Trailering 101: Safety Chains!

[@gr7485]

Anything I’ve read says a chain is strongest when NOT twisted. I too cross the chains to act as a cradle for the tongue should it come off the ball. Makes sense to me. Good instruction, thanks.

[@dalen.tenney5210]

Jackknife your towing combination (Tow vehicle and trailor) carefully with help to watch for the limit. Then check the chain. Do you still have a 'sag' in the tightest chain? If so it's longer than it needs to be. I think you will be surprised at how short they can be and still function.

[@Oldtech51]

Twisting the chain will reduce the load limit by 70%

[@deltabravo1257]

That's why I no longer twist the chains.

[@EasternSunset007]

1:24 u got that backwards. If the truck was sitting level, you’d have more clearance, not less.

[@thud9797]

No, think you're backwards. With the truck level the nose would go up which moves the hitch down so you'd have less clearance just like he said. And it starts at 0:58

[@EasternSunset007]

@@thud9797 the hitch would act like a fulcrum point. Go back and watch again. It would only be by a tiny amount though. Nothing close to 6 inches.

[@DavidLopez-po6pb]

Where , you bay those, chains ?

[@deltabravo1257]

Any decent hardware store sells chain. You can also find it at Lowe's and Home Depot.

[@DonzLockz]

Twisting reduces the load limit of the chain. Not good to do ever. It's easy and quick to shorten using another chain link.