Safety Cables versus Chains

[Ganglin]

Texas statute defines "safety chains" as:

(e) In this section, "safety chains" means flexible tension members connected from the front of a drawn vehicle to the rear of the drawing vehicle to maintain connection between the vehicles if the primary connecting system fails.

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by Ganglin

Texas statute defines "safety chains" as:

(e) In this section, "safety chains" means flexible tension members connected from the front of a drawn vehicle to the rear of the drawing vehicle to maintain connection between the vehicles if the primary connecting system fails.

True, but the statute also says that the administrative code defines the application of the statute. The code clearly specifies chains as a series of metal links as is posted above. I don't think you can pass inspection without chains.

[slowmover]

btt

I didn't get around to changing things on that '83.

My latest "25-yr old TT" still needs new chains, hooks, attachments (have no idea about stress on current set of chains). Look okay, but . . . .

.

[dkottum]

Texas law

(4) Safety chains must be attached to either side of the tongue or connecting apparatus of the towed vehicle, equidistant forward and aft of the hitch or connector. They shall not be directly welded to the towed vehicle, but rather shall be connected by means of bolts, pins, or other secure connecting methods, that meet necessary strength requirements

I guess Airstream missed this, my chains are both attached at one point in the center of the tongue.

[slowmover]

And not attaching them to the hitch receiver, IIRC, as it may come off the TV.

Each chain must be of sufficient rating to handle the trailer is the other part.

[dkottum]

IIRC ?

doug k

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by dkottum

IIRC ?

doug k

If I Remember Correctly

[switz]

My chains were Airstream factory installed in June 2012 to what appears to be a piece of reebar welded to the frame just behind the ball socket. The trailer ends of the two chains are touching each other.

The only way I see to create a "cradle" would be to put a cross chain between the two lengths at a location that would catch the Hensley hitch or the stinger.

I wonder if a shackle and pin would work on the tow vehicle end since it would necessary to use one on the trailer end to install new chain. Safety wiring the pin would keep the chain attached.

[graysailor]

I would stick with chains.

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by graysailor

I would stick with chains.

I switched over to cables a few months ago and have never regretted it. Easy to use, strong, safe, secure and much cleaner than rusty old chains.

[AWCHIEF]

Update on cables. I recently got back from a long trip. When I got back to the house and was unhooking I noticed that one of the cables had almost complety worn thru from it looked liked scraping the road. My bad for not noticing it sooner. I removed them and put the old rusty chains back on.

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Update on cables. I recently got back from a long trip. When I got back to the house and was unhooking I noticed that one of the cables had almost complety worn thru from it looked liked scraping the road. My bad for not noticing it sooner. I removed them and put the old rusty chains back on.

Wouldn't that happen to chains too if they were dragging on the ground?

[AWCHIEF]

Yes, I would think so. I did say it was my fault for not keeping a better eye on them.

[featherbedder]

Chains have more meat than cables I use only chains also pull heavy eqmt. would never use cables I feel chains are more reliable plus greater breaking point

[cwf]

Chains.. cross them over, if you feel you are going to 'drag' chains, use a rubber strap to hold the center of the chains higher.. works every time.. and if the chains are needed, the strap will hold them centered beneath the tongue of trailer..