safety chains drag

[Bedlam]

Just wondering if anyone has the problem with the chains dragging on the ground. I have a small utility trailer that sits low. I have twisted the chains to shorten them.I don't like this idea.
I recently used some wire to hold them up.
My idea now , and I'm not sure if anyone has done anything like it is to use a bungee cord and weave it through each link.
This would keep it snug but still let it stretch with turns etc. yet also maintain the purpose.
Any other ideas are sure welcome.
Al

 

[UPRAISER]

Try a bunge cord, hook into the chain, or chains and go across the hitch or tongue etc. I have used them for years.

I never did like twisting the chain/s.

Curt

 

[RayH]

The proper thing to do is cut them shorter. Twisting is also ok and crossing them under the tongue is ok. A safety chain that is the right length should allow the trailer to go through its full motion while in tow but still keep the tongue off the pavement if the trailer coupler comes off the ball. Bungies and wire wont keep the tongue off the ground if the trailer comes off the ball.

 

[MikeD74T]

"Bungies and wire wont keep the tongue off the ground if the trailer comes off the ball."

The bungies / wire are just to hold the chains off the ground, not to support the trailer tongue. It's just not practical to have many different lengths of chain on a trailer that is towed by multiple vehicles. Although I twist mine I like the bungee idea & plan to try it. Bungies just don't last a long time exposed to weather and don't rebound when frozen. Mike

 

[Bedlam]

Thanks for the thoughts, Yes I dont want to shorten them due to it being used by my truck also.
I have done the bungee around und over the hitch.Probably the best simplist idea, I can store the bungee out of the weather too.
As far as crossing them , I remember years ago someone saying that they should be crossed, that way it creates a "cradle' if it should ever come loose.
Allan

 

[DOUBLEG]

You can always use quick links to lengthen the chains for your truck. That's what I do on the horsetrailer, the chains fit the car (crossed under the tongue) and for the truck I add a quick link.

 

[Highbeam]

I have this problem too. I used zip ties between links to shorten the chain, they have been on over the winter and in constant exposure to UV and have never let go. If they break then I can always zip more on since I carry zip ties with me. I cant' cross the chains since they come from the same point on the trailer right at the center below the hitch.

I love zip ties, they are the modern duct tape.

 

[GeneD14]

I have this problem too. I used zip ties between links to shorten the chain, they have been on over the winter and in constant exposure to UV and have never let go. If they break then I can always zip more on since I carry zip ties with me. I cant' cross the chains since they come from the same point on the trailer right at the center below the hitch.

I love zip ties, they are the modern duct tape.

I did the exact same thing with my safety chains and have never had a problem.

 

[Jarrett]

Just wondering if anyone has the problem with the chains dragging on the ground. I have a small utility trailer that sits low. I have twisted the chains to shorten them.I don't like this idea.
I recently used some wire to hold them up.
My idea now , and I'm not sure if anyone has done anything like it is to use a bungee cord and weave it through each link.
This would keep it snug but still let it stretch with turns etc. yet also maintain the purpose.
Any other ideas are sure welcome.
Al

What kind of hooks are on the chain? How about adding another set of hooks farther back on the chains and use those when you need them to be short and use the hooks on the end of the chains when you need them long.

 

[browns40]

Hi bedlam,

You are right, you absolutely DO cross the chains to cradle the tongue in the event of a problem...

For the slack in the chains you can do any of the mentioned ideas, or I'd just weave them around themselves "in the cradle" to take up slack without kinking or altering them...

Odds are you could probably PICK UP a small trailer with a kinked safety chain anyway!