Safety Chain Question

[mia9516]

What would be the best way to extend or replace the safety chain on my trailer? The chain is attached to the inside of the trailer tongue on the under side of the coupler, and underneath the winch post i think. It's somewhat rusted, and i'd like to change it out or extend it just for peace of mind. There is absolutely no slack and I can only connect one of the two quick links, let alone try to cross them under the tongue. Let me know if you need pics and I'll post them. Thanks in advance.

 

[capslock118]

Re: Safety Chain Question

Safety chains shouldn't not have slack.

I'd replace the chains; they are less than $20.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Safety Chain Question

Yeah I agree with capslock, just replace them, just seems like they are so cheap it would be wrong to go cheaper. As far as slack I can't believe how many times I have seen safety chains with so much slack they are dragging on the highway, I keep mine with about four inches of droop, that way there is no chance that I will hang up on them turning, no matter how tight. You can use the add on links that screw on but I think you will probably spend more for them then the replacement set of chains will cost and to be honest I really don't like them, they just don't seem right not saying they won't work but well you know..

 

[boat1010]

Re: Safety Chain Question

Pictures would be a big help..

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Safety Chain Question

Safety chain(s) to boat....no slack.
Safety chains to tow vehicle........some slack needed like LippCJ7 posted.
And the chainlink should always be the weakest component.

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Safety Chain Question

Safety chain(s) to boat....no slack.

No slack? Really? If there's no slack in the safety chains, how on earth are you going to be able to turn corners without stressing the chains themselves? Also....with no slack....how can you criss cross them like you're supposed to when using them?

This makes no sense at all.

Like LippCJ17 said above, the owner will need about 4 inches of slack in the chains.....and this is for all trailers, not just towing a vehicle.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Safety Chain Question

Read all of my post again.
Am talkin two diferent safety chains commonly found on boat trailers.

 

[tractoman]

Re: Safety Chain Question

No slack? Really? If there's no slack in the safety chains, how on earth are you going to be able to turn corners without stressing the chains themselves? Also....with no slack....how can you criss cross them like you're supposed to when using them?

This makes no sense at all.

Like LippCJ17 said above, the owner will need about 4 inches of slack in the chains.....and this is for all trailers, not just towing a vehicle.

He's talkin about safety chain from the boat to trailer with no slack and trailer to vehicle with only enough slack to turn the rig.

 

[mia9516]

Re: Safety Chain Question

I think I'm going to go with replacing the safety chains just for peace of mind. They are available at Home Depot for my application and they run about $9 each. Now all i have to do is see how the current chains are mounted and how long they are and I "should" be home free. Thank you all for your responses and happy boating

 

[jeffbyrd66]

Re: Safety Chain Question

If your saftey chains are coiled cables do you still cross them as it seems to make them rub alot more on the trailer when turning?

 

[mia9516]

Re: Safety Chain Question

If your saftey chains are coiled cables do you still cross them as it seems to make them rub alot more on the trailer when turning?

IMO I would cross them over for safety's sake. If the tongue comes off the ball, I'd want the chains (cables in your case) to catch the tongue before it digs into the asphalt. There should not be any more rubbing than normal and if there is, your cables may not be the correct length.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Safety Chain Question

He's talkin about safety chain from the boat to trailer with no slack and trailer to vehicle with only enough slack to turn the rig.

I can't see having zero slack in the safety chain from boat to trailer either. My winch is wound tight but the bow tiedown chain needs a little slack in it to be able to connect it. It is only connected after the boat is snugged up to the bumper on the winch post by my winch strap.

I am talking about four different connections: two chains from the trailer to the trailer hitch (with a little slack but not so much either chain drags); a winched safety strap that is used to pull the boat snug against the bumper on the winch post; and finally, the short safety chain (or in my case steel cable) that I use to back up the winch that is the last thing I connect... it has to have some slack or I can't get it on the bow eye.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Safety Chain Question

Here in Wisconsin, it is law to cross the crains. About 10 years ago I bought a boat that had short chains, and I couldnt cross them to turn all the way, and was pulled over by a cop. Didnt get a ticket, but was told its the law. The trialer hitch will fall into the crossed crains,if it failed.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Safety Chain Question

I can't see having zero slack in the safety chain from boat to trailer either. My winch is wound tight but the bow tiedown chain needs a little slack in it to be able to connect it. It is only connected after the boat is snugged up to the bumper on the winch post by my winch strap.

I am talking about four different connections: two chains from the trailer to the trailer hitch (with a little slack but not so much either chain drags); a winched safety strap that is used to pull the boat snug against the bumper on the winch post; and finally, the short safety chain (or in my case steel cable) that I use to back up the winch that is the last thing I connect... it has to have some slack or I can't get it on the bow eye.

I would agree with this.
Either the winch cable/strap or the safety chain/cable/strap/candle wick should be no slack.
One or the other (at least) or both if you prefer.

Many use a turnbuckle and piece of chain as the safety "chain", tightening the turnbuckle until taught.

Not to be confused as the safety chains/cables going to the tow vehicle.