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Old 06-13-2009, 03:59 PM   #1
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Chain crossing

I've seen it done both ways, but wanted to know what the correct method of crossing towing chains under the hitch is: around (in front) the torsion bars, or behind them?
-Jerry
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Old 06-13-2009, 04:21 PM   #2
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Safety chains are crossed under the WD bars.
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Old 06-13-2009, 05:58 PM   #3
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The sole purpose of the chains. Is to catch and support the load of the trailer, if it gets disconnected from the tow vehicle. By crossing the chains or towing cables under the trailer coupler and attaching them to the tow vehicle with hooks, the safety cables act like a safety net in an emergency, catching the dislodged tongue.

I just know someone will ask, WHY??? So this Is your WHY!!!

DIMMER
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Old 06-13-2009, 07:25 PM   #4
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WHY???

I rig the chains inside the bars. It just looks right. I don't have a logical reason, but I've never seen them rigged outside the bars.
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Old 06-13-2009, 09:33 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DIMMER View Post
The sole purpose of the chains. Is to catch and support the load of the trailer, if it gets disconnected from the tow vehicle. By crossing the chains or towing cables under the trailer coupler and attaching them to the tow vehicle with hooks, the safety cables act like a safety net in an emergency, catching the dislodged tongue.

I just know someone will ask, WHY??? So this Is your WHY!!!

DIMMER
Yep. The chains serve two purposes: 1) to catch the tongue of a disconnected trailer and keep it from digging straight down into the asphalt at 65 mph and doing a Very Bad Thing to your tow rig, and 2) to keep a disconnected trailer from becoming a breakaway trailer and doing a Very Bad Thing to someone else's vehicle and itself. The chains must be crossed freely under the hitch and not run through the bars or over the hitch.

Also, do not twist your chains to shorten them. Cut them to the proper length. If you use different tow vehicles on the same trailer, use removable hooks and place them at the proper length.

Safe travels!

Susan
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Old 06-13-2009, 09:36 PM   #6
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WHY???

I rig the chains inside the bars. It just looks right. I don't have a logical reason, but I've never seen them rigged outside the bars.
possibility of pinching the chains between the bars and the frame.
I put mine under the bars. not twisted and shortened with ty-wraps.
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Old 06-13-2009, 10:13 PM   #7
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Also, do not twist your chains to shorten them. Cut them to the proper length. If you use different tow vehicles on the same trailer, use removable hooks and place them at the proper length.
Safe travels! Susan

Hi, my trailer came with the removable hooks and I moved them up two links. [no cutting or twisting necessary on my trailer] And yes, I do cross my chains.
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Old 06-13-2009, 10:29 PM   #8
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I do it the same .... crossing underneath and adjusting the chains length if needed .... hope I never have to find out if they really catch the tongue in a break away
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Old 06-14-2009, 07:40 AM   #9
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possibility of pinching the chains between the bars and the frame.
I put mine under the bars. not twisted and shortened with ty-wraps.
Mine don't pinch. It must be the difference in frame height, my frame is only 4". I can see where the chains on a 5" frame might be likely to get pinched.
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Old 06-14-2009, 08:30 AM   #10
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Dad told me to always cross the chains under the tongue and hitch. At 14 years old I was in charge of hitching and unhitching our 26' trailer on the journey from Detroit and Los Angeles......on rte 66......in 1952. I still do as Dad says.
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Old 06-14-2009, 06:31 PM   #11
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Removable hooks for towing chain

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alumatube View Post
Also, do not twist your chains to shorten them. Cut them to the proper length. If you use different tow vehicles on the same trailer, use removable hooks and place them at the proper length.
I haven't heard of removable hooks for shortening the chain. That's just what I could use! Does anyone have a photo and source?

-Jerry
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Old 06-14-2009, 06:43 PM   #12
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I haven't heard of removable hooks for shortening the chain. That's just what I could use! Does anyone have a photo and source?

-Jerry
Here's a picture. They are called Quick Links. At least, this is what I use...
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Old 06-14-2009, 06:55 PM   #13
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Clevis Slip Hook with Latch - 5/16in. | Towing Hooks | Northern Tool + Equipment
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Old 06-14-2009, 07:30 PM   #14
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I did not like how bulky the Clevis hooks are. They would not hang freely with the receiver lock I have. So I found these:
Amazon.com: Curt Manufacturing J-83 17/32" S-Hook W/Wire Latch Gtw 7,600 Class 4 Zinc: Automotive

I did not like how the chain just slid in with nothing to keep it there so I drilled and tapped them. Also had to grind a little off the sides so the chains would go on these work very well.
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Old 06-14-2009, 07:37 PM   #15
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While playing with your hooks make sure they are sufficiently rated! I have managed to straighten out a few in my day!

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Old 06-14-2009, 10:43 PM   #16
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Hi, borrowed picture from this sight, same type as on my trailer.
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Old 06-14-2009, 11:25 PM   #17
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I also have this type hook that Bob has posted. Mine has no pin.The PO did it correctly,not saying that the pin is not fine, but he used a chain repair link and welded it.My chains happen to be the correct length for my TV.
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Old 06-15-2009, 04:05 AM   #18
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I cross my chains and the X is right under the hitch. How would it be possible to go over, under, or through the bars? I am confused. Can some show me how that is possible?
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Old 06-16-2009, 08:49 PM   #19
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Finished product

Thanks, Overlander 63: I picked up a pair of quick links, and added them to the hooks and replaced the original cotter pins with removable pins. No more twisting chains to shorten them! And thanks for the advice from the rest of you streamers!

-Jerry
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Old 06-27-2009, 12:18 PM   #20
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make sure you use the proper rated chain, and cuplers.

also the D.O.T. has ruled and reccomends "not" crossing chains.

I dont buy there reasoning, and I still do cross them, when pulling doubles, triples, or my camper or race car trailer.
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