It’s boating season! Time to review some Trailer Safety facts! Here are ten quick facts to review before attaching a trailer to a vehicle:
1. Trailer Chains 10,000lbs and lighter conform to the SAE J-684 industry standard.
2. Trailer Safety chains are classified in a “Class” determined by the GVWR, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, in lbs.
Class 1 3000# GVWR
Class 2 3500# GVWR
Class 3 5000# GVWR
Class 4 7600# GVWR
3. Definition of GVWR, Gross Vehicle Rating:
Is the maximum load of the total trailer weight, this includes everything on the trailer itself. This weight can be found on the factory installed placard on the trailer.
4. If using hooks with a lower rating than the chain in an assembly, you must decrease the GVWR of the assembly to the rating of the lowest component.
5. Trailer chain assemblies should be measured from inside the bottom of the end link to inside the top of the hook at the opposite end (bearing point to bearing point.)
6. NEVER twist trailer safety chains. Zip ties are a safe and effective way to shorten a trailer chain by gathering the excess links.
7. It is NEVER ok to spread the link of a chain to accept an oversized bolt.
8. When attaching chains to a vehicle, always cross the chains. Crossing the trailer chains aids in turning the trailer by reducing the probability of stress. It also acts as a cradle in the event of separation from the tow vehicle.
9. Clear and or Yellow Zinc are the most common finishes for trailer safety chains.
10. NEVER use a trailer chain assembly for an overhead lifting application.
If you or your customer have any questions about trailer chain applications or which type of chain is best for your uses, give our Laclede sales team a call. We are happy to help!
FAQs
Federal Law requires that the safety chains be crossed. They should be crossed under the tongue of the trailer so that the chains cradle the tongue in the event of primary coupling failure. Federal law also requires that the length of chain used shall be no more than necessary to permit proper turning of the vehicle.
What is the main function of a trailer's safety chain? ›
Safety chains are one of your trailer's most essential parts and are crucial in towing a trailer safely. Safety chains attach the trailer to the hitch of the tow vehicle. The chains should be strong enough to hold the tow vehicle's weight and the trailer, should they need to do so.
Where is the laclede chain made? ›
Early Growth
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the company continued to grow, eventually operating two manufacturing plants in St. Louis, MO and Maryville, MO. To make our operation more efficient, we moved our St. Louis operation to our Maryville facility and expanded that space with a 30,000 square foot addition.
How strong do trailer safety chains need to be? ›
To keep it as simple as possible, safety chain requirements state that the breaking strength of EACH chain, not the working load limit (WLL), should be equal to or exceed the gross trailer weight. A 5,000 pound trailer needs safety chains that each have a break strength of at least 5,000 pounds.
Why do trailer safety chains need to be crossed? ›
Two strong safety chains should be crisscrossed to support the trailer's coupler if it becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle. The chains should be strong enough to hold the combined weight of the vessel, engine, and trailer.
Can you tow a trailer without chains? ›
Most states require by law that safety chains are attached when pulling a trailer. Some only require one chain, while others require two. Still, it's a step that is often overlooked by trailer users in the same way that not replacing the batteries in your fire alarm is.
Where can you not secure chains on the trailer? ›
Do not fasten the chains to any part of the hitch unless the hitch has holes or loops specifically for that purpose. Never fasten the breakaway lanyard to the safety chains. Never let your safety chains drag the ground.
What are safety chains for? ›
It may seem insignificant, but having your safety chains crisscrossed underneath your trailer coupler will actually help prevent unnecessary damage if your trailer becomes uncoupled.
Where was the chain invented? ›
The first chain patent we know of was acquired for anchor chain by English blacksmith Phillip White in 1643 and it is likely this type of chain that found its way into non-maritime applications in England.
What is a Venetian chain? ›
The Venetian chain is a type of chain that is named after its Italian origin. The distinctive feature of chain variations is the shape of the links and their arrangement. In this piece of jewellery the chain links are arranged in a rectangular shape with relatively high side walls.
While automated machinery is staking some claims in jewelry making of rope chains, handmade techniques are still in use.
How to choose trailer safety chains? ›
Safety chains are rated by their WLL (Working Load Limit), which is the maximum weight the chain can safely carry. When shopping for RV safety chains, make sure that the chain's WLL Is not lower than your RV's GVWR.
Can you bolt on trailer safety chains? ›
There are two main attachment styles commonly used in the trailer industry to attach safety chain to the trailer: bolt-on and weld-on clevis assemblies.
What states require safety chains on 5th wheel trailers? ›
We know that California, Indiana and Texas have safety chain requirements. Indiana safety chain laws are usually only enforced for commercial applications, but they informed us that if the hitch was a ball type, chains were required.
