Trailer Chains - To Cross of Not to Cross - That is the Question

On Sunday, May 4, 2014 7:40:31 AM UTC-7, Eric Greenwell wrote:

First, if you think you have a trailer with an inadequate tongue, I

think you should replace it with the correct tongue. Cobra, or perhaps a

dealer, that tell you what tongue your trailer should have. Replacing it

is not hard or expensive.

***I don't think that. The Cobra tongues that failed were round tube. My trailer has the higher load rated square tube tongue.


Second, with the chains connected only to the trailer body, a trailer

that disconnects from the hitch will be far less stable than if the

chains are connected near the coupler.


****Show me the math. The difference in distance from the axle is insignificant. Ontario ministry of transportation says this about chains "Safety chains should be crossed under the tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to the road should the primary hitch accidentally disconnect." - Nothing to do with trailer stability.

Third, even if you have the chains connected to the trailer body, you

can have also have the chains connected at the coupler.

Agree, but the only reason for going that is to reduce the amount the trailer will overrun the vehicle when stopping after a disconnect. It won't overrun if the trailer emergency brake activates.

That of course leads to a completely different discussion - Why do Americans insist on chains when the trailer designer did not intend them to be used?

What is done in other parts of the world? - Rely on automatic emergency trailer brake only, or use chains with or without the safety brake cable hooked up?

The following appears to apply in UK -

"Unbraked trailers must have a stout secondary coupling, such as a chain, which is connected securely to the towing vehicle when it is being towed. The secondary coupling must be tight enough to prevent the trailer's tow hitch from hitting the ground if the vehicle becomes uncoupled.

Braked trailers must be fitted with hydraulically damped coupling and auto reverse brakes to give braking efficiencies required by EEC Directive 71/320. All wheels must be braked. Braked trailers must be fitted with a breakaway cable. This must be attached to the towing vehicle in such a manner so that, should the trailer become detached, the breakaway cable will operate the trailer's brakes."


Andy