How to Select the Proper Length Safety Chains for a Trailer
Updated 08/12/2024 | Published 02/26/2012
Question:
I will need to replace my current safety chains on my trailer because I am using a longer ball mount so I have a few questions about these cables. I measured and I will have roughly 12 inches of slack in the cable on each side once they are installed. Is this enough slack to make sharp turns without fully stretching out the cables? Also are the cables self coiling so they wont drag on the ground? Would I be better off buying a safety chain extension and not messing around replacing the chains?
asked by: Tom
Expert Reply:
It really depends on your setup, if the safety chain loops on your tow vehicle are spaced far apart then you will need more slack to make a tight turn then if they were closer together.
What I would recommend you do is connect your trailer to your tow vehicle, back your trailer up into a near jack-knife position and then use a rope to go from the safety chain attachment points of your trailer to your tow vehicle. Now measure the length of rope that was used and that would be the correct length of chain to use.
With safety chains you want to cross them underneath the coupler that way if the coupler was to become disconnected the trailer would land where the chains intersect and it would catch the coupler instead of just dragging it.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
40" Vinyl Coated Safety Cables with Clevis Hook (Qty. 2) by Dutton-Lainson, 6,500 lbs.
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 40 Inch Long
- 6500 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Dutton-Lainson
more information >
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on Safety Cables
Robert D.
8/12/2024
So you would not add any length to the measurements? Seems like the chains would be tight?