Safety chain info

[randyo]

Can I use standard "sold by the foot" chain from home depot as my trailer safety chain? If the boat+trailer is about 2,500lbs, what gauge (or weight capacity) chains should I get?<br /><br />Im planning on using two quick connects to connect to the trailer and two more to connect to my hitch, any problems in doing this? Thanks!

 

[oceansbreeze]

Re: Safety chain info

As far as I know, the sold by foot chain is good, but don't quote me on that specifically - not my expertise, just wanted to point out that there was another thread recently that talked about how to hook the chain up. A lot of people didn't know, but it's best to cross over the chains underneath the trailer tongue to make a cradle. That way, if the trailer did bounce off the hitch, the cradle would catch it and hopefully you'd be able to stop the vehicle safely, as opposed to havign the tongue drop to the pavement should it jump off the hitch. Allow enough chain to do this, and still corner safely.

 

[cuzner]

Re: Safety chain info

Crossing your safety chains is actualy a law in Ontario. But its a good idea even if it wasn't law.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: Safety chain info

Crossing the chains is also a law in New York.

 

[salty87]

Re: Safety chain info

make sure the quick connects are rated for the weight too

 

[monoshock]

Re: Safety chain info

I would suggest going to a trailer supply store and buying a safety chain with the factory hooks on the end. I think this would be much safer. They are not that expensive.

 

[bayman]

Re: Safety chain info

Monoshock is right in that they are pretty cheap...only $8.32 for "5000 Lb Class 3 Trailer Safety Chains Pair,Zinc Plated" on iboats.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi?prod_id=508

 

[oceansbreeze]

Re: Safety chain info

Originally posted by cuzner:<br /> Crossing your safety chains is actualy a law in Ontario. But its a good idea even if it wasn't law. Jim

Ooops, is it? Didn't even know it was a law, I never used to bother, just one chain on each side of my truck..... I'm anxious to get my nxt boat and be sure to do it right and proper!

 

[RC]

Re: Safety chain info

I've always crossed my chains but never knew why! Does make perfect sense now.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Re: Safety chain info

Also, crossing your chains actually gives you more cornering slack, doesn't seem like it, but it does.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Safety chain info

The chains at the depot are fine but be sure to get the higher rated chains.