How to Use Safety Chains Effectively With a Trailer

The benefits of a trailer are truly endless, allowing us to transport large volumes in all conditions with the added functionality of attaching to all kinds of vehicles seamlessly. With that said, there is a list of things that you should and should not do to ensure the safety of your trailer, many of which may initially be overlooked by those looking into trailers for the first time.

Chains are a common accessory for trailer owners, as they can effectively keep items in place in the back of the trailer and reduce the risk of solid items or debris escaping. If you haven’t added a chain to your trailer yet, here is how to use safety chains effectively with a trailer.

Do safety chains work?

Not only do safety chains work, but they are an essential part of trailer ownership. Securing your trailer to your vehicle with safety chains will allow for greater control, which is critical when you are working with a trailer. Many seasoned trailer users will view safety chains as that added layer of protection in the unlikely event that your coupler or ball fails. Safety chains belong in every trailer kit, especially when there is rough terrain or locations where vehicle support is limited.

How should safety chains be used with a trailer hitch?

Another advantage to using safety chains is just how easy they are. What you want to do is attach the safety chains from your trailer and then to your vehicle. Ensure that the chains make a cross underneath the trailer tongue in an X shape. This is essential as the cross formation is going to catch the trailer’s tongue in the unlikely event that the vehicle and the trailer disconnect for one reason or another. Think of the crossed safety chains as a protective cradle that will spring into action and keep the vehicle and trailer connected. If you are about to buy safety chains, remember that you need two, and you are creating that X shape with two chains and not one.

How tight should trailer safety chains be?

Here at Big Man Trailers, when customers ask how safety chains should be used with a trailer hitch, the follow-up question is typically about how tight those chains should be. Once you do this once, you will know how to do it every time. The safety train should not be slack, although you do not want it to be too tight either. 

Leave enough time to get confident in attaching your safety chains. Many will position the chains in a “Jack-Knifed” position, with the chain extended to the furthest points of connection. This gives you the peace of mind in knowing that your safety chains can and will be able to stay connected if the trailer and vehicle were to get in that “Jack-Knifed” position. If your chains are dragging when you are driving, then there is too much slack, and you will need to re-attempt.

What size safety chain do I need for my trailer?

While the need for safety chains is the same for every trailer, and so is how you attach them, the size of the safety chains you require is going to vary. Fortunately, there is no guesswork involved at all, and you can simply choose your safety chains based on the maximum gross mass of the trailer. All safety chains should have a hard-to-miss stamp with the chain’s mass capacity. There will also be the manufacturer’s identification and a four-digit number. If you cannot see all of these details on your safety chains, it is advised that you do not use them as they are not standard safety chains. Any old chains lying around the house are not substituted for trailer safety chains.

Big Man Trailers can assist you in finding the right safety chains for your chosen trailer, so you can have peace of mind when you are out on the road. The numbers you want to be looking out for are the millimetre thickness of the chain and the load rating. For example, 10mm and 2.5tonnes might be the right safety chain for your trailer.

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Big Man Trailers is your one-stop shop for all your trailer needs, and that includes trailer accessories and safety chains. Place your order today, contact us through our simple online form, or give our friendly team a call on 03 9555 9943 to enquire about the right product for your trailer needs.