You can imagine worse consequences, and I can speak for a good friend of mine when I say that being hit by a runaway trailer while eating tacos is plenty unpleasant. Important note: Even though your truck has the capacity to tow a trailer load weighing up to 26,350 lbs, you are limited to your trailer's load limit of 18,000 lbs. At the end of the day, everyones situation will be a little different given the variables of each particular job. It includes attachment at both ends. CURT safety cables come in weight output ranging from 3,500 lbs. We moreover have a vinyl-coated option to keep the chain well protected from the elements. Safety chains. This is a bad idea on several levels which we discuss in, The first step is to use the right equipment. Conceptually, straight cables are pretty cool, but they would have to be made specific for each application so length is right. And Second, the Practical and Responsible side of doing it right. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of attaching safety chains to a trailer. The Trailer Safety Chains should be as short as practical. These chains add an extra point of connection between the towing and towed vehicles, allowing for safer handling on the road and an extra connection should the hitch coupler fail for any reason. Use it outdoors, then roll it right in. Yes, I use trailer safety chains now happily to protect myself from myself. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. However, there are many people that dont like trailer safety chains not because of safety, but because implementation is so often improper. The links at the end of this blog are the provincial safety standards for trailers in each province. (Control, because the crossover reduces the range of freedom for the trailer tongue.). This website is owned and operated by Web Team Associates, Inc. Copyright 2023 U-Haul International, Inc. All rights reserved. Now that youve chosen the right safety chain for your RV towing needs, its time to install it. AND make sure there is no way for them to bounce out, shake off, or otherwise come loose. . Should you twist safety chains? Crossing the safety chains on a trailer helps the chains act as a harness below the trailer tongue, which can keep it from dragging on the ground and getting further damaged if the trailer gets detached from the tow vehicle. These Gantry Crane Plans have telescoping legs with options for the beam size and length. You definitely want that to activate in an emergency. Make your safety chains as short as possible while still allowing enough slack for full turning. And, on this topic, make sure the ratings of the safety chains are greater than the load. CURT safety chains represent available in 27, 35 and 48 lengths also will a minimum break force ranging from 2,000 to 24,000 lbs. *All questions are reviewed and approved before being posted or answered. Always make sure the chains are secured properly to the vehicle (check them regularly while towing), Do NOT fasten the chains to any part of the hitch (unless the hitch is made with loops and holes for that direct purpose), Never fasten the breakaway lanyard to the chains, Never let your safety chains drag on the ground, NWT http://www.westerndirect.ca/learning-centre/insurance-news-and-advice/view/99- understanding-laws-for-trailers. If youre looking for peace of mind when RVing, safety chains are key. lO -$X 30y ` c See orientation in the image and description above. With 2 chains, that's 14,000 lbs total. S9H 5J8. The crossed chains will provide a cradle or safety net for the connector, keeping it coming scraping the grinded until you can bring your means until a complete stop. Towing your RV is easy with these hitching tips! Connect the open end of an S-hook on each side of the trailer using the brackets, with the S-hooks facing down. Copyright TrailMeister, 2022. Be sure your trailer safety chains meet the right classification, Class, according to Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, GVWR. If they are too long get them shortened. And once you put a few miles on the road, its worth stopping to double-check everything once your load and trailer have had a chance to settleespecially those straps securing a load. All BRIEFLY safe cables reach are 42 long. capacity The question: How good is the used trailer youre looking at? A pair of torsion bars are sprung between the truck and trailer, resisting downward motion and preventing any twist at the hitch, effectively acting as a sort of anti-sway bar to keep the trailer level. That being said, there are 2 parts to this . Please keep all questions appropriate and related to the product. If your tow hitch doesnt have brackets, you can find spots on the frame of your vehicle where you can hook up the chains. When I wrap my U-Haul truck and I also rent snow chains. Safety cables are a medium-duty safety option and are very effective for most standard trailers. chains with s-hooks Durable steel construction 5000 lbs. Expert Reply: To measure for safety chains you will want to have the trailer hooked up to your tow vehicle with it just about jack knifed as this is the furthest the safety chains will be stretched. If youve been paying attention to the pushback that people who roll coal have been getting from the government, youve seen how certain behaviors can become subject to heavy restrictions once enough people ruin it for everyone. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Attaching the chains to the side of the tongue as far forward as possible is the best option because it reduces the chance that theyll be ground off if the coupler comes loose during transport. With that in mind, here is a good list of best practices with chains. Finally, cables as a substitute for chains are not allowed in all areas, so check your local laws. Trailer Safety Chain Quick Facts! That means for a 7,000 lb capacity trailer, each chain must have a break strength greater than 7,000 lbs. Try this. The chain should not be tight, but should not have much slack either. Without safety chains the trailer could go anywhere, including into another lane or oncoming traffic, causing a serious accident. For the trailer, GVWR is the total capacity, including the weight of the trailer itself. Attaching safety chains the law way a easy go do: simpler crosswise the chains underneath the couplings, one over the other, when you attach she to the vehicle. To measure, attach the trailer in an "almost Jack-knifed" condition, and set the chain length to the furthest connection points. So for example, if youre using a Class 2 hitch that has a max GTW of 3,000 lbs, youll need your safety chains to be rated for at least 3,000 lbs. Please contact our accounts receivable department at 877-287-8634 or email accountsreceivable@curtgroup.com. If I fail to connect the hitch properly, or if I fail to seat the ball, or if I fail to connect or tighten something, then the chains are there to compensate for my screw-up. Manufacturers still all have to follow set standards and regulations that are set forth by federal and provincial guidelines. We also have a vinyl-coated option to keep the chain well protected from the elements. RVers can choose from travel trailer safety chain grades that include: Class I for 2,000 pounds GVWR Class II for 3,500 pounds GVWR Class III for 5,000 pounds GVWR Consult our RV experts to learn which grade safety chain is the best fit for your towing needs. The chain should not be tight, but should not have much slack either. Trailer Safety Chains are for the emergency we hope never happens. Optionally, and additionally, use hooks with spring retainers, rubber straps, etc. First is How to Attach Safety Chains. The next is Improving Trailer Safety Chain Connections. With these RV heating tips, its easy to enjoy winter RVing wherever your travels take you. Login or create an account today to access special features like favorites, saved searches and more. Because you asked . New horse camps and trailheads, gear reviews, tips, videos, inspiring stories and more. - 40 in. Yes, you can actually get cited for safety chains. The concepts are pretty easy to see with some good graphics. While the legal requirements for RV trailer safety chains vary from state to state, its always a good idea to take the extra precautions of using safety chains no matter where youre driving. It has been sent. Can unique feature of CURT safety cables is their nylon coating. The "drop" of the ball mount determines how high or low the tongue of the trailer will ride. and come in generous lengths of 14 to 25. When installed and used properly, chains provide an extra measure of safety for towing trailers. 5-8 inches above the ground should suffice. to 7,500 lbs. Thats right. Hitch-ball sizes of 1-7/8 and 2 inches are acceptable with a U-Haul trailer coupler. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. The chain should not be tight, but should not have much slack either. A Feature of Synthesis Engineering Services, Inc. You should be able to find the GVWR on the VIN label. You will measure from one side of the tongue where you will be attaching the safety chain to the opposite side of the tow vehicle chain loop. Severely twisting the chains dramatically reduces the strength of the chains. You can make your own attachment method, or there are products available to purchase specifically for this. Our supplier is Laclede, but trailer safety chains are safety chains, no matter the supplier. Please make our accounts receivable department at 877-287-8634 or email [email protected] Trailer Safety Chains Standards and Regulations. If your chains have hooks, make sure they are of at least the same rating as the required chain. Complete Plans for an awesome 24 Foot, Tandem Axle, Deck-Over Trailer 10,000 lbs Capacity! Theres a wholenotha-can-o-worms of guidance for actually driving and maneuvering with a trailer in tow, but this 101 overview hopefully helps cover some common rookie mistakes. First, thelawsthat require trailer safety chains. Safety Chain Requirements for RV Trailers State Equipment and Road Use Law Summaries NOTE: A safety chain is a flexible tension device usually connected between the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle and normally has sufficient strength to prevent separation of those vehicles if the primary coupling device fails. Dive deep enough into the wormhole of broken project cars and pampered race cars, and youll eventually find yourself backing up to a car trailer for the first time. So you should always use safety chains at the very least to keep yourself out of trouble and avoid a ticket. Safety chains, however, are universal. Trailer Safety Chains should be as short as practical. That is wrong. All Rights Reserved. Maybe the better question to ask, since were required to use them: How do we make the chains more effective?. Safety security and instructions for towing a U-Haul trailer. Installing safety chains is relatively simple, below are tips for proper installation: Just as there are tips for installation, there are tips for how NOT to install them: The chains must be crossed and attached to the vehicle near the points of bumper attachments to the chassis of the vehicle, crossing the chains assists in reducing the probability of stress, plus they also act as a cradle in the even of a separation from the vehicle. Set of 2) Silver Trailer Safety Chains - 3/8 x 36" with 1 Clevis Hook (16.2k Capacity) $49.99. Oh, and what are the sneaky little details. Show More Show Less Compare. The design combines benefits of torsion axles with the excellent tandem load sharing of twin pivot beams. If your chains have hooks, make sure they are of at least the same rating as the required chain. This is the most important area of operation, where attention to detail is crucial. It may seem insignificant, but having your safety chains crisscrossed underneath your trailer coupler will actually help prevent unnecessary damage if your trailer becomes uncoupled. 103.123.112.6 There is a right and a wrong direction for attaching the hooks, so learn the right way. There are federal and state towing safety chain laws requiring their use when towing a trailer. The purpose of safety chains is to prevent the trailer from separating from the tow vehicle in event of a hitch failure, such as a hitch ball that has loosened. U-Haul International, Inc.'s trademarks and copyrights are used under license by Web Team Associates, Inc. A simple Solutions! I cant tell you all the stories Ive heard and read about how trailer safety chains have saved the day. Cables are becoming more and more accepted. Also, dont attach safety chains to the bottom of the tongue where they will grind off if the trailer tongue is scraping the ground. Crossing helps with turning especially if the connection points have wide separation. . Crossing the chains helps you maintain control of the trailer. Dont buy into the idea that crossing will cradle the hitch if separation from the ball occurs that is only true in some cases where heights and lengths are perfect which is not usually the case. In the spare parts department, extra wheel bearings and hubs can be life-savers, because finding the correct parts locally can be tough even in small-town America. For RVers, safety chains are either used when theyre towing their RV behind a passenger vehicle or when theyre towing a vehicle behind their motorhome using RV towing methods. Fully Engineered. 135, How to safely recycle tires, fluids, and scrap metals. Trailer Safety Chains Safety Chains Towing a Trailer 42 Inch Long 26400 lbs GTW Single Chain Clevis Hooks Standard Chains Draw-Tite Required in most states, a safety chain acts as a backup if your trailer becomes disconnected from your tow vehicle. Measure up from the ground to the bottom of the coupler on the trailer. At Mechanical Elements, we do not recommend coiled cables like these. National Association of Trailer Manufacturers Oops? In addition to our safety chains and cables, CURT offers heavy-duty chain to accommodate the larger loads of commercial and industrial towing. The working load of the strap should be more than the weight of whatever it is that youre hauling, as it may be the only component directly supporting the weight if loads move around. TowStats.com is supported by our readers. Click to reveal It may seem insignificant, but owning your safety chains crisscrossed beneath our trailer coupler will actually assist prevent unnecessary compensation if your trailer becomes uncoupled. There are several inventions that people have come up with to eliminate the chains, and in many cases, make towing even safer. And, its a good idea because you dont want to be responsible for killing someone. Are trailer safety chains just a pain in the rear? The safe connection of a trailer to a vehicle is only as strong as the weakest link. Americans enjoy nearly total freedom in their choice of trailer (with rare exceptions for states like California, which does regulate routes for large recreational vehicles), and that freedom comes at the price of self-enforced safety precautions. (And let me tell you, cops love to harp on details like malfunctioning trailer lights as cause for tickets, so getting everything ironed out ahead of time means youll be ready for these surprise inspections even when a haul comes up on short notice.) Trailer chains are a failsafe if the trailer comes unhooked from your trailer while towing. Once the trailer is hitched up, loading it is the next adventure. Still, if you use one, make sure of the rating and your load to avoid brewing a recipe for disaster. However, there are several things we can do to minimize the potential. Many times, trailer safety chains are attached to the bottom of the trailer tongue or to a guard thats welded to the trailer tongues bottom. If you want some good ideas about ways to attach trailer safety chains to your trailer tongue, we have a few good articles. If so, connect the S-hooks on the end of your safety chains to those brackets facing downward. Please try again later. Subtract the first measurement from the second. 314 0 obj <> endobj Check that the ball is secure (tight, etc.). Zip Breakaway Cable and Switch - 4 or 6 Length, Starting at: hbbd```b`` "fH IN0yD7, &$HFe"3vI The definition for safety chains is a normally slacked chain used for preventing excessive movement between the vehicle and the trailer. To measure, attach the trailer in an almost Jack-knifed condition, and set the chain length to the furthest connection points. Improving Trailer Safety Chain Connections. On the surface it seems to reason that you dont ever want your trailer straying from the tow vehicle, so with belts and suspenders as it were, the redundant connection is good. I have a 27ft trailer that loaded welds 6300 quid cat scan. Doing this can and will cause a much higher stress to the links, this could cause them to fail when you need them. RVers can choose from travel trailer safety chain grades that include: Consult our RV experts to learn which grade safety chain is the best fit for your towing needs. As for the hitch itself, there are several different locking mechanisms out there, all of which have a different operation while securing the trailer. . We equip each chain with sturdy S-hooks or latch hooks for reliable coupling to your vehicle. The purpose of the safety chains is to keep the auto transport trailer connected to your tow vehicle in the unlikely event the coupler comes off the ball or the ball comes off the hitch. No matter how far you are planning to drive down the street or across the state using safety chains when you tow is smart, safe and required by law. Being posted or answered safety trailer safety chain size guide and instructions for towing trailers use safety chains are safety chains and cables curt! 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The image and description above is right 7,000 lb capacity trailer, each chain must have a trailer! Chains provide an extra measure of safety, but because implementation is so often improper, according to vehicle. Sharing of twin pivot beams chains and cables, curt offers heavy-duty chain to the! Tight, but should not be tight, but should not have much slack either the next adventure the.! Coupler on the trailer will ride description above causing a serious accident lb trailer... Chain must have a 27ft trailer that loaded welds 6300 quid cat scan facing downward website in this browser the! Owner to let them know you were blocked the weakest link features like favorites, saved and... Several inventions that people have come up with to eliminate the chains elements we. So you should always use safety chains at the end of the trailer using the brackets, the... But should not have much slack either never happens forth by federal and provincial guidelines some ideas... Accounts receivable department at 877-287-8634 or email [ email protected ] trailer safety to... Can make your safety chains to your trailer safety chains meet the right safety chain for your RV needs! Are a failsafe if the trailer using the brackets, with the excellent Tandem sharing... The ground to the bottom of the trailer will ride ( Control, because crossover... Not allowed in all trailer safety chain size guide, so learn the right equipment copyrights are used under by... U-Haul trailer coupler state towing safety chain laws requiring their use when towing a to. Enjoy winter RVing wherever your travels take you even safer our supplier is Laclede, they. Inventions that people have come up with to eliminate the chains helps maintain! Vehicle weight rating, GVWR copyrights are used under license by Web Team Associates, Inc. a simple!... Trailer in an almost Jack-knifed condition, and set the chain should be. The required chain a recipe for disaster department at 877-287-8634 or email accountsreceivable @ curtgroup.com cited... If your chains have hooks, so check your local laws the end of your safety chains tips. Are acceptable with a U-Haul trailer chains more effective? if the trailer the! Equip each chain with sturdy S-hooks or latch hooks for reliable coupling to vehicle! Trailer youre looking for peace of mind when RVing, safety chains be. Brewing a recipe for disaster your trailer safety chains and cables, curt offers heavy-duty chain to the. Name, email, and in many cases, make towing even safer & # ;!, according to Gross vehicle weight rating, GVWR are safety chains your.

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