Proper use of trailer chains.

[Rocketdog]

I was reading an earlier thread and the issue of trailer chains was brought up. Specifically twisting the chains to make them shorter. I have witnessed the result of improper use of trailer chains that usually consist of the big S hook on the end. The S hook is usually hooked onto the tow hitch and if a trailer comes loose, the S hook will not hold usually resulting in the hook straightening out. Here's a little tutorial on the right way to use them.......

Here is a photo of how most people do it the wrong way.......

Here is the proper way to use a chain with S hooks. This way, in case of a trailer departure, the chain takes the brunt of the jerk... not the S hook.....
Also twisting of the chains is not necessary to shorten them.

 

[NoDak]

also don't you cross connect them also? right chain connect to left side hitch and left side to right side?

 

[Rocketdog]

also don't you cross connect them also? right chain connect to left side hitch and left side to right side?

Crossing chains is personal choice as I see it. it's kind of a crap shoot. If you cross your chains and it comes loose, the trailer tongue is hanging in the air and pounding the shit out of the back of your vehicle every time you hit the brakes. Not crossed, then the trailer tongue hits the deck ****ing it up, but possibly help slowing down the trailer and keeping it off your vehicle. A trailer coming loose and how the driver reacts is an unknown variable.

 

[having fun]

When you have a s hooks on your chain, it's best to hook them up like photo 2. If you have safety latches on them, connect them to your hitch.
The twisting of the chain is to take the slack out of them from dragging, due to sparks and creating a fire.
And you should cross your chains, due to it keeps the trailer tongue straight if it does come un hooked.
Yes it will ride on the chain in that case, but will be below your hitch at that point.
The last thing you want the tongue to do is hit the ground and try to stop it that way. Besides if the trailer comes un hitch, it is usually due to the ignorance of the installer not having the right size ball, not properly latching and checking that it is and putting a safety pin\lock in the lever.
And if it does comes off the ball, the trailer should hit your ride in the a$$ to teach you for not checking and not take the chance of running away from you because it hit the ground. It may not stop before the trailer pitches a turn due to the angle it hit the ground.

 

[nyzpaozhi]

It may not stop before the trailer pitches a turn due to the angle it hit the ground.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

i always cross the chains, if the tongue does come off the ball, yeah its probably going to hit your bumper, but the crossing of the chains acts like a cradle and gives you more control because the tongue isn't contacting the road surface, unless you have long chains.

 

[TechWrench]

IN my state, NY, it is required that trailer safety chains on trailers be crossed when attached to the tow vehicle. There are several reasons for this configuration (one of which has already been stated here), 1st, crossing the chains creates a 'cradle' which (if the chain length is adjusted properly) will support the trailer tongue to keep it from hitting the ground if the hitch separates from the ball. And 2nd, crossing the chains helps to prevent the outside chain (during a turn) from stretching taut and restricting the potential angle between the tow vehicle and trailer when turning. I also agree with the suggested use of the 'S' hook when connecting the chains to the tow vehicle, although I prefer using the properly rated threaded chain links instead of 'S' hooks.

 

[Ezlife45]

It's the law down here to cross the chains.