Safety Chains on Trailers

[bergmen]

With the concern being expressed by various agencies about dragging safety chains while towing (causing a fire hazard), I have a question:

Why use chains? Why not use non-sparking safety lanyards? A number of materials could do the job such as Kevlar, nylon, even stainless steel cable. Or if chains have to be used, put them in a tough sheath so they don't contact the roadway.

It seem like a no brainer to me.

Thoughts?

Dan

 

[bikeama]

If you put the chains on correctly they will not drag. Crisscross the chain so if the hitch brakes the hitch is held off the pavement by the chains. I have had a cheap hitch break and saw my boat moving side to side in the mirror.

 

[bergmen]

If you put the chains on correctly they will not drag. Crisscross the chain so if the hitch brakes the hitch is held off the pavement by the chains. I have had a cheap hitch break and saw my boat moving side to side in the mirror.

Oh, I know and watch for that every time I hitch up our stock trailer. But I have seen idiots towing boats and other utility trailers with chains dragging like heck. If we outlawed chains, maybe we could eliminate them as a source for wild fires.

Dan

 

[byke]

First they came for my 2t and I did not speak out because I did not have one. Then they came for my tow chains..

 

[JesasaurusRex]

All you have to do is twist the chain to shorten it up.

 

[bergmen]

All you have to do is twist the chain to shorten it up.

Yes, those that are responsible know this (I actually cut the chain to the proper length). It is the careless that I am referring to here.

Dan

 

[gixxerjeff]

Why use chains?

Chains don't degrade with exposure to the elements the way lanyards would. UV exposure alone would compromise them fairly quickly (a few years) and frankly the general motoring public can't be trusted to use any form of common sense. Just look at all the sketchy unsecured loads out there for example.
They have to play to the lowest common denominator.

 

[bergmen]

Chains don't degrade with exposure to the elements the way lanyards would. UV exposure alone would compromise them fairly quickly (a few years) and frankly the general motoring public can't be trusted to use any form of common sense. Just look at all the sketchy unsecured loads out there for example.
They have to play to the lowest common denominator.

Yeah, that makes sense.

Dan

 

[Blankpage]

People seem to be not disciplined enough to use Kevlar. We’ve outlawed it at work for picking heavy loads cause it does need proper care to maintain strength. Weakens when it’s wet, will shear if rubbed along an edge.

People are retarded and if there’s a chance to screw something up they absolutely will.

 

[bergmen]

People seem to be not disciplined enough to use Kevlar. We’ve outlawed it at work for picking heavy loads cause it does need proper care to maintain strength. Weakens when it’s wet, will shear if rubbed along an edge.

People are retarded and if there’s a chance to screw something up they absolutely will.

Very good points, voice of experience.

Dan

 

[KWeezyXB12]

would be a great spoof market. could sell old fire hose as "chain protectors" to suckers. they do come in handy. used them for chains to protect a bumper when i was in the towing industry

 

[Maddevill]

The huge Carr fire was started by an elderly couple towing a trailer that had a flat tire. They were worried about stopping and blocking traffic so kept driving. Sparks from the rim ignited the roadside grass.

Mad

 

[quicksparks]

First they came for my 2t and I did not speak out because I did not have one. Then they came for my tow chains..

Ha! I know that saying.

Also, everyone always hangs the chains under the hitch. What if you draped them over it instead? They would work just the same and wouldn’t drag.

 

[mean dad]

Ha! I know that saying.

Also, everyone always hangs the chains under the hitch. What if you draped them over it instead? They would work just the same and wouldn’t drag.

There's a solid chance of the chains flipping up the locking mechanism on the ball/hitch.

 

[bikeama]

There's a solid chance of the chains flipping up the locking mechanism on the ball/hitch.

NEVER tow without a pin holding the locking mechanism.

This at a minimum.

 

[dravnx]

The chains are crossed under the hitch so that if the hitch comes lose, the chains will hold the hitch up.

 

[msethhunter]

The chains are crossed under the hitch so that if the hitch comes lose, the chains will hold the hitch up.

It's amazing how many people don't know this most basic of towing practices.

 

[dravnx]

(b) All safety connections and attachments shall be of sufficient strength to control the towed vehicle in the event of failure of the regular hitch, coupling device, drawbar, tongue, or other connection. All safety connections and attachments also shall have a positive means of ensuring that the safety connection or attachment does not become dislodged while in transit.
(c) No more slack may be left in a safety chain, cable, or equivalent device than is necessary to permit proper turning. When a drawbar is used as the towing connection, the safety chain, cable, or equivalent device shall be connected to the towed and towing vehicle and to the drawbar so as to prevent the drawbar from dropping to the ground if the drawbar fails.

Many also don't know you have to have a positive means of insuring the hook does not become detached.

 

[dtrides]

I can remember folks cutting one link in their safety chains about 2/3 thru...so it would break away . That way if the hitch failed the trailer would break loose and not take the truck /tow vehicle with with it.:loco
You know , for safety...lol
DT

 

[Archimedes]

It's not the chains starting the fires. It's the stupidity of people starting the fires.