Iplayfarmer
Super Member
If I have an equalizer hitch, can I count the torsion bars and chains as the secondary connection and run without safety chains.
Safety Chains?
- Thread starter Iplayfarmer
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Highbeam
Super Member
The connection of the chains from your spring bars to the trailer frame is not 100% it is just looped over the hook correct? If the ball comes off and the bar tension goes away then there is a likelihood that the chain will come unhooked and be of no value.
I say no. I use two safety chains as well as the WD system's chains.
I say no. I use two safety chains as well as the WD system's chains.
Dougster
Veteran Member
Given how most equalizer chains attach to the trailer frame, I wouldn't trust them. More importantly, I don't think a cop would accept that explanation of your "compliant" hook-up. I certainly know they wouldn't cut me any slack.Iplayfarmer said:
Dougster
George2615
Super Member
Your torsion bar chains apply lift to transfer weight toward the front of the vehicle so the rear end doesn't sag too bad and do not count as safety chains which must connect the tow vehicle to the trailer. The torsion bars are only connected to the hitch part that slides into your reciever. You still need safety chains between the reciever on the tow vehicle and the trailer.
OP
Iplayfarmer
Super Member
Thanks for the replies.
When I bought my trailer, it didn't have any chains. I was just wondering if that was why.
I know that the Sheriff's department around here uses really cheap chain on purpose for their rescue boats, ATV trailers and other trailers. The goal is to have just enough there to be legal, but with the hope that the chain will actually break if the trailer comes loose rather than wrecking the tow vehicle too.
When I bought my trailer, it didn't have any chains. I was just wondering if that was why.
I know that the Sheriff's department around here uses really cheap chain on purpose for their rescue boats, ATV trailers and other trailers. The goal is to have just enough there to be legal, but with the hope that the chain will actually break if the trailer comes loose rather than wrecking the tow vehicle too.
George2615
Super Member
Trailer safety chain is rated to handle the weight of the trailer or better. First you must know the weight of the trailer and buy safety chain rated for that weight or more. It usually comes as one length of chain with a hook at each end. Usually you cut it in the middle and then each length is bolted and or welded to the trailer frame ( I've seen it bolted, bolted and welded, or just welded on new trailers). When attaching the chain to the tow vehicle the chains are crossed to form a cradle under the trailer hitch to catch and support it should it come unhooked.
Iplayfarmer said:
Thats a heck of a note- so they'd rather kill SOMEONE else than do it right
So the boat trailer comes loose and head-ons someones family car and kills all their kids- but HEY the Crown Vic Police Edition is OK......and people think they are there to protect US
OP
Iplayfarmer
Super Member
George2615 said:
Learn something new every day. I never heard about the cross and cradle thing. That makes a lot of sense.
OP
Iplayfarmer
Super Member
Skyco said:Thats a heck of a note- so they'd rather kill SOMEONE else than do it right
Well, actually around here there's very seldom anyone coming the other direction. And, they all drive Chevy trucks.
The point is still valid, though.
bigtiller
Super Member
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Skyco said:Thats a heck of a note- so they'd rather kill SOMEONE else than do it right
I am on your team Skyco. I would rather have the tow vehicle crash than have a loose (?) ton trailer kill my kids.
Z-Michigan
Veteran Member
It sounds like your local Sheriff's department should be WEARING chains...
em14
Platinum Member
"I never heard about the cross and cradle thing." I have license trailer's in many states and they all required the cross chains. So much so that I thought they were required to be crossed every where. I cannot agree with your Sheriff!
Leo
Leo
OP
Iplayfarmer
Super Member
I'm glad to hear all the responses. Often times a subject comes up and there are a lot of posters to both sides. i.e to grease the ball or not to grease, Mobile home axles, etc.
It looks like there's a pretty uniform consensus on this one, however. I'm glad I asked.
It looks like there's a pretty uniform consensus on this one, however. I'm glad I asked.
