Attaching safety chains the right way is easy to do: simply cross the chains underneath the coupler, one over the other, as you attach them to your vehicle. to 26,400 lbs. You definitely want that to activate in an emergency. If all else fails, you can hook the towing safety chains to your vehicle by using the bumper brackets. CURT has a few different options when it comes to securing your trailer. Our basic safety chains are made from high-quality steel and are grade-30-certified. Click to reveal To view an answer to a question, simply click on the question. We appreciate donations to keep it all running. To keep it as simple as possible, safety chain requirements state that the breaking strength of EACH chain, not the working load limit (WLL), should be equal to or exceed the gross trailer weight.A 5,000 pound trailer needs safety chains that each have a break strength of at least 5,000 pounds. All rights Reserved. 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. And that was a TrailMeister Trailer Tip. At Mechanical Elements, we do not recommend coiled cables like these. For safe trailer towing, all safety chains and hooks must be rated to handle the gross trailer weight. Maybe the better question to ask, since were required to use them: is How do we make them effective?. Please consider a contribution. Trailer Safety Chain Quick Facts! In most places within the USA, when the trailer total capacity is over 3000 lbs, trailer brakes are required. It would be so horrible if someone died because I overlooked something and death is not an uncommon result of such a screw-up. furthermore upcoming in generous lengths of 14 to 25. If that cable is longer than the chains, it will never activate. . Safety chains come in multiple classes that are rated for different weight limits, similar to trailer hitches. Trailer chains are a failsafe if the trailer comes unhooked from your trailer while towing. 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. 335 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<3F1B66A86191084DBD1D2FBE62A35DFE>]/Index[314 47]/Info 313 0 R/Length 106/Prev 197958/Root 315 0 R/Size 361/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Well walk through each step and detail them out to make it foolproof. Also, dont attach safety chains to the bottom of the tongue where they will grind off if the trailer tongue is scraping the ground. Learning good trailer construction by examining bad is a great way to focus on details. AND make sure there is no way for them to bounce out, shake off, or otherwise come loose. Starting at the hitch, make sure it is securely on the tow vehicle. Ancra International 20 Foot Chain And Hook Assembly - 45881-10-20 . Thats an all too common practice that introduces some dangerous side effects. - Laclede Chain 800-325-2699 Find a Sales Rep Products Close Traction Products Close Tire Chain Finder Parts, Tools, & Accs. Safety requirements for safety chains state that the breaking strength of each chain should be equal to or exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the trailer. Safety chains can make driving your RV much easier, and they also bring added security if the hitch lock were to fail. One of the biggest mistakes new trailer users make concerns balancing the weight of the trailer such that it doesnt oscillate or sway laterally. Yes, if you are using a towable RV, you will need a safety chain. A simple Solutions! This image of cables is from Curt Manufacturing. Largely dependent upon the vehicles GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and towing capacities, the universal five-class hitch rating system matches the hitch type to the trailers size and weight. Low 8.5 x 30 or 32 top deck height. Swift Current, Saskatchewan On the surface it seems reasonable that you wouldnt want your trailer to stray from the tow vehicle, so the redundant connection of these chains is a good thing. To measure, attach the trailer in an almost Jack-knifed condition, and set the chain length to the furthest connection points. However, Ive come to realize the safety chains are not there in case the hitch fails, they exist in case I fail. Trailer Safety Chains should be as short as practical. Twisting chains puts more stress on the links, making them more likely to fail and wear out faster. DexKo Global Acquires National Trailer Parts Warehouse, Ltd. Cross the safety chains underneath the hitch and coupler, remember to leave enough slack to turn and hold the tongue up. Can you pick them out? Sounds good, but. Crossing the chains is required by law in some states and can prevent damage to your trailer in case the coupler comes loose while towing. For smaller loads, use whats appropriate for the weight. The only exception is for fifth wheel RVs, which use a unique hitching system that does not require 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. Trailer Safety Chains, Safety Cables and Hooks Zinc-plated trailer Safety Chains with S-Hooks connect the trailer tongue to the towing vehicle for security and safety. 0 Your account has been temporarily locked, so no orders can be placed at this time. Check into your states rules to know whats required. Here are the different trailer safety chain classes: Heres a good reference for trailer safety chain working load limits: You also need to make sure your hooks are rated for the same weight limit. How does the distribution work? 135, How to safely recycle tires, fluids, and scrap metals. Crossing helps with turning especially if the connection points have wide separation. All that said, weight distribution hitches can be particularly useful for SUVs, for which the fifth-wheel/goose-neck hitch option isnt available but the towing capacity is still high enough to haul a load that would create a significant amount of weight on the tongue. Hi Shelley. Most of the laws are consistent across the board, but some haveslightly different details. 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. 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. AYMMIC Trailer Safety Chain Grade 70 3/8" x 35",2pcs,Each Fitted with 1 Clevis Slip Hook with Latch end Fitting,Working Load Limit:6.600 Lbs,for Heavy Duty Traile and Gooseneck Couplers 4.7 (47) $3799 Save 10% with coupon FREE delivery Tue, Mar 28 Or fastest delivery Fri, Mar 24 More Buying Choices $35.01 (2 used & new offers) You definitely want that to activate in an emergency. Chains may not be the greatest, but they definitely stack the deck in your favor. Use it outdoors, then roll it right in. As you connect things, make sure the cable (or chain) to the emergency brake box, is shorter than the trailer safety chains. Your email address will not be published. Trailering is a lot more complicated than it looks, as confused people staring at orange and white rentals often find out. Trailer Safety Chains should be as short as practical. All CURT safety cables come in 42 lengths. Safety security and instructions for towing a U-Haul trailer. With that in mind, here is a good list of best practices with chains. . Because you asked . Follow the Best Practices for Trailer Safety Chains in the section below. DON'T twist trailer safety chains. Copyright TrailMeister, 2022. to 7,500 lbs. All BRIEFLY safe cables reach are 42 long. and come in generous lengths of 14 to 25. For instance, some states require chain, where cable appears to be a legal substitute in others. If your chains have hooks, make sure they are of at least the same rating as the required chain. Secure the safety chains to your tow vehicle using the vehicles hitch, frame, or bumper brackets. Cross the chains when hooking up but dont twist them. CURT is ampere Lippert Brand . And, speaking of avoiding dangerous issues, the next good article to read is about the Trailer Breakaway Kit. Shackles You have several options when using shackles. CURT safety chains are available in 27, 35 and 48 lengths and have a minimum break force ranging from 2,000 to 24,000 lbs. This is the most important area of operation, where attention to detail is crucial. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. That is wrong. The chain should not be tight, but should not have much slack either. See the above section on, For the DIY builder, implement the chains, including attachments, as in the section on. Trailer safety is important, and our horses are counting on us to do it right. After a bit of research, it seems that every state that I looked at does require safety chains with trailers. . The next post is about what really happens when twisting safety chains. How best to strap a vehicle down for transport is an age-old debate, but generally, experts agree that its better to strap the vehicle at four points to the trailer corners, without crossing the straps in an X-pattern left-to-right. Lets start with one of the trickiest components: the hitch. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Use the right length of chain. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. After some research, it appears the laws governing the details of trailers, including trailer safety chains, are regional (by State or Province), yet all (that I could find) require safety chains. Please make our accounts receivable department at 877-287-8634 or email, OEM Puck System 5th Wheel Legs plus Silders, X5 5th Drive to Gooseneck Transcriber Plates, Channel Mount plus Adjustable Orb Mounters, Weight Distribution Attachments with Sway Remote. Ensuring that thou have safety chains that am rated to make or exceed the gross weight of your trailer a incredibly important, yet it the or important that you take your safety chains hooked up properly. The following survey should take you no longer than 60 seconds to complete. To post a new question, click on the "Ask a question" button below. Includes one chain with U-bolt, nuts and clip. You should never twist safety chains to make up for extra slack or for any other reason. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Towing Safety Chains Laws By State, Do I Need a Weight Distribution Hitch? Choose proper components. The crossed chains will provide a cradle or safety net for the coupler, keeping it from scraping the ground until you can bring your vehicle to a complete stop. You can also visit our RV accessories store for more information on safety chain options. Without safety chains attached, there is a serious risk of danger if your trailer becomes uncoupled from your. We also have a vinyl-coated option to keep the chain well protected from the elements. Choose Same-Day delivery while shopping to check availability in your area. Towing your RV is easy with these hitching tips! This 32", Class lll, safety chain will hold gross loads up to 5,000 lbs. %PDF-1.5 % Towing safety chains are a necessity and add protection against a runaway trailer. Free standard shipping is available on qualifying orders $100 (USD) or more when shipped within the contiguous U.S. or on orders $150 (CAD) or more when shipped within Canada. This can help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe. In-Store Pickup Savings! This website is owned and operated by Web Team Associates, Inc. Learn more about whether or not you need to stop at weigh stations when youre driving your RV throughout the United States. Please make our accounts receivable department at 877-287-8634 or email [email protected] Trailer Safety Chains Standards and Regulations. Other Hitch Systems Weight distributing or sway control devices ARE NOT USED for towing U-Haul trailers. Some mandate a particular type of hook (or more to the point, retainers on hooks), others do not. Safety chains are rated by their WLL (Working Load Limit), which is the maximum weight the chain can safely carry. From a DIY perspective, this especially important: Trailer safety chains are only as strong as the weakest link. Too bad, because in the spirit of safety, innovation to conquer the shortcomings of trailer safety chains seems like a good idea. The safe connection of a trailer to a vehicle is only as strong as the weakest link. At 8.5' wide x 24' deck length, the plans include plenty of options to build it the way you want it. Once you've hooked the chains up to each side of your trailer, cross them underneath the trailer tongue as you prepare to connect them to your vehicle. DONT twist trailer safety chains. IfIfail to connect the hitch, or ifIfail to seat the ball, or ifIfail to connect or tighten something, then these chains are there to compensate for my screw-up. Thats all well and good, but we all know that, Free Plans for an adjustably permanent Trailer Safety Chain Anchor system. 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. endstream endobj 315 0 obj <. We ll also provide some tips on how to do it correctly and some instruction on how to choose the right towing safety chain for your situation. However, it will help with minimizing chain length, and it will help in control if the chains are actually needed. Shorter (within reason) chains are safer in several ways. Towing adds a lot of responsibility to driving. Self-coiling vinyl coated Hitch Cables use durable galvanized aircraft cable construction. What size surf chains will I need. Sign up for the latest automotive news and videosin short, everything for people who love cars. Just as important as making sure the engine is running smoothly and the generator is proving enough power, cleaning your RV is a crucial part of pre-season travel preparations. . Transport binder safety chains range in minimum break strength from 18,800 lbs. CURT safety cables come in weight capacities ranging from 3,500 lbs. Its easy to build, easy to install, absolutely solid, yet it allows chain length adjustments fairly easy. You should inspect the chains before and after each towing session to ensure that there are no defects in the towing safety chain. to 7,500 lbs. X 24 ' deck length, the next good article to read is about the trailer comes from! To use them: is How do we make them effective? would be so horrible someone. 0 your account has been temporarily locked, so no orders can be placed at this time total is. Session to ensure that there are no defects in the section below as confused staring. 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Focus on details this can help prevent accidents and keep you and your safe! Gross loads up to 5,000 lbs trailer total capacity is over 3000 lbs, trailer brakes are.... 3000 lbs, trailer brakes are required Working Load Limit ), which is maximum... Weight the chain can safely carry to your vehicle by using the bumper brackets the weight break...