Saftey Chains, coupler boats?

[pman7]

Would somebody maybe supply a picture of their saftey chain attachment if you're confident it's a good set up?

My last boat was a light 14' aluminum with a small trailer. I just got a saftey chain kit from WalMart that hooked the saftey chain to my trailer tongue with a 3/8" diameter square ended U-bolt. I had no concerns with it because the boat and trailer were so light.

I now have a 16' fiberglass boat along with a heavier motor and I'm wondering if the U-bolt attachment would be solid and safe enough?

While reviewing the old threads I've seen "coupler bolts" mentioned for the hook up. What are coupler bolts?

Any help would be appreciated. And it is odd how uncommon beefy u-bolts are. Last time I remember going to a local vendor that made me one to fit my trailer as the one in the kit was the wrong size.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Saftey Chains, coupler boats?

Coupler bolts are the bolts that hold the coupler to the tongue of the trailer. They are standard hardware, available at any home improvement store. Use the largest bolts that will fit through the eye of the chain.

 

[wire2]

Re: Saftey Chains, coupler boats?

If the existing coupler bolts are a bit too big for the chain, place the last link on a slightly open bench vise, place a tapered drift punch in the link and drive it with a hammer. It will enlarge the hole without damage.

 

[pman7]

Re: Saftey Chains, coupler bolts?

Re: Saftey Chains, coupler bolts?

Well that explains why I didn't know what a coupler bolt is(nice job of spelling by me on the outside thread subject line).

I've had 3 trailers. All three couplers were welded onto the tongue. I don't believe there were bolts on any of them.

Being that I have no coupler bolts, do you think a 3/8" diameter ubolt clamped right behind the coupler would be sufficient or would you recommend I drill and tap some bolts directly into the coupler/tongue.

My tongue is 3" square. My boat is ballpark 800 lb. when loaded. Would drilling a hole into the trailer tongue or through the coupler/tongue area weaken the tongue significantly?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Saftey Chains, coupler boats?

Drilling and tapping is not a good way to attach the chains as there isn't enough wall thickness in the tongue to provide good grip for the bolt. Drilling entirely through the tongue so a bolt can be passed all the way through is the best. Use a nylon insert nut on the bolt. Drilling a 3/8 or 1/2 inch hole through the tongue will not weaken it if you drill on the center line or even slightly above center. You can probably get by with a 3/8 bolt but 1/2 inch would be best.