trailer safety chains

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />What is the proper way to hitch the trailer and connecting the saftey chains. I was told that one should cross your safety chains. <br /><br />Questions:<br />a. Do you just cross the chain once? What's the purpose of this?<br />b. How high off the ground should the safety chain be on a flat surface? <br /><br />Thanks.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: trailer safety chains

a. Boater afety courses recommend crossing the chains under the tongue. In theory if the trailer comes off the ball it will "cradle" the tongue keeping it off the ground.<br /><br />b. keep them off the ground but not so short as to restrict turning.(eyeball/ballpark)

 

[Booner]

Re: trailer safety chains

nightvison:<br />a. YES<br />b. What deej said

 

[rwidman]

Re: trailer safety chains

Agreed

 

[Solittle]

Re: trailer safety chains

Another tid bit - when you attach the chains insert the hook end of the chain to the hitch from the bottom rather than from the top - - reason - - if you hit something the hook will be pushed up and less likely to pop our than if you hooked it from the top.