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:
Andy wrote, On 5/4/2014 7:12 AM:

My configuration is to have both the trailer chain and the European brake cable attached, with the chain carrying slightly more slack than the cable. This way, should the trailer become disconnected from the hitch on the tow vehicle it will put on the trailer brake before the chain goes taught. I've only had one occasion to test this setup, when crossing railroad tracks. It worked exactly as intended, with the brake preventing the trailer tongue from spearing the towing vehicle.

I only connect a single chain, so nothing to cross, but I also leave the tongue wheel on (tightened), so I don't have the worry of the tongue hitting the pavement.

9B

Some states require 2 chains when towing, not one. Here is a summary of requirements by state. https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/laws/trailer-hitch-signals/
I know of at least one instance out in, I believe, the Nevada "boonies" where the European brake cable activated the trailer brakes while towing and the driver was oblivious to this. A dual axle Cobra being towed by a truck if memory serves (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Anyway, it caused a fire..
Lastly, I used to tow with the tongue wheel on, but Noelle and others convinced me that it is best to remove it prior to travel. The wheel loosens up and spirals down to the ground. The rubber is quickly ground off and then it gets messy. They aren't cheap either. She has sold many replacement units..
Just something to consider.

Another tip worth mentioning is ALWAYS tow with a pin in the hitch lever locking hole. The hitch can open on a severe bump if not pinned. The pin can be a bolt and nut or a padlock for security.
The hole I am referring too is one of the two forward holes in this diagram.

http://www.forbesanddavies.co.nz/pro...ailer_cou.aspx

"JohnDeRosa" wrote in message
...
I have been told that crossing your trailer safety chains is the right
thing to do. Something about if the coupler comes off the ball, the
trailer will be limited in its wayward travel. Sounds like something for
Mythbusters to figure out. Yes or no, what say you?

And while you are at it, anyone have a great crazy "trailer came off the
ball" story to share? You first.

- John

The biggest reason to cross is to keep the tension on the chains equal while
turning sharp, especially.

When the chains are not crossed, if you are turning left, the attach points
on the left side of the trailer and the left side of the hitch are both
getting closer to each other. At the same time, the attach points on the
right side are both getting further away from each other. The slack on the
left may allow the chains to drag. The chains on the right have to be left
loose enough that they do not break or bend something from the stretch.

The end result is that the chains must be much less tight if they are not
crossed. They may drag, if not crossed.

When the chains cross, the left hitch attach gets closer to the trailer, but
the right trailer attach gets further away from the hitch. They cancel out.

Plus, the crossing chains do catch the hitch. I was pulling a boat out with
a borrowed vehicle with a wrong size ball, or the hitch was not latched, or
something. It caught the hitch.
--
Jim in NC



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