I just bought a f-350 with a Hide a Ball hitch in the bed. It has no provisions for chains. Are chains required for this set up ?
Thanks, John

 

johnstoy2,

Yes they are. Alot of the flush hitches have an attachment point for the safety chain that drops down flush with the bed when not in use. Also this point is used to attach the breakaway brake activation cable for the trailer brakes.

Most states require trailer brakes with a breakaway activation feature on trailers with a GVW or 3000lbs or more, some states require them on trailers with a lower or higher GVW.

For your home state of NC your goose neck trailer should have both safety chains and trailer brakes (if GVW is 1000lb or more) the breakaway activation feature is not required but it is good idea to have it.

Here are a couple of links to a list of the state laws on trailers and requirements
www.hitchemup.com/statetowinglaws.htm
www.recvehicle.com/laws.html

Hope this helps

 

Anytime you have a ball type coupler it is required to have safety chains.

Toyman

 

Thanks for the replies. My bed shows no sign of ever having hook ups for chains. I don't think the last owner used the set up much because the ball was stuck fast in the inverted position & it took a lot of penatrating oil, heat & pressure to get it out. i'll crawl under this weekend & take another look.

John