist the chains to shorten them if they're too long.

I have four trucks I use to tow with, if I made the chains fit Dodge, they wouldn't reach the hitch on my car, or Ranger pickup. The same goes if someone else will be towing your trailer.

This is the problem i have. It fit my old Toyota great but just barely fits my f150. Just want it to be right. I think you guys are right the best way is to just go out and measure it from from maximum turning angle.

Thanks for the input from all.

 

[woosterken]

Re: Trailer safty chains

sorry,I never give a thought about more than one tower.
in that case could the chain be as long as the biggest tow,then use a couple threaded "make-a-link" (carabeaner) to make it fit different set ups?
useing the same fourmula as I do

woosterken

 

[nick2000gmc]

Re: Trailer safty chains

Twisting the chain is a big no no, it takes away the strength of the chain and when a load is applied it will shock load and possibly break.

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: Trailer safty chains

Twisting the chain is a big no no, it takes away the strength of the chain and when a load is applied it will shock load and possibly break.

I did not know this!

I installed a new Hensley hitch on our travel trailer and needed to use the safety chain extensions that came with the hitch. The extensions are little long, so I added an extra two twists to tighten up the slack. Our rv dealer has seen our set up a few times during service or warranty trips but had never mentioned this before or cautioned against it!
I will move (shorten) the threaded D clips as necessary next time.

Mike.

 

[cobalt79]

Re: Trailer safty chains

Also, be sure that the carabiner (d-link) that you use is load rated for the task. Not all carabiners are created equal and the average hardware store does not carry the good ones. I have seen people use cheap ones that probably only had 200 lb. tensile strength with trailers that weighed a few thousand pounds.

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Trailer safty chains

I understand the reasoning behind not twisting chains used for load support. However, I just confirmed my suspicions and found 4 trailer manufacturers that recommend that method for adjusting chain length on their trailers. I also found two places that rent trailers with the same advice. I suspect that those chains are enough overkill for the application that twisting them is not an issue. That is the method I have used and likely will continue to do so when I cannot take up the extra length by running them back through the attach points and terminating them along the length of the chain. I trust my chains more than an unknown carabiner whose material and tensile strength are not usually advertised.

Here's hoping none of us has reason to find out how well our chains hold up!