Safety chain that loops on ball?

[zing]

Picked up a used livestock trailer. When I asked the seller about hooking on the safety chain he said it just loops in front of the ball. Initially it seemed like a good idea but the more I've thought about it I don't like the idea of it. Big enough bump that causes the ball to unhook could pop the chain off, also if the ball were to break you'd be screwed. Any recommendations on what do with it? Do I use the looped chain at all? Or cut it off and just put some traditional chains on?

Here's a picture, the other side looks just like this side.

Your instincts are right, that is not safe for exactly the reasons you and others have listed. In addition, it is not going to be legal in most places since that looped chain only counts as one chain. If it breaks anywhere, both sides are gone, plus you can't cross it under to cradle the tongue. Most places require two chains in case the first big jerk breaks one chain hopefully the second chain will hang on until you get it stopped. I would say just cut it at one side and use that as one chain, and add another chain to the other side. Add an attachment snap/hook/shackle to the end of each and you are good to go.

Some others have said the weld might not be legal, so you may want to look at the rules in your area regarding that.

 

[schmism]

schmism - so the way the chains were attached to the trailer was not adequate - right? OR the chains were not heavy enough??

snapped the first link (closest to the trailer) on one side, and broke it off the trailer on the other. 5/16 chain.