trailer question...or two
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From: Blackwater, VA
trailer question...or two
what's the rule of thumb for weight ratings on safety chains? the set on my horse trailer is who knows how old and getting rusty to where i'd feel better replacing them and knowing exactly what i'm using. my trailer is rated at 8100 lbs
also how about length? my trailer has its own e-brake with a cable, but i kinda wonder if the cable is too long...if (heaven forbid) my trailer came unhitched, i think my safety chains would be pulled tight before the cable to engage the brake
also how about length? my trailer has its own e-brake with a cable, but i kinda wonder if the cable is too long...if (heaven forbid) my trailer came unhitched, i think my safety chains would be pulled tight before the cable to engage the brake
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I usually hook the brake cable to the safty chain hooks on the hitch, usually the brake cable is shorter than the safty's. as far as the chains go I usually use 3/8" grade 70 trucker chains, it takes a whole heck of alot to break them. thats just my .02 cents
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
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From: Belair md
i like that advice for chains, they are quite heavy duty, i've had alot of weight on those and had no issues. for my ebrake cable i have a caribeaner hooked on my hitch that the ebrake cable hooks to to keep it off the chains.
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From: Cato Arkansas
i know this sounds kinda stupid but the old guys at work say not to have chains that won't break at they say if your going fast then if it does come of the truck they don't want it to be hooked on there trucks
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From: Belair md
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id rather wreck my truck insted of killing someone, the ins. company would rather pay for the truck versus the latter.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Nampa, ID
Ditto. I cross my chains, too. That way, in theory, if the trailer unhitches in transit, the crossed chains should act as a cradle and prevent the trailer tongue from spearing the road surface.
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From: Blackwater, VA
i'm a crosser...i think it's time to figure out a better setup for my ebrake though. it never seemed like the best way even though thats what the local trailer shop said.
i could see both sides on the safety chain strength issue though...cause it'd be bad if your trailer got loose and killed someone....but equally bad if it wrecked your truck and killed you... *shudders*
i could see both sides on the safety chain strength issue though...cause it'd be bad if your trailer got loose and killed someone....but equally bad if it wrecked your truck and killed you... *shudders*
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From: Albany NY
There was a long thread on this subject last month in the towing forum:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...way-cable.html
The concensess there seems to be you want to have the breakaway cable long enough so the trailer brakes will not be actuated as long as it is still held to the tow vehicle by the chains. The theory is that in the event of a hitch failure you have better chance of keeping the rig under control without the trailer brakes locked up. Makes sense to me as long as the trailer wiring harness is long enough and arranged so it will remain connected in the event of a hitch failure calamity.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...way-cable.html
The concensess there seems to be you want to have the breakaway cable long enough so the trailer brakes will not be actuated as long as it is still held to the tow vehicle by the chains. The theory is that in the event of a hitch failure you have better chance of keeping the rig under control without the trailer brakes locked up. Makes sense to me as long as the trailer wiring harness is long enough and arranged so it will remain connected in the event of a hitch failure calamity.
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Posting Guru
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From: Blackwater, VA
There was a long thread on this subject last month in the towing forum:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...way-cable.html
The concensess there seems to be you want to have the breakaway cable long enough so the trailer brakes will not be actuated as long as it is still held to the tow vehicle by the chains. The theory is that in the event of a hitch failure you have better chance of keeping the rig under control without the trailer brakes locked up. Makes sense to me as long as the trailer wiring harness is long enough and arranged so it will remain connected in the event of a hitch failure calamity.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...way-cable.html
The concensess there seems to be you want to have the breakaway cable long enough so the trailer brakes will not be actuated as long as it is still held to the tow vehicle by the chains. The theory is that in the event of a hitch failure you have better chance of keeping the rig under control without the trailer brakes locked up. Makes sense to me as long as the trailer wiring harness is long enough and arranged so it will remain connected in the event of a hitch failure calamity.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: The boonies by Dallas OR
That's a challenge I offer to anyone: show me a picture! Unhook the trailer and show me the chains holding the tongue off the ground.
This is just an urban legend. The reason you cross chains is to cut whipping if the trailer comes off. With two parallel chains, the tongue is a pendulum. With crossed chains, the tongue won't swing because the chains resist side to side motion. It's the same reason you cross chains on a trailer securing a load.