Safety chain bolt

[HTG]

I need to install a safety chain on a boat trailer. Which one should I get? I'm thinking about this Dutton-Lainson 6255 SAFETY CHAIN 2 - 18 IN. I just need to find the part that attaches the safety chain to the trailer? Does anyone have the name or part number?

 

[briangcc]

I tend to go overkill on things so I'd be going to my local hardware store and picking up some Grade 8 hardware and washers. But that's just me as I have Grade 8 hardware holding on the front and rear bumpers on my classic car.

 

[MTboatguy]

Any good grade 5 will work for your safety chain, I have broke far more grade 8 bolts in my life that I even remember, one thing I have found with grade 8 is yes they are strong, but on certain applications they will break before grade 5 because they are more brittle and will not give at all and will snap with the right side load. I just put new chains on my trailer and used 3/16 chain rated for 5000 pounds that I picked up at True Value and grade 5 bolts with flange heads and jam nuts, they are drilled behind the coupler into the sidewal of the frame of the trailer with the nut on the inside, bolt head on the outside.

 

[M2HB]

I usually weld the safety chains on trailers that I build. Either grade should work if you size them properly. I usually oversize my chains. Make sure they are long enough to cross under the tongue and properly attach to any vehicle that you plan to pull it with. When using bolts I make are to have a heavy flat washer between the bolt and chain. Don’t go cheap on the chains.

 

[HTG]

Thanks for the reply's. I need to find the best safety chain on this site any recommendations?

 

[MTboatguy]

I agree, if you bolt them, use a big heavy flat washer over the chain and under the bolt head. I started getting my chains at the local Hardware store after I talked to the guy that represents the company that sells chain to the hardware stores and he was telling me his company also supplies most of the trailer companies chains for various travel trailers.