Safety chain regulations

[Eric_Phillips]

I am annoyed with the length and the hooks on the safety chains for my trailers. One trailer is a 5K flat bed and the other is a 7.5K horse trailer. Right now I tie knots or twist the chains so they don't drag on the ground. I can't believe they would meet their rating all twisted like that. Also some of the hooks just don't fit well on the truck hitch. So what is the standard for ratings on safety chains and hoooks to what is being pulled?

 

[George2615]

My PJ trailer has clevis links welded to the frame. Just have to pull the pin and use a shorter link in the chain depending on tow vehicle used. Dump trailer has clevis pin hooks for the tow vehicle side if you need to shorten the chain. Also attached state requirements for safety chains.

 

[bcp]

A couple of slow-adjust methods I've found:



Bruce

 

[aczlan]

Per NY:

The chain size is usually determined by the manufacturer of the trailer, however it is generally specified that the minimum breaking strength of the chain be about 1.5 times the maximum gross trailer weight. Related hardware should also be equally rated.

Aaron Z

 

[Eric_Phillips]

I find NY requirement of "no welding of the chain after its manufacture" interesting. I take this to mean that the chain cannot be welded to the trailer? What about the style of hook used? Does the hook require some type of gate to prevent it from accidentally coming off? I am asking because the holes for the safety chains on my 2013 F150 are a bear to get the hooks on and off. Either the hook opening is too small or the hook is not deep enough to open or close the gate on the hook.

 

[aczlan]

Not that I know of.
I am partial (for light weight trailers) to a hook with a spring loaded catch (such as: Carry-On Trailer® S Hook, 3-3/4 in. x 6-3/4 in., Pack of 2 - Tractor Supply Co.)
Easy to put on or take off, strong, fits most hitches without any drama.

Aaron Z

 

[bdog]

I don't know where to find it off the top of my head in the regulations but it is illegal to twist the chains to take up slack.

 

[Eric_Phillips]

I don't know where to find it off the top of my head in the regulations but it is illegal to twist the chains to take up slack.

That does not surprise me at all. It makes me wonder why trailers seem to come with chain attachments that are difficult to adjust without replacing.

 

[George2615]

That does not surprise me at all. It makes me wonder why trailers seem to come with chain attachments that are difficult to adjust without replacing.

I guess it depends on what trailer you buy. On all three of mine, 1-7K and 2-14K (all different brands) I can adjust the chain length.

 

[bdog]

If yours are not adjustable the easiest thing to do is use bolt cutters or a torch and cut the chains to desired length and add a new hook.