what grade chain do i need?

tn terry t

Well-known Member
I want to make up a set of safety chains to go on my camper.
I have a hybrid fifthwheel- goose neck hitch that I had built.
I think dot will say I have to have safety chains because the actual connection to the truck is a goose neck . im would like to know what grade of chain is needed to satisfy dot regulations

thanks
terry t
 
I would go with a grade 70 chain . If you want a lighter chain go to a grade 43 which is the lighted Dot approved chain . If you want a chain heavier than grade 70 go with a grade 80 but I think it would be a little over kill.
 
It would help us greatly if we knew how much the trailer weighs.
But anyway here you go..................


a200303.jpg
 
that was exactly what I needed guys . its just a small 21.5 ft low profile fifth wheel camper it was designed to be pulled with a half ton truck. I only have a 3500 ram 4x4 flat bed which is way too tall for the camper so I had the modified hitch built thank you guys
 
I would check with the states you might be going through because safety chain laws are not the same in every state.
 
Let me add a question. If my 12000 Lbs rated trailer has a load capacity of 10000 lbs, and I secure it with 4 chains, what should the chains be rated to?
I read each of 4 should equal or exceed 1/4 the weight of the item, but that seems inadequate if you have to make evasive moves or are in a wreck.
My guess would be 20K each, giving the two doing the work a rating to 4 Gs?
 

Basically, if the chain appears to be the correct size, and is SHINY, they'll leave you alone. A rusty chain, even though it is sufficient to meet the requirements, will draw attention.
 
sad part is.. I see guys using 'proof coil' and the cheap pin together non graded ends for on road use.

while it will never be a problem in a non emergency.. i can't help to think that in an emergency.. something is gonna let go..
 
A woman was killed 300 yards from here when a boom on a yarder (timber industry) came loose and swung across the road. I figure I want to prevent my load from coming up into my pickup or someone else in a moderate wreck. If you studied physics, you know that .8 G isnt much of a bump
 
Sound guy

What do you mean by pined on ends? All the new chains I have bought in the last 15years or so have all had the hooks connected by pins with cotter pins through the pins. These were bought from places that sell chains for transport. Some of them had locations in a couple of different states. Even at The truck dealers they are pined on.
 
Caterpillar guy I have bought some grade 70 and grade 43 in the last several years they had fixed hooks not pined. Pined hooks are used when you buy bulk chain and cut to length that you need . You can buy pined hooks that are DOT approved ( grade 43 and 70)and you can get pined hooks that look like the approved hooks but are not DOT approved.
 
I got all grade 70 chain and pinned hooks with the little keepers on them all were marked g70 haven't got them installed yet but thanks for the help
10446124_651626561619046_8330093456399749296_o.jpg
 

Looks like there is an error in the 15,000# trailer line on the chart. Grade 70 and 80 don't seem to be consistent. Either Grade 70 should be 3/8 or Grade 80, 5/16.
 
Grade 43 and 70 are used for chaining down loads in trucking. Grade 80,100 and 120 are used mainly for overhead lifting and on air freight shipments. The grade 80 on up are very expensive chain compared to grade 43 and grade 70.
 

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