Hi-

I just bought a gn two horse. Because of my short-bed Dodge 1500, I bought a 16" popup gn extension. I LOVE IT!!! It make turning the trailer so easy, and no worries about hitting the cab.

BUT... the safety chain that runs through a large cylinder welded on to the back of my coupler, which fit the last owner's truck no problem, does not fit for my truck b/c of the extra length on the extension.

I do not know how long my safety chains should be. I know it should be short enough to stop the trailer from running into the back of the cab- or out of the truck bed- if there is an accident, and that there has to be just enough slack to turn without catching... but how do I measure for that? Is there a formula- or a rule of thumb that folks use? Am I just over thinking it?

I sure want to be safe. I know to use chain and hooks that are above my trailers GVWR rating- but the length is driving me crazy- er. :-)

Thanks- that's perfect. It was really easy to go out and get that measurement.

Now- here's another question...

My trailer is a 1999 steel Adam. It has a welded metal tube on the back of the coupler, such that the past owner used one continuous chain that went through the tube, around the coupler and then to the truck bed. Do I need to use two separate chains and cross them behind the coupler, or is the single chain that runs behind the coupler and connects to the two u bolts in my popup turnover ball safe enough? One friend was afraid that the single chain would allow too much play in an accident situation...

And (sorry, this will make it two more questions) my chain that came from the old owner is rated at 5700 lb., but the trailer has a GVWR of 7000… that seems like the chain might be too light for the trailer. Do I use GVWR or tongue weight when determining how strong the chain has to be?

Thanks again- this is exactly the information I was questioning.

I appreciate your time.