Posted 2017-04-16 11:55 AM (#169770) Subject: Safety chain hook ups
Regular
Posts: 76 Location: WI
I can't get pics sized correctly to load, but my safety chain hook up is nothing more then a u bolt screwed on to my goose neck hitch. I have one where you can flip and hide the ball. The u bolts are the diameter of a pen roughly. Is that seriously all it needs? I suspect someone Jimmy rigged that previously to me. Anyone else concerned by such small bolts or an I worried about nothing? I haven't been using them but thought I probably should start so I'm trying to figure out how to make my huge trailer chain hooks fit and that's how I noticed how small they are.
Posted 2017-04-17 5:27 AM (#169772 - in reply to #169770) Subject: RE: Safety chain hook ups
Regular
Posts: 88 Location: Washington
If you're saying what I think you're saying...................this is what is installed on the B&W hitches for connecting safety chains to. 1/2" U-Bolt. And when you think about it, even that seems a little light but I'm sure it's adequate. https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/B-and-W/BW1900-2-1600.html
Posted 2017-04-17 8:00 AM (#169773 - in reply to #169770) Subject: RE: Safety chain hook ups
Regular
Posts: 76 Location: WI
That is exactly what I was wondering about and that is exactly what is on mine so I will assume that it's okay just seems awful lightweight but I'll go with it. If something would happen and it would get really out of control I don't think I'd want to stay attached for long anyway
Posted 2017-04-17 2:17 PM (#169778 - in reply to #169770) Subject: RE: Safety chain hook ups
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
Have you ever seen a truck jerked off the road by the trailer and flipped over? I'd rather have smaller safety chains and let the trailer crash and not drag the truck along too. If you want a real expert to look at it take it to your local trailer dealer or a dealership of that brand of hitch and have them give it a safety inspection and get a receipt!
Posted 2017-04-17 2:38 PM (#169779 - in reply to #169778) Subject: RE: Safety chain hook ups
Regular
Posts: 88 Location: Washington
huntseat - 2017-04-17 2:17 PM Have you ever seen a truck jerked off the road by the trailer and flipped over? I'd rather have smaller safety chains and let the trailer crash and not drag the truck along too. If you want a real expert to look at it take it to your local trailer dealer or a dealership of that brand of hitch and have them give it a safety inspection and get a receipt!
The other option is your trailer breaking loose and crossing into oncoming traffic. Which one do you pick? Tough call for sure. I knew the guy pulling the trailer but didn't know the victims.
Posted 2017-04-18 2:34 AM (#169781 - in reply to #169770) Subject: RE: Safety chain hook ups
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
You do NOT want your trailer breaking loose...because if that loose trailer kills someone...trust me...you will be at the very minimum sued for more money than your insurance will cover...
Posted 2017-04-18 7:20 AM (#169784 - in reply to #169770) Subject: RE: Safety chain hook ups
Regular
Posts: 76 Location: WI
I wasn't option C!! The one where truck doesn't get drug off road or my trailer doesn't pass me going down interstate! Where do I sign up for that choice? ;)
Posted 2017-04-18 3:26 PM (#169786 - in reply to #169770) Subject: RE: Safety chain hook ups
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
For what it is worth- do know a guy that had the gooseneck coupler jump off of the ball on a very bumpy road (he swears it was latched before and after, but that's another point). Important point here is that the chains kept the trailer close to the ball, he slowed and got off of road, jacked it up and reconnected the trailer and went on. I personally want the trailer to stay close to me until we get stopped together. Just my opinion.
Posted 2017-04-18 4:00 PM (#169787 - in reply to #169770) Subject: RE: Safety chain hook ups
Regular
Posts: 76 Location: WI
I actually had an incident when hauling with someone about 20 years ago. Trailer came off the ball going about 75 across South Dakota. Chains were not attached but driver was quick to hit brakes and keep trailer on bed of truck. Managed to pull over and get reconnected. Thankfully. Road high up and big drops on each side. Trailer would have told many times and probably killed all three horses.
Safety chain hook ups
