Should Safety Chains Hook to a Trailer Hitch from the Top or Bottom
Updated 05/22/2026 | Published 04/01/2014
Question:
which way should you attach the hook to the trailer, from the bottom up or from the top down, i have heard that from the bottom up it has more strength on a wider part of the hook
asked by: David
Expert Reply:
I have seen it done both ways. Ultimately, the important thing is to make sure the chains are crossed beneath the trailer tongue so if the trailer pops off of the ball the cables will catch the tongue and keep it off of the ground.
Since the Curt hook, # C81970, has the keeper on it, the chains would not fall off if you hooked them to the hitch from underneath.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Clevis Hook with Spring Loaded Safety Latch - 7/16" - 40,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Car Tie Down Straps
- Chain Parts
- 7/16 Inch Diameter
- 40000 lbs GTW
- Clevis Hooks
- CURT
more information >
Continue Researching
- Search Results: accessories and parts
- Search Results: etrack
- Search Results: trailer cargo organizers accessories and parts
- Search Results: wheel straps
- Search Results: e track tire straps
- Search Results: rear trailer jacks
- Search Results: trailer cargo organizers
- Video: Feature Breakdown: Flexco Manual Pull-Out Step for RVs
- Video: Stromberg Carlson Leveling Scissor Jack Set Reviewed – Stability You Can Trust
- Shop: Tow-Rax Strap Hanger - Aluminum - 17" Long x 4-1/2" Tall x 3" Deep
- Shop: Leveling Scissor Jack Set - 30" Lift - 15,000 lbs - QTY 2
- Shop: Flexco Manual Pull-Out Step for RVs - Single - 3" Drop/Rise - 24" Wide - 300 lbs
- Shop: Adco SFS AquaShed Trailer Cover for Bumper Pull Horse Trailers up to 10' Long - Gray
- Shop: Add-A-Step for TorkLift GlowStep Revolution Scissor Steps w/ 25" Base
- Shop: Flexco Manual Pull-Out Step for RVs - Single - 3" Drop/Rise - 21" Wide - 300 lbs
- Shop: Floor Mounted Storage Box for Enclosed Trailers - 19" x 29" x 7-1/4"
- Q&A: Which Way Do the S-Hooks Need To Face When Attaching To Trailer Hitch Safety Chain Hoops
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Does etrailer Carry Furrion Chill Cube w/ Heat Pump to Replace Dometic Duo-Therm
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: A Look at the Power Mountain Tallboy 6 Ton Off-Road Bottle Jack with a Military Cargo Trailer
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
on Accessories and Parts
Robert
5/22/2026
Yes. I agree from the bottom, with open throat of hook ‘up’. That’s the way we did it in my 40 years of construction; ironworker. Oddly, on zBlue Ox’s website, they show their cables installed one way on the truck/RV, and the other way on the vehicle being towed! I guess that makes sense if you’re not sure…