Do 5th Wheel Trailers Require the Use of Safety Chains

Updated 12/06/2013 | Published 12/04/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter w/8" Offset for Short-Bed Trucks

(227)

$658.77

Safety Chains for Ranch Hitch 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter

(119)

$118.18

Question:

Are safety chanes required on a fifth wheel hitch

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

No, 5th wheel trailer connections do not require safety chains. Consumer 5th wheel applications connect to the truck the same way that big rigs connect to trailers and this is considered a secure enough connection to not require safety chains. Items that connect to a ball do require safety chains.

So if you are using the Ranch Hitch adapter # AM3139 as an example, you would need safety chains. You can then use the safety chain attachment, # AM3109.

You can also check the laws in your state and where you will be traveling to determine the specific laws.

expert reply by: Michael H