Re: Safety Chain size
The turnbuckle I have is 3/8", with a 1200 lb working limit. For the direction this chain works(keeping the boat from going BACK off the trailer), I think that's OK. I'm putting together the parts to add another chain that keeps the boat from going forward- into the truck in an emergency stop. I'm going to go with a 3/8" chain (proof load 5200 lbs) and a 5/8" turnbuckle (working load 3500 lbs, proof load near that of the chain, but unstated) for that application. And I always keep the turnbuckles taut when on the road, to avoid an impact loading situation.
The turnbuckle I have is 3/8", with a 1200 lb working limit. For the direction this chain works(keeping the boat from going BACK off the trailer), I think that's OK. I'm putting together the parts to add another chain that keeps the boat from going forward- into the truck in an emergency stop. I'm going to go with a 3/8" chain (proof load 5200 lbs) and a 5/8" turnbuckle (working load 3500 lbs, proof load near that of the chain, but unstated) for that application. And I always keep the turnbuckles taut when on the road, to avoid an impact loading situation.
