S hooks vs quick links: safety chains

[fmernyer]

Why would a trailer use s hooks on its safety chains? Why not quick links or something that's less likely to slip off?

Is there a reason that the s hooks are used? Is it because you'd want the trailer to let go under certain circumstances?

Can I go ahead and replace my s hooks with quick links or so I need to know more about the weight of my trailer or laws in my state....?

 

[bcp]

From:
CT DMV: Inspection of Trailers

"Safety Chain - Every tag-along or drawbar type trailer hitch or coupler used as a means of attaching a camp trailer to the tow vehicle shall also be coupled to the frame of the towing vehicle by means of safety chains or cables of sufficient strength and installed in such a manner to control the trailer in the event of failure of the regular trailer hitch or coupling. This means that the chains should be capable of being attached in a manner to keep the trailer coupler from dragging on the road in case of disconnect. Two safety chains or cables will be required unless the trailer tongue is specifically designed to be symmetrically supported by a single chain or cable. Fifth wheel trailers with any ball mount will require a safety chain or cable while fifth wheel plate and kingpin styles will be required to have a safety on or locking of the operating handle. Please also refer to Motor Vehicle Regulation 14-137-123 and 124."

 

[bcp]

I would replace S hooks on anything more than a very lightweight trailer. If using quick links, I like to get ones with a WLL or SWL stamp.

Bruce

 

[hslogger]

I constantly see light weight and some heavier trailers with really lame safety chain set ups. They are called safety chains to retain the trailer incase of a failure. I once had a trailer pass me about forty years ago. Since then I go heavy chain and heavy grab hooks or heavy slip hooks with keepers on them. Over kill on the safety chain doesn't cost much and if you ever have to use em you will really glad you got em.

 

[schmism]

my small 5x10 utility trailer has U hooks?... they are like REALLY long S hooks. my equipment trailer has 3/8 chain and grab hooks with closers installed by me.

 

[byronlj]

When I was in my teens all my cowboy friends towing horse trailers didn't want their safety chains to work. They would use weak welds or even hidden saw cuts to defeat them. They told me stories of trailers with livestock throwing their pickups about.
Don't yell at me. That was one thing I remember them talking about.

 

[aczlan]

I like these (Carry-On Trailer® S Hook, 3-3/4 in. x 6-3/4 in., Pack of 2 - Tractor Supply Co.) for single axle trailers.
The "Class 2/3" ones are rated for 5000# and have a safety latch so they dont fall off, but they have a bigger opening than a grab hook does.

Aaron Z

 

[woodchipper]

I would inquire about your local/State laws applicable to your trailer/weight application, as this does vary.
With my own experience towing a heavy trailer, and using "S" hooks at the end of the chain, It is calling for trouble if your trailer suddenly becomes disconnected from the hitch. Heavy chains and lockable slip hooks are not much more money for piece of mind. Also the attachment point on the trailer has to be equaly solid. No light gauge metal to be torn off in case of a sudden pull...

 

[aczlan]

I would inquire about your local/State laws applicable to your trailer/weight application, as this does vary.
With my own experience towing a heavy trailer, and using "S" hooks at the end of the chain, It is calling for trouble if your trailer suddenly becomes disconnected from the hitch. Heavy chains and lockable slip hooks are not much more money for piece of mind. Also the attachment point on the trailer has to be equaly solid. No light gauge metal to be torn off in case of a sudden pull...

NY requires that the chains be rated for the trailer GVW. I have two hooks rated for 5000# along with a 5000# rated chain installed on a boat trailer that MIGHT weight 2000# using a pair of the screw together links and a 7/16 grade 5 bolt (bolt goes through the tongue, links are a redundant backup around the "skid" on the underside of the tongue).
The haywagon (which weighs a lot more and doesn't have brakes) has two 5/16 g70 chains (which attach the axle to the tongue and continue to the tow vehicle) with g70 hooks. Its also not going anywhere.

Aaron Z

 

[devildog1]

All I can add is what this guy once told me in a campground was one time when he was towing and his twin axle rv lost a wheel bearing and then the other tire on same side blew. At this point he said he lost control and trailer flipped over taking his 2500HD Suburban over with it, he believes the reason trailer was attached to Suburban with heavy 3/8" chains and HD screw shackles, the reason why it flipped his rig. He said that if he had lighter S hooks trailer would have still flipped but not Suburban. In his towing rig he had his wife along with two daughters and his son, no one got seriously hurt.
DevilDog