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07-19-2015, 05:42 PM
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#21
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Rivet Master
2012 23' FB International
Woodstock
, Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Safety chains are supposed to be just long enough to let them be slack in a tight turn, but definitely not dragging the ground. They are crossed ...as you show in your photo, to catch the tongue if the hitch head pulls out of the receiver. That way the tongue won't fall and dig into the ground. Be sure to purchase a quick link that has at least the same rating as the chains...they should be rated for at least 3000 4000 pounds pull to match (X2) your trailer weight. You can also use a Grade 8 bolt and nut and washer to gather up any slack. Use the biggest diameter bolt that will go through the links.
As for the safety applying the brakes, if the safety actually pulls out, that is a good thing. I still want the tension of pulling the trailer with the chains to keep some upward lift on the tongue. I see way too many trailers with the safety switch cord so long it will never pull out as long as the chains are still attached.
JCW
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07-20-2015, 07:42 AM
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#23
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Berlin
, Maryland
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,784
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My thanks to all for this post. I have not been crossing my chains but will be doing it now. Thanks
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07-20-2015, 07:54 AM
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#24
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Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
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All you have to do is twist the safety chains to make them shorter. Twist them individually, not together. Leave enough to make turns without binding or getting too short.
Cross and cradle- left chain over right chain like an X- this is to catch the trailer tongue if it were to become separated from the tow vehicle and keep it from hitting the ground. Cross and cradle will also take up a little slack.
Do not drape the chains over anything over anything.
Do not thread the break away brake cable through the safety chains. Do not attach the break away brake cable to the safety chain hook. Attach the break away break cable separately so the it will be independent and do what it is supposed to do if the trailer becomes separated from the tow vehicle. If the break away brake cable is too long, thread it through itself as many times as it takes to get it the right length. Leave enough slack so that it doesn't pull and engage the trailer's brakes while turning. Allow yourself enough slack to turn.
Do not let the umbilical drag too low. Drape it over the weight bar to keep it from dragging. Use a zip tie if you need to. Leave enough slack to turn without binding or coming unplugged.
Rule of thumb for me: Nothing hangs below the jack. Everything is about even with the jack/battery box/spare tire/L-brackets for the weight bars. Safety chains crossed and cradled hanging about as low as the jack- break away brake cable about the same, following the same arc- umbilical about the same, following the same arc.
All of these practices/habits make for a safe, trouble-free, stress-free towing experience.
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
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07-20-2015, 08:38 AM
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#25
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Rivet Master
1969 31' Sovereign
Broken Arrow
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,455
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Well it happened to me, boat trailer jumped off the ball (not latched properly) and the safety chains kept the tongue from gouging the road and making a bad situation worse.
A police officer was right behind us saw what was happening and turned on the blue lights. His only comment was "Glad the chains held".
Lucky for us it happened before we got on the highway and were only doing 40mph.
__________________
Garry
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07-20-2015, 08:44 AM
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#26
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Moderator
Vintage Kin Owner
...
, ...
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,696
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Some have referenced the use of "Quick Links" (aka Screw Links) to adjust chain lengths and this is an effective solution. Just be aware that the one's typically sold at the big box hardware stores are not usually rated for the anticipated loads a disconnected trailer would impart.
This is because they are only threaded on one end of the connection rather than on both ends. Mallion Rapide and Kong are two reputable manufacturers of rated Screw Links that can be purchased for reasonable prices.
__________________
"One of the best lessons I've learned is that you don't worry about criticism from people you wouldn't seek advice from."
William C. Swinney
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07-20-2015, 08:50 AM
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#27
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
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Twist & shout
read here
Next, a visual inspection of the hooks, chain, wire rope or synthetic straps should be performed. Check for broken wires, damage to chain such as cracks, nicks, gouges, wear and stretch, kinks, twists and latches on hooks for proper function. Per ASME B30.16, all hoists must be equipped with a safety latch that is working properly unless the application makes the use of a latch impractical as determined by a qualified person.
....and here
Check #4 -Knots, Twists & Kinks Make sure chain is not twisted, knotted or kinked before lifting load. Slings should not be shortened with knots, bolts or other make-shift devices.
Bob
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07-20-2015, 08:59 AM
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#28
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Rivet Master
1990 25' Excella
Sisters
, Oregon
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,195
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I'm just going to get shorter chains. Mine are cruddy anyway - maybe get stainless steel this time.
Cheers,
John
__________________
John Audette
Air Cooled Porsche Specialist -
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled. ~ Robert Frost
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07-20-2015, 11:27 AM
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#29
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
K.C.
, Missouri
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 585
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John&Vicki
I'm just going to get shorter chains. Mine are cruddy anyway - maybe get stainless steel this time.
Cheers,
John
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you might consider grade 70. Probably higher load limits than SS.
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07-20-2015, 11:49 AM
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#30
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Moderator
Vintage Kin Owner
...
, ...
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,696
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John&Vicki
I'm just going to get shorter chains. Mine are cruddy anyway - maybe get stainless steel this time.
Cheers,
John
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While stainless steel offers great corrosion resistance, it typically is lower in strength due to the reduced carbon content. I would recommend a High Strength Grade 43, or Grade 70 Galvanized chain with appropriate connection hardware. These chain grades offer 5,400 lbs. and 6,600 lbs. MWL in a 3/8" chain size. Multiple this by two chains and you are in the 10,800 lb. to 13,200 lb. range which is more than sufficient for most applications.
BTW the breaking strength of these two grades is 16,200 lbs. and 19,800 lbs. respectively so there is a significant safety factor.
__________________
"One of the best lessons I've learned is that you don't worry about criticism from people you wouldn't seek advice from."
William C. Swinney
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07-20-2015, 12:56 PM
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#31
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Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gmw photos
you might consider grade 70. Probably higher load limits than SS.
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Grade 70 is overkill, but it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it-
Grade 70 is for 80,000#.
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
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07-20-2015, 10:39 PM
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#32
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Rivet Master
1999 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Hillsboro
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,406
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I went over to the local 'Hercules Wire Rope' dealer. They know how to 'rig' what you need.
__________________
Peace and Blessings..
Channing
WBCCI# 30676
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07-21-2015, 10:41 PM
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#33
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AIR #6370
2001 27' Safari
Bella Vista
, Arkansas
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 68
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The idea is that the safety chains are just long enough so that when they are cris-crossed that do not bind when making a turn. The reason for cris-crossing the safety chains is to provide a saddle for the hitch head or trailer tounge if it were to become disconnected. I have seen some use coiled safety cables, but I'd think they are an "absolute no no" as the only purpose they provide is to hinder a completely runaway trailer.
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07-22-2015, 09:34 AM
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#34
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Rivet Master
2012 23' FB International
Woodstock
, Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,423
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Stainless is not necessarily stronger. You need to look for at least grade 30 proof and I would not use less than 1/4 inch link (thickness) which is rated for 5200 lbs working load. Grade 30 proof is more wear resistant than stainless. If rust is an issue you can buy it in Galvanized Bright or Hot Dipped finish
I certainly agree that Grade 70 is better/best. Grade 40 or 43 is great if you can find it. The industry standard is Grade 30 which is generally available in Hardware stores in bulk lengths. Of course the higher the grade the smaller diameter you can use. I would be using chain rated to give me at least 10,000 lbs between two chains for my 7200 lb trailer, but even dragging I doubt the full trailer weight will ever be pulled, unless it digs in. Then you will probably rip the hitch off the truck. Hopefully your breakaway isn't also attached to the hitch.
JCW
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07-22-2015, 11:15 AM
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#35
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
K.C.
, Missouri
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 585
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An FYI on the availability of grade 70, most "farm supply" stores ( tractor supply, orchelin, feldmans, etc ) carry it, sold by the foot, so you can simply buy what you need. And I actually found 20' lengths of it with hooks at Home Depot recently at a reasonable price.
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07-22-2015, 12:33 PM
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#36
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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Quote:
Originally Posted by urnmor
My thanks to all for this post. I have not been crossing my chains but will be doing it now. Thanks
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If your chains are attached to your Airstream like out 2012 FC 25, there is no crossing of the chains. They are both attached to a single steel loop welded to the bottom of the tongue.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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07-22-2015, 01:01 PM
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#37
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Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
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Even though the chains come from the same loop, one chain is on the left and one is on the right. You can still cross and cradle, even though it is a very short length of chain crossed.
You are not saying that both chains come from one chain link, are you?
My trailer has 2 chains attached to the same loop.
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
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07-22-2015, 01:10 PM
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#38
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Rivet Master
1976 31' Sovereign
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,017
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As I posted earlier crossed chains are mandatory most states, plus greater safety to support hitch if uncoupled, why take chance and maybe legal liability if not crossed, plus citations for not crossing. Google up states for crossing safety chains.
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07-26-2015, 09:20 PM
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#39
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2 Rivet Member
Las Vegas
, Nevada
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 21
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I am switching to a new tow vehicle and while my safety chains were just about the right length with the old tow vehicle with the new F150 they are 5-6" too short. Just driving around the neighborhood today they were binding with a turn of less than 90 degrees. I will try to find a trailer dealer tomorrow to see what I can do (no farm equipment stores around here in the desert!) The end of the safety chains attached to the AS seem to have been welded on to a mounting point under the tongue on each side. Not sure exactly how I will get a new, longer chain attached there without some welding (outside my area of expertise). I could try to lengthen the other end with the hooks. Seems everyone else is having issues with LONG chains while ours are SHORT! Thanks for everyone's thoughts.
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07-27-2015, 06:10 AM
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#40
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Rivet Master
1976 31' Sovereign
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,017
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If you can find clevis with screw in pin proper size simply hook length of chain needed, do not use hammer together loops as they will come apart. A clevis is u shaped with bolt that slips thru eye one side, threads into other eye
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