Using Safety Chains Properly

Here are some pointers on using safety chains safely and correctly.

[@giseleSF1234]

It's not the best practice to twist the chain. Temporary fix, ok. But the twisting creates tension and compromises the integrity of the chain. Best thing is to buy new cotter pins and hook up the proper length of chain without twisting the chain. Also, it'd be great to see how to determine the proper length given that the truck & trailer will need to do left and right turns. We may need a certain amount of clearance for this, instead of just aiming for a 3-5" clearance above the road when the truck & trailer are in straight alignment. Otherwise, clear videography, great verbal clarity, and I love my B&W hitch.

[@aussie2uGA]

Interesting point as when he said "twist it to take up slack", I thought that was a brilliant solution.

[@outlandish9233]

There should be safety latches on each hook!

[@greggaines435]

The S hooks without keepers will flip out when the the chain tightens and whips back. It happened to us and the trailer went down the highway by it self about 50 mph.The chain wiplash flipped both s hooks out. S hooks must have keeper clips. This bad info should be taken down.

[@randomly-genrated]

Mine came undone the first trip I ever took and the trailer didn't even come unhooked, just the damn chains.

[@human1513]

In many countries, states and provinces it is law to do it like in this video.

[@scallywag5665]

Please don’t put misinformation on you tube . Chains should never be shortened by twisting…..

[@gasmaskn1nja861]

DO NOT TWIST THE CHAINS. Putting a twist into the chain will reduce the working load limit.

[@markhusmann9966]

@Jack Hoffman actually it is

[@timschnaidt5071]

@Jack Hoffman kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZ3NZWWkpJl3rrs

[@MotoGPfan3987]

@Jack Hoffman actually it is totally true. Never twist the chains.

[@240LTS]

@@MotoGPfan3987 ... "twist the chains",. This would be a good name for a rock band. Or, "Twisted Chains". :-) .

[@Bill-dp7lp]

How do you keep the slack from hitting the road?

[@HazardSports]

Twisting the chain reduces it strengthening significantly!

[@gordbaker896]

Wrong Hooks, wrong length of chain , wrong mounting place for chain. Forged hooks with safety latches should be used. The Crossing of chains should be behind the front of the tongue, keeping it off the road. Chain should be bolted through tongue with Grade 5 Bolt min.

[@Swampfox1978]

Yes sir Captain Safety. You must be tons of fun to hang out with. 🤣

[@gordbaker896]

@@Swampfox1978 As a matter of fact I am. Thank you.

[@Swampfox1978]

I bet.

[@Michael666CA]

Correct what is the point of crossing the chains and they are connected at the same point on the trailer, they are supposed to be mounted in two separate connections.

[@terryjohnston1941]

Those chains are too long, the trailer tongue will drag on the road if the trailer become detached. The chains should be fastened farther ahead on the tongue and adjusted to the proper length, not twisted.

[@John-B69692]

Yep. Great concept, but crossing chains for a cradle effect won't work for most applications where regular (standard) length chains are used... as soon as that trailer coupler comes off the ball, you must remember that ONE END of the cradle also falls as the trailer tongue falls especially with long-chains... It's going to touch the ground anyway. THE ONLY way this cradle technique works is with very short chains, which would most likely make turning a bad thing. I suppose one could install a very short third CENTER chain that will catch the tongue before it hits the ground but does not hinder turning. I still cross my chains but not for the cradle effect as mine are too long for it to help. Twisting the chains does shorten them, but a twisted chain is a weaker chain.. As far as the cradle thing goes it's very easy to test.. Disconnect the trailer (coupler from ball) lower it to the ground and see if it touches terra firma or hangs under the vehicle.. Try it and you'll see what I mean.

[@richardradcliffe6047]

@@John-B69692 Lowering the coupler with the rig stopped won’t tell you anything about the cradle effect. For it to work (and when you want it to work), the tow vehicle must be traveling forward at at least a modest speed. As soon as the coupler fails (or whatever fails), the safety chains will be pulled taut thereby creating the cradle.

[@bluefoodog4189]

So just don’t ever stop or slow down? I does not work. ​kzbin.infog3ml2BEIRKQ?si=4b70KqGYBoraF8k_@@richardradcliffe6047

[@mercuryoak2]

The hooks should be Face down not open end up.... Some idiot did that and they fell off.. granted on a commercial motor vehicle but same concept.

[@malcolmroberts3157]

Wow! Never twist chains. If too long, use a different link to attach a D-bolt. What's that? If we used a hook like that in Australia we'd cop a fine. What's to stop it jiggling off on a corrugated gravel road or a pot-holey bitumen road for that matter? Crossing chains won't form a cradle. Myth. Expected more from a video like this, not one posted by a numpty. :-(

[@ronparker2325]

Had a bloke come around my place with his trailer to get my old steel work bench was to big to fit in his trailer so I proceeded to cut it with a metal saw he told me I should be wearing gloves while doing the job. So I put a pair of gloves on. Anyway loaded it on his trailer and I happen to look at his tow hitch there were chains there but they were not connected to the car😁😁😁 hypocrite. Telling me about safety if that trailer came of and someone was walking down the street 😢

[@Memphian1000]

Bolt... ? Crossing the chains won't catch the trailer but crossed chains will never bind in a return

[@John-B69692]

Great concept, but crossing chains for a cradle effect won't work for most applications where regular (standard) length chains are used... as soon as that trailer coupler comes off the ball, you must remember that ONE END of the cradle also falls as the trailer tongue falls especially with long-chains... It's going to touch the ground anyway. THE ONLY way this cradle technique works is with very short chains, which would most likely make turning a bad thing. I suppose one could install a very short third CENTER chain that will catch the tongue before it hits the ground but does not hinder turning. I still cross my chains but not for the cradle effect as mine are too long for it to help. Twisting the chains does shorten them, but a twisted chain is a weaker chain.. As far as the cradle thing goes it's very easy to test.. Disconnect the trailer (coupler from ball) lower it to the ground and see if it touches terra firma or hangs under the vehicle.. Try it and you'll see what I mean.

[@tinkerbell2675]

I was really hoping that somebody else was going to get that too.... Because I had a problem with Uhaul.. With the same concept

[@realmetis8002]

Came here to mention that and you already did...this is one of those old wife tales again...

[@kevinstone8165]

There are many configurations for sure... Can the chains be secured to the trailer closer to the coupler/lunette ring, if so have them moved closer... I've done that and it works for me - there's almost always a solution :- ). Kev

[@bluefoodog4189]

kzbin.infog3ml2BEIRKQ?si=4b70KqGYBoraF8k_

[@sladeoriginal]

Crossing chains doesnt do anything to "catch" the trailer hitch. As the trailer falls so do the chains.....uh cuz they're attached to the trailer. Think it though and imagine it happening.

[@BWTrailerHitches]

In the unfortunate event that a trailer becomes separated from the tow vehicle, the forward momentum of the vehicle as the trailer slows down will help to keep the crossed chains tight. The crossed chains then create the cradle that allows the trailer tongue stay elevated, or at least soften the impact with the ground as you bring both vehicle and trailer to a stop. Crossed chains will also help keep the trailer better in line with the vehicle. With uncrossed chains, the trailer may experience more sway, allowing it to veer into oncoming traffic. Crossing your chains will generally give you more time to navigate safely to the side of the road. Chains that are too long will negate these benefits and drivers should shorten the chains to the correct length for their vehicle and trailer setup. Your chains should only be long enough to accommodate a sharp turn. Set at the correct length, crossed safety chains can catch a coupling if the worst happens.

[@BryanHansen]

@@BWTrailerHitchesNo it doesn't. Physics literally disproves this all day long, but people keep perpetuating the myth. A safety brakes being thrown and applying constant back pressure against your chains is what is going to save you, crossing your chains does literally nothing.

[@jeffmockus5400]

I hauled trailers commercially from the factories to dealers. And it DOES serve a purpose to cross the chains. It keeps the DOT from looking at you any closer. And please don't twist the ⛓️.

[@outdoorsmansjourney8738]

Those chains won't do any good if the pin ever falls out of the removable extension right?

[@BWTrailerHitches]

Safety chains are used for exactly this kind of situation. They hook onto the holes on the vehicle's hitch receiver, which is bolted or welded to the vehicle frame. This way, should the ball mount detach from the receiver, the trailer's safety chains will still be connected to the tow vehicle. Safety chains should be checked over every time you tow and be securely attached and crossed in an X under the ball mount. Chains with latches or keepers are recommended over chains with just the S hook. In the event the trailer becomes uncoupled from the vehicle, the forward motion of the vehicle often helps pull the chains tight, keeping the trailer tongue slightly elevated. Wind resistance and road friction will generally start working against the trailer as soon as it detaches from the tow vehicle, helping to naturally slow it down. It is important to stay calm and avoid any sudden maneuvers. Instead, steadily slow down and pull the trailer to the side of the road, bringing both the vehicle and trailer to a stop. To help guarantee the trailer slows down during one of these situations, it is always recommended to have an emergency breakaway system installed on the trailer in addition to using safety chains. The emergency breakaway cable should always be connected directly to the tow vehicle and NOT to the ball mount, the hitch, or the safety chains.

[@Resistculturaldecline]

Criss cross won't keep the tongue off the road. A hammock only works if both ends are elevated. A hammock won't keep anything help up, if one end of the hammock has fallen. Length of chain, and minimal distance between chain attachment at the trailer, and where it's attached to the truck is the key

[@Danabcde1]

thank you

[@bluefoodog4189]

kzbin.infog3ml2BEIRKQ?si=4b70KqGYBoraF8k_

[@bluefoodog4189]

kzbin.infog3ml2BEIRKQ?si=4b70KqGYBoraF8k_

[@bluefoodog4189]

kzbin.infog3ml2BEIRKQ?si=4b70KqGYBoraF8k_

[@chicnwing4519]

Crossing chains sounds good but does not work

[@chaeclark8118]

Those hooks are designed to hook on to the truck. Or if too long, loop through the truck hook point and attach the hooks back to the chain at the correct length kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6vbnXuBhraBedUsi=acFWgUAuQ0Jj9uBK

[@flintknapper6039]

The trouble in that set up is that the safety chains are too long. And the idea that crossed chains will catch and cradle the trailer tongue is pure folly.

[@billroach2393]

I'm from Australia and I can tell you there are several things you'd never get away with here that seem to be okay in your country. (1) Those hooks are downright DODGY. They would never be considered safe.....they could become detached easily and would straighten if a shock load was applied. (2) Attaching the SINGLE length of chain to the trailer with a flimsy little bolt is stupid. All the shock load would rip that bolt in half in a nanosecond. (3) As others have said already.....the chains are too long and wouldn't act as a cradle if the hitch came off the ball. The hitch would be in the ditch!!! Stupidily too long.

[@chaeclark8118]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6vbnXuBhraBedUsi=acFWgUAuQ0Jj9uBK

[@Oldtech51]

Chains should never be twisted. The strength of the chain will be decreased by 70%.

[@rnl9520]

Based on the worn off zinc coating on the chains in the video it appears. Those chains have been dragging on the ground.

[@BWTrailerHitches]

No sweat! We can confirm that the chains are the proper length and in this video they just appear to be hanging lower than they are. The loss of the zinc coating and a bit of surface rust is likely simply due to the chains rubbing against one another. But you make a great point! It's always a good call to inspect all the connections-hitch, chains, coupler, brake plug, etc-every time you tow. If you spot too much wear or any apparent damage to the parts that raise safety concerns, swap 'em out. Better safe than sorry!

[@Danabcde1]

Excellent video. Definitely safety latches.

[@thecaptain6994]

How do you smash one end of the s hook onto you chains? Thanks!

[@adrianpale2342]

Fantastic explanation thank you.

[@user-vd9fz5ey9m]

So can you explain to me why most states say twisting safety chains is illegal? Also chain mfg. do not recommend it. And I mean the actual company making it not you companies that have it branded to sell

[@user-vd9fz5ey9m]

BWTrailerHitches so at 1:42 he doesnt say twist the chains

[@BWTrailerHitches]

We have confirmation from the Dept of Safety & Homeland Security that there is no prohibition to twisting the chain to shorten the length.

[@adamsmith2823]

3-5 inches between the road and the chain won't keep the tongue off the ground. If the tongue touches the ground when a trailer decouples, that is illegal in 20 states. Also, twisting chains in most situations is against the SAE standard for safety chains because it reduces the strength of the chain significantly. SAE J684 says that you can't do anything subsequent to manufacture that reduces the chain strength below their strength requirements.

[@larrybaltz4873]

@@BWTrailerHitches mechanicalelements.com/twisting-safety-chains/

[@Danabcde1]

Physics

[@Hrmufffnstuff]

Do NOT twist the chain to shorten it

[@JoeLopezNJ]

Never twist your chains

[@darrellfort1668]

thanks for the video sir

[@healthywaytohappiness7587]

Do not twist chain!!!

[@user-vd9fz5ey9m]

Fmcsr 393.70.

[@loveleerae]

Nothing in that does it say twisting chains are illegal.

[@mikereinken1760]

Try the iron Jaws trailer hitch safety your trailer comes off the ball them chains won't save you

[@braeburnhilliard8340]

That's often a question I have is well. If the chains are crossed to create a cradle, and the hitch still ends up dragging the ground, what's to stop the change from grinding and coming un done anyway? To me, it would be better to just do driver side driver side and passenger side passenger side because if the tongue comes on hitched, the chains wouldn't be in danger of being ground on the road. I would love to see some tests done with the chains crossed and not crossed to see what the results would be if the receiver and tongue became detached.

[@Kickstandsup83]

If you think the chains rubbing is a problem, I would ask, why are you driving with a detached trailer long enough for the metal to saw three themselves? Chain crossing isn't just to keep the hitch of the, but to keep the trailer behind the truck, crossing the chains keeps the trailer from swinging freely.

[@braeburnhilliard8340]

@@Kickstandsup83 I can see how having the change crossed wood to keep it from swinging a little more than if they weren't crossed, but I would still rather protect the chains. As long as safety chains are attached from the truck to the trailer, that's all that matters for safety.

[@tiberiu_nicolae]

If you can't hear a chain rubbing for 10 minutes, you have no business pulling a trailer

[@braeburnhilliard8340]

@@tiberiu_nicolae federal and state. State that chains are required. It does not say if they are required to be crossed or not. Do whatever suits your fancy.

[@applesbighatranch6906]

At least one reason for crossing the two trailer safety chains is that when turning, one chain does not drag on the ground while the outside (of the turn) chain does not become too taut, and vice versa. Safe travels, everyone.

[@roseylynn925]

Thanks learned a lot

[@Nailer2001]

I believe the comments in this video may win the prize for the most blatant display of arrogant ignorance I have seen. It’s evident most of you have no concept of mechanics, geometry, nor strength of materials, but you sure celebrate your misinformed opinions! I only hope some person looking for how to do this properly does not get themselves or someone else hurt by following these comments.

[@larrybaltz4873]

Are you referring to twisting chains? Twisting a chain dramatically reduces its tensile strength. Crossing the chains is pretty much universally accepted as good practice and won't hurt anything, though it may not help. mechanicalelements.com/twisting-safety-chains/

[@chaeclark8118]

It is arrogant to comment about other people's misunderstanding and not help out in anyway.