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Safty Chains

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Dave BN

04-08-2008 21:31:45

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We all use safty chains on our trailors but has anyone ever had a hitch break? Or ever heard of anyone who had a hitch break and actually put the chains to use? I'm not sure the chains on my trailor would hold considering the jerk a sudden hitch failure would put on them. I suspect it would be a wild ride if that ever happened. Are safty chains a hold over from the old days of less reliable hitches or are they really necessary and /or usefull. Dave.

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rustyj

04-12-2008 17:54:22

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

Several years ago, North of Pittsburgh, Pa., on Route 8, a guy,who had hitched a wood chipper onto a pintle hook, on his dump truck-lost it, on a straight road, 4 lane hiway. And at a high rate of speed. The pintle hook broke, the chains were not attached, and the chipper took out the side of a mini-van, killing the father and one child of a set of twin boys! This after the driver and his helpers had stopped for some liquid refreshments! Yeah, that didn't cause it, but inattention to details did! I can't remember what amount of jail time the driver got, but he has some time left to think over his mistakes! And, not long after that, i came across a wood chipper lying on its right side, and still attached to a pickup, in the middle of the road, on a descending right hand curve, and with a very shaken driver just getting out of his truck! Had safety chains attached and on, but it twisted the boat trailer hitch a quarter turn! Nobody hurt, but one shaken driver! Seemed to be top-heavy!

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doug in illinois

04-11-2008 16:27:43

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

Anyone who knows how rough I80 used to be between Omaha and Lincoln NE will understand the value of safety chains. I was pulling a burnt parts pickup behind a home built (not by me) tow dolly that hooked to a 2 inch ball, had a plate that you winched the towed vehicle to. In other words, thinking about it 30 years later, lifting UP on the ball. Came off the ball a little south of the Platte river bridge, and with the tongue lifting UP was a real fight to get under control, went ahead and went to the center median and let the dolly plow. But, what if NO chains? DOUG

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T_Bone

04-11-2008 04:44:06

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

Hi Dave,

A buddy asked me one time to pull his 60's 26ft TT to another State cause he was moving. Like a dummy I din't look over the trailer too well, no brakes, hooked up with a single 1/4" safety chain.

I'm crusing down the road at 65mph and cross some RR tracks and off comes the trailer from the ball. The ball lock shoe was missing and had been for some time so the trailer wasn't latched to the ball, just sitting on it.

I felt the trailer come loose but didn't panic and just slowly applied my TV brakes until I got stopped. The trailer bumped my van a couple times but that's it. The trailer tongue jack left a 2" groove in the asfault tho :) That single 1/4" chain held the trailer tho.

From then on I've always checked my ball latch after hitching. Latch the coupler then jack up the tongue to see if it's a solid connection.

T_Bone

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Bruce Hopf

04-10-2008 22:57:59

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Re: Safety Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

I have said to a lot of people, that safety chains are for decorations. I hate to say it is true. It all depends on what you are hauling. A chain is rated for what it can hold. A lot of times, they are on something that is over the weight limit of the safe range of the chain. I have seen instances, that the safety chain has broken pulling grain wagons loaded with corn, behind a tractor, what a mess. at 25 30 miles per hour. I have seen safety chains broken in between dump trucks with pups behind then, that where loaded. I've seen chains that have broken with A trains( two semi trailers hooked together with a dolly in between) that both containers where empty. I have also seen chains broken with a boat behind a pickup. All these instances where at highway speeds of 60 to 65 miles per hour, and everything smashed that the chain was supposed to hold. When a hitch comes undone, the first thing happens when the tongue drops it tries to plow in. If the surfeuse is hard it will bounce. If the surface is soft, good by, that all see wrote. Safety chains do not work all the time. That is why I say that all they are is a decoration. So you tell me, Why are they called safety chains, when the don't do the job that they are intended for. Trailer manufactures need to do some tests on chains before installing them, or the DOT needs to upgrade the strength of chains. I always try to have a heaver chain on my trailers, and wagons heaver than required by law. My two cents worth.
Bruce.

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markiz41

04-10-2008 08:12:51

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

They saved my a$$ once. Somehow I forgot to put the latch down on the ball while towing a trailer full of logs. Stuff happens.. Sure enough the hitch was off after the first bump. If it weren't for the chains, I'd still be out there picking up that wood and trailer leftovers.

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PJH

04-09-2008 23:12:34

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

One evening a guy pulled up to a little bridge we were working on. He had a 3/4 ton truck and was pulling a homemade trailer with a little "pup" asphalt roller on it. Trailer had no springs and an old solid front axle from a pickup, with the spindles welded at the kingpins. I noticed when he rolled up that he was dragging the safety chains, but I didn't see that the ball wasn't latched. Pup had a big one lung Briggs rope start motor on it. He fired it up, jumped on and threw it in reverse. I guess the trailer was supposed to tilt, but it reared up off of the ball and took off down the hill and over the bank with him on it yelling his head off. He bailed off, roller slid off the trailer and turned turtle, bent the steering column down on the seat and generally wrecked everything. What a show! I bet he would have given a hundred bucks to have them safety chains hooked. He said he just got in a hurry and thought he didn't need them hooked for a short trip.

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dwrk

04-09-2008 18:30:25

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

Standing in front of my cousin's last summer, newish SUV comes down the road with a U-Haul trailer on the back. Just as it passed us (heading down a fairly good hill) the tongue of the trailer dropped down under the SUV and the main box of the trailer smoked the back of the SUV HARD. So we went out to help the guy get going again. He was three miles out from hooking the trailer up, brand-new dealer installed trailer hitch on the SUV. The nut had come off the ball. No tool marks on the nut or the ball, looked like they just hand-tightened it at the dealership and forgot to come back to finish the job.

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PJH

04-09-2008 15:34:32

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

I remember seeing heavy 3/8 safety chains with one link on each chain sawed through. Teamster said he wanted to seperate from the trailer if the hitch failed, but a cop had to almost handle each link to spot the cut.

Mixed feelings. . .

I don't think my concience would allow that, but I wouldn't relish the thought of being tied to a loose trailer, either.

I worked on road construction, and we were always leery of U-Haul trucks and trailers, big motor homes, or even worse, big motor homes pulling a trailer. Lots of good drivers, but also lots of folks driving something bigger than they're used to driving. One day I spotted a U-Haul trailer hooked to a Ford Ranger approaching on I-24. He hit a rough bridge approach and the trailer popped off of the ball and the chains caught it. Heck of a driver - he was all over the road - both lanes and both shoulders. He got stopped and my buddy and I went to see if we could help him. It was a young couple, just married, and he was going into the Army in S. Carolina. I loosened the knob on the trailer hitch and he asked what I was doing. I explained how the catch worked, and he told us that this was the third time it had unhooked since leaving St. Louis. Two real good innocent kids that the Lord was certainly fond of!

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Hal (WA)

04-09-2008 14:45:22

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

One real good reason to use the chains properly is that if a cop notices you pulling a trailer without the chains fastened, you WILL GET A TICKET!

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Cman

04-09-2008 14:31:24

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

I have a small 8 X 6 utility trailer, and also a 15 X 6 that I use to haul my tractor on, not very often but do so when needed.

What is the best way to connect the chains to each of the above trailers. I also build utility trailers, but I'm not satisfied with the way I fasten the chains to the trailer.

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Puddles

04-10-2008 04:40:56

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Cman, 04-09-2008 14:31:24

Cman here is how I did it on my gooseneck adapter. I welded 5/8-inch round stock to the gooseneck frame, used 5/8-inch shackles, with 1/2-inch chain, I moused the shackle pins with zip ties. PJ trailers does the every same thing, (smaller scale) except they stick the round stock through one link of the chain then weld. I�ve seen professionally built trailers where one link of the chain was welded to the trailer tongue. I have mixed feelings about that. I can�t tell you how many chains I�ve welded together to make endless chains to handle wire-rope, but I always tried to use 310, or 312 stainless steel welding rod.

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135 Fan

04-09-2008 11:10:02

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

They are required by law. Even dump trucks pulling pups have them. I saw someone put a trailer on a ball, without latching it, to move the trailer 30 ft. The safety chains were put on though. The trailer was built by a place that specialized in trailers. The tongue lifted off the ball and the safety chains broke off almost instantly! I was standing right there. Trailer rolled back at about 1/10 of a mile per hour. This was a custom built tandem axle trailer. Seemed kind of scary to me. Safety chains are supposed to be crossed so that they will hold up the tongue if the trailer comes uncoupled. Dave

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Gary from Muleshoe

04-09-2008 17:49:55

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Re: Safety Chains in reply to 135 Fan, 04-09-2008 11:10:02

I must say that not latching the hitch is just plain silly. Why on earth would it be any more trouble to latch it properly if you are putting the chains on anyway? Some people just amaze me.

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135 Fan

04-09-2008 21:14:09

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Re: Safety Chains in reply to Gary from Muleshoe, 04-09-2008 17:49:55

I don't know if he wasn't paying attention or not. I think he just moved the trailer closer to the shop door and had to change the ball to a bigger one or something. That would explain why it came off. Pathetic job of welding the safety chains on though. Dave

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Dave BN

04-09-2008 08:36:41

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

Wow guys. I don't know anyone personally whose hitch has failed and your stories are very enlightening. I do cross my chains under the tongue and always lock my trailor hitch lever with a pin. Just always wondered what would happen if the hitch broke. Now I know. Thanks. Dave

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JRM

04-09-2008 08:22:40

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

I can't imagine not using safety equipment. Crossed chains will cradle the tongue. Trailer brakes can be applied manually to slow the trailer down. As others have stated, a properly loaded trailer will not wag the tow vehicle.

Its not whether you want an uncoupled trailer attached to your truck, it's the other drivers on the road that don't want an uncoupled trailer freewheeling at them.

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kidbob

04-09-2008 07:49:52

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

I was pullig a car on a bumper trailer, at about 40 or 50 mph it startd to sway from being loaded a little lignt on the tongue, I was slowing down and seemed to be under contol, at about 20 or 30 mph the new receiver hitch broke off just in front of the ball, the tongue dropped to the chains caused me to completley loose control then broke the chains and the trailer passed me leaving me headed the wrong way on the interstate on a bridge.
No one was hurt and only minor damage. If the chains had not been on I am sure I would not have lost control of the pickup.

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DaveK

04-09-2008 07:02:12

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

I always use my safety chains but I noticed a couple of replies stated they should be crossed (left side to right attachment point and visa versa I presume). Is this correct and if so, why?

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NE IA

04-09-2008 07:30:16

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to DaveK, 04-09-2008 07:02:12

A brother in law patrolman told me they can ticket you if you do not cross them. If the trailer comes unhooked it will cradle the tounge and keep it from causing any extreem problems. It does make good sence if you think about it.

About three years ago I came across a trailer that was speared into the shoulder of the road. It was a rather small trailer and both hind wheels were over six foot off the ground. I never thought to take a picture.

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Goose

04-09-2008 06:41:03

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

Several years ago, in my shop, I fixed a C60 Chevy farm truck that got dumped on its side while hauling a 4020 on a trailer. The pintle broke on the hitch and the tongue dropped into the safety chains. The whole thing started swinging and the driver of the truck lost it.

The whole works wound up in the ditch with the truck on its side. The driver, a friend of mine, wasn't hurt but he smelled gasoline and wasn't tall enough to push the topside door open and get out. Finally, someone stopped, crawled up and opened the door.

We had to take the truck to Grand Island, Nebraska to find a frame rack big enough to take a kink out of the frame. From there it was routine body work, replaced the right fender, right door, straighten the hood, etc.

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jbmac

04-11-2008 03:57:30

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Speaking of pintle hitches... in reply to Goose, 04-09-2008 06:41:03

We have several of these at work. They are a pain in the you-know-what to drive around with. Why are these so popular with the military and on heavier items?

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ericlb

04-11-2008 04:39:53

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Re: Speaking of pintle hitches... in reply to jbmac, 04-11-2008 03:57:30

their popular because they will haul much more weight than a ball type hitch, assuming the power unit its mounted to is up to the task, and a lot of trucks with bodys like dump trucks flatbeds ect cant use a fifth wheel type hitch

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steve in in

04-09-2008 05:42:10

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

A couple of years ago I lost a borrowed travel trailer due to a worn hitch. On the interstate at 70 mph. I had crossed the chains and the hitch was locked on with a pin lock. Hit a huge pothole and the trailer came off the ball. It slid on the sand foot, sparks flying. My wife was driving behind me and freaking out.

I slowly eased it onto the shoulder, without hitting the guardrail, and put the flashers on. I got the 4 kids out of my truck, had them climb over the guard rail, then walk back towards oncoming traffic. Had my wife do the same with the kids in her car. We called 911, but I went ahead and jacked it up and repositioned.

A State Trooper showed up after about 15 minutes and only then, with him behind my wife with his lights on, did people begin slowing down and moving into the left lane. He had to block the right lane for the blockheads to do that. The trailer was still about 6 inches in the right lane when it came to a stop.

Made it home with no further incidents. Borrowing is a misnomer. The owner of the trailer camped out with us. The wife just had no desire to tow it without her husband.

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willie in mn

04-09-2008 05:00:59

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

My thoughts on chains from a self appointed "safety nazi".
According to the rules chains must be strong enough to hold the trailer and crossed under the hitch. Guideline for length is when unhitched, the trailer tongue will rest in the "cross" and NOT TOUCH THE GROUND.
If properly loaded, should the trailer come unhitched, the tongue will drop onto the chains and follow pretty much in a straight line. If it bobs and weaves, it is loaded too "tail heavy".
Three known examples of improper chains:
1-Friend traveling on two lane road- oncoming car lost its trailer- friend hit trailer head on, things bounced around, hit trailer again in ditch. Killed his wife instantly, he was in hospital almost six months, still walks with bad limp thirty years later.

2-SUV pulling empty snowmobile trailer passed me on interstate. Trailer had "nose high" attitude, tilt bed not latched down. Wind caught trailer, went airborn and "pin wheeled" down the road. More dumb luck than good sense, following traffic was able to stop and nobody got hit.

3-Neighbor went to pick up a small dab of gravel for driveway. 16 foot tandem, only going 5 miles so didn't bother with chains or hooking up brakes. (In fact, has had trailer approx 10 years and never installed brake hookup on his truck.) Loaded gravel on rear of trailer to make it easier to shovel off. It came unhitched, went into ditch and flipped over. Took him all afternoon to clean up the mess.
My 2 cents.
Willie

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jose bagge

04-09-2008 04:18:19

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

the very first race car I ever built was beleive it or not a Corvair mini stock car that I spent months on when i was 15. Didn't have a trailer then so daddy and I built a towbar and hooked her up to the Rambler station wagon.
First turn we got to that rascal popped off and went sailing into the neighbor's front yard. I've been a huge fan of safety chains ever since!
Never had another one pop of, but by golly I'm ready now!
Kinda like insurance...if your chained up good, it'll never pop off. Just like ya never get a flat when ya have a new spare and an a$$ kicking jack!

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Den IL

04-09-2008 03:34:12

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

I lost a trailer, going downhill at 60. I suspect I forgot to close the latch. I always cross the chains, to make a cradle. It took 3/4 mile to stop, and the trailer followed like a puppy. No sway or jerking at all, just had to brake VERY EASY.

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Circus

04-09-2008 02:21:21

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

We're only human. Some times mistakes are made and redundent hitchs save the day. A unknown clunk when braking beats a disaster easy.

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kyplowboy

04-09-2008 00:47:50

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

I know of 2 times people have needed safty chains. One was me, going down the road lost the pin that holds the hitch in a reese type reciver. Did not have chains on cause I "was just going up the road". Lost an empty 16' bumber trailor going around a curve to the right. It crossed the road, went across a hay field, and hit an oak tree before take'n out a fence that had about 15 registered heifers behind it. Don't know what would have happened if the chains were on, but if I had been meeting some small car when it came loose, it could have killed some one easy. My cousin was pulling a 18' landscape'n bumper trailer with about 3.5 ton of sand on it, guy he was working with had hooked up truck and trailor, used a 2" ball not 2 5/16". Made it about 5 miles before it came loose. He said it was not fun, bout messed his pants get'n it stopped and kept on the road but was glad the chains were on. He was on a busy road and if it had come loose there was a 50/50 shot of if going to the left and take'n out a car.

After my ordeal I always use chains, after hearing his I double check.

Dave

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smurph72

04-08-2008 22:12:23

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

One additional point.....most likely need for the chains is not failure or breakage of the hitch, but a either a failure to close the coupler whether bumper/bulldog/boat latch or gooseneck, or wrong ball size ie. 2" coupler on 1 7/8" ball or 2 5/16" coupler on 2" ball.

That'll cause problems quick. A loaded trailer swinging by the safety chains behind my truck is not something I'd care to experience.

Interesting discussion.....

dcm

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smurph72

04-08-2008 22:08:22

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to Dave BN, 04-08-2008 21:31:45

I've always had the opinion that I'd rather have a trailer moving away from me in the event of it coming loose rather than swaying/jerking back and forth possibly taking me with it off the road. that leaves it loose to take out some unfortunate individual that is unlucky enough to be in its path. What's best???

That being said, safety chains are required on commercial goosenecks that I've pulled. Won't pass inspection without them. I've seen older trailers retrofitted to add them.

I see the reasoning for the "safety chains" in the unlikely separation of a trailer from a truck, but I've seen a truck pulled off the road by a trailer. Not pretty..... almost did it to myself by being stupid/young/inexperienced. Severely overloaded a bumper pull lowboy with a tractor. At 40 mph she started whipping side to side and almost had a wreck before I could stop. Hitch didn't break or come loose, but I'd hate to have something swinging loose behind me.....

dcm

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KEB1

04-09-2008 17:14:12

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Re: Safty Chains in reply to smurph72, 04-08-2008 22:08:22

Consider this...

If I'm driving down the road, and someone elses trailer hitch breaks or comes unhooked, I'd certainly rather have the trailer remain attached to the tow vehicle than have it loose on a busy highway. At least if it stays attached, the driver will have some modicum of control. If it's completely detached, its only luck that determines whether or not something or someone else gets hit.

Keith

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