Safety chain length

[Btown]

The break away cable is there to stop the trailer if it becomes completely detached from the tow vehicle not sure I would want a trailer that comes off the ball and jacks on the brakes.

 

[farm boy00]

The break away cable is there to stop the trailer if it becomes completely detached from the tow vehicle not sure I would want a trailer that comes off the ball and jacks on the brakes.

But his cable broke. It did not do anything. The safety chains are to keep the trailer attached some but the break away cable is supposed to active the trailer brakes.

And why wouldn't you want the trailer brakes to activate? It would stop the trailer.

 

[TractorNH]

And why wouldn't you want the trailer brakes to activate? It would stop the trailer.

If the trailer became unhitched you would want the brakes to activate. It would create the drag on the trailer necessary to bring the trailer to a semi-controlled stop. As soon as the trailer brakes activate then the tow vehicle is pulling on it which keeps it straight and not swinging all over the road. When the trailer is pushing the tow vehicle you have no control unless you get lucky. Think about that if your trailer pops off the hitch while you're headed downhill. I'd want those trailer brakes on full braking.

Also, don't forget to make sure your breakaway kit has a charged battery. Would be bad if you needed it and there was no juice to activate them.

 

[cqaigy2]

If the trailer became unhitched you would want the brakes to activate. It would create the drag on the trailer necessary to bring the trailer to a semi-controlled stop. As soon as the trailer brakes activate then the tow vehicle is pulling on it which keeps it straight and not swinging all over the road. When the trailer is pushing the tow vehicle you have no control unless you get lucky. Think about that if your trailer pops off the hitch while you're headed downhill. I'd want those trailer brakes on full braking.

Also, don't forget to make sure your breakaway kit has a charged battery. Would be bad if you needed it and there was no juice to activate them.

And make sure the battery is connected to the trailer so that it doesn't break loose from the mounts and continue down the road.

 

[Aquamoose]

Interesting read from Snaker, I’ll ensure that the break-away cable is shorter than the safety chain next time!

Meanwhile for those with chains with excessive loops, I always make sure they are crossed and if I need to shorten the chain, simply twist them to the desired lengths to avoid the chain dragons on the pavement. (and prevent forest fires!)

 

[ballencd]

When I built my 4' x 6' utility trailer and was having it inspected by the State Patrol for my title application I was told that safety chains were not required. I have never installed or used them. Lights were not required either as long as my load didn't block visibility of the vehicle lights. Occasionally I put on magnetic lights when I have a large load but most of the time I don't use them either. I've never been stopped or questions about either issue it while using the trailer for the last 35 years.

 

[bcp]

When I built my 4' x 6' utility trailer and was having it inspected by the State Patrol for my title application I was told that safety chains were not required. I have never installed or used them. Lights were not required either as long as my load didn't block visibility of the vehicle lights. Occasionally I put on magnetic lights when I have a large load but most of the time I don't use them either. I've never been stopped or questions about either issue it while using the trailer for the last 35 years.

From:
Chapter 20

 

[Redlands Okie]

Even if not required by law safety chains should still be used. For everyone’s benefit.

 

[timswi]

Even if not required by law safety chains should still be used. For everyone’s benefit.

Absolutely agree. People have been killed by trailers coming off the ball with chains either not hooked up or non-existent. I had a low speed case of that once, it's not a good feeling. Thankfully the safety chains kept the trailer aligned behind the truck so I could make a controlled stop. I'm OCD about this now. When I hook up my trailers (no matter what size), I jack the trailer until the truck starts to come up. Some people think I'm nuts, till I tell them about my prior experience then they get it.

 

[dfkrug]

I had a low speed case of that once, it's not a good feeling. Thankfully the safety chains kept the trailer aligned behind the truck so I could make a controlled stop.

That is one way to learn how important those chains are. A very memorable way.

A friend I have known for years had his trailer come off the ball, and chains averted a major disaster. Damage to the back of his SUV, sure, but the trailer did not get away. Turns out....he was towing a trailer with a 2" ball hitch.....with a 1 7/8" ball! For years!

I wonder how many folks on the road are doing that now. You can get away with it, but the first time your trailer tongue lifts...may be your last.

The ball clamp inside the hitch is also adjustable. Most folks don't know or bother.