Safety Chains

[204 Escape]

To cross them, or NOT to cross them.

My buddy does NOT cross them at the hitch. I do. He says I am wrong, .......... I disagree.

OPINIONS please.

AFTER posting this, the topics that showed up below, pretty much settled my question. I will CONTINUE to cross my chans.

HOWEVER, my EZ Loader trailer safety chains are mfg. with a recoil (lack of better term) design in them. Will this hurt anything by crossing them ??

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Safety Chains

I was taught to cross them. if the hitch pops off the ball you have a chance of having the chains catch it instead of it hitting the ground.

 

[JB]

Re: Safety Chains

What Shizzy said. Make a cradle to catch the tongue if the hitch comes off.

 

[kaferhaus]

Re: Safety Chains

No matter how you do it the trailer is still gonna beat the crap out of your tow vehicle as soon as you try to stop... Unless you can quickly find a steep hill to roll up and stop on.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Safety Chains

but stopping is going to be a little eaiser without the tongue dragging on the ground.

240, im curious as to why your friend says you are wrong.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Safety Chains

This should settle that disagreement. The instructions are from the Shorelander Trailer Owners Manual.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Safety Chains

It will also tow straight behind the truck and not weave back and forth if they are crossed.

I learned this while learning how to tow cars on a wheel lift behind a flat bed / roll off tow truck.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Safety Chains

First of all, my buddy, is an "authority" on everything. (Know what I mean??)

He says that if the chains are crossed they will, "Hang up/bind up" when turning. I told him NOT if theyare the proper length, to start with.

He hauls a 24' boat, and drives like an idiot. Brake settings are B A D on his trailer, and he drags them (the tires), when he comes to a stop. I refuse to follow him to the lake, and if I do, I stay W A Y back, because I can just see him losing a tire, or something, and I do NOT want to eat his boat, just because I am behind him !!!!!!!!!!

He also says that because "my" chains have a recoil, that isn't safe.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Safety Chains

Yeah but if it were not for the experts the boat ramp wouldn't be such a fun place to hang out.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Safety Chains

Yeah but if it were not for the experts the boat ramp wouldn't be such a fun place to hang out.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Safety Chains

You also should have a safety chain permenently attached to the trailer to run up to the bow eye in case of an accident it will help keep your boat in place on the trailer.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Safety Chains

That is right, the ramps are VERY enteraining !!!!!!!!!!

He also drives his bat "w"recklessly, and takes it throough areas that mine, will NEVER go.

He disregards the bouys, etc. I've told him, and I've given him the state manuels, with areas highlighted, but he pays no attention.

My family refuses to ride with him. Matter of fact, they are scared of him!!!

As, am I.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Safety Chains

Some states (like New York) it the law. To cross them.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Safety Chains

Yeah that's how I feel about riding with my brother.

It was real bad in his jet boat even with his big *** 41' Velocity he scares me.

If your scary around the dock you can get real scary throttled up in the 80's.

I guess you just have to remember that if something uncomfortable it might be for a reason and stay clear.

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: Safety Chains

Having recently replaced mine I was informed that "crossing" is the law in Minnesota.