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Pick · 08-21-2003, 12:41 PM

A woman in a shiney new Dodge 2500 Crew Cab Hemi pulling a horse trailer came into my in laws across the street to pick up a horse to go to a horse show this weekend. I went over to check the rig out, and noticed her safety chains were running OVER the hitch. One was bound up between the hitch and the ball. I pointed out to her that the chains were not right, and offered to show her the correct way. We then had to jockey the truck around to get the chain unbound between the ball and trailer hitch. I got the chains hooked up correctly and explained why I did what I did, and why it is important to cross the chains UNDER the hitch, to keep the hitch from digging into the ground or pavement. She thanked me and explained that a Metro Parks Mounted Ranger had instructed her to run the chains up OVER the hitch.

Pahaska · 08-21-2003, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pick
I got the chains hooked up correctly and explained why I did what I did, and why it is important to cross the chains UNDER the hitch, to keep the hitch from digging into the ground or pavement. She thanked me and explained that a Metro Parks Mounted Ranger had instructed her to run the chains up OVER the hitch.

Not only the right way, but also the only legal way to run the chains in many jurisdictions.

Not only will the chains cradle the tongue, but they also allow turning the trailer without excessive tightening and slacking.