question for DOT "experts" on safety chains

[sandman2234]

One of the things that bother me is to watch somebody hook up a trailer, and twist the chains so that they don't drag the ground, load the trailer, get in the drivers seat and head down the road. They get to where they are heading with the chains worn half in to.
A couple of suggestions:
Double check your safety chains after the trailer is loaded. Don't twist them to take up the slack, while this works, it takes away the working room of the chain. Just hook a bungy cord to the trailer and the other end to about the halfway point on the chain. The bungy cord will keep the chain up off the ground but still allow for full extension when taking a tight corner. One bungy will work if it has to, but two are better, one on each chain.
Just my $.02,
David from jax

 

[hench861]

chains have to be crossed also,got a ticket in catt county for that one,i use a wire rope u bolt to attach safety chains,no welding drill two holes and your done

 

[ampsucker]

good idea on the bungees. i just picked up a new trailer and the chains were twisted fromt he manufacturer! i didn't like the idea, but figured it was ok since that is what the builder had done. i like the bungee idea much better!

amp

 

[powerstroke444e]

Take the average idot's approach is to hope the trailer clears the truck once it is loose.

I Like grade grade 80 chain which is not that that bad when you only buy 6', & use clevis or grab hook.
If you need any of this I found a great site to buy towing chain & binders but they are proud of there products (a&w direct).

The differance between an accident & tragedy is usually $10 decision made some time ago.