Don't Tighten Chains Too Much

[Huck]

I thought the chain seemed to be hanging too low, so I attached the quick link 1 link tighter than I usually do. Just a short drive was enough to bend one of the quick links.

I couldn't budge it by hand and had to use pliers and vice grips to loosen it. The quick link was bent just enough that the chain couldn't fit through the opening. Fortunately, I was at home and got a crowbar and used it to pry the link open a little more.


Lowes has quick links!!

[jwcolby123]

Originally Posted by Huck

I thought the chain seemed to be hanging too low, so I attached the quick link 1 link tighter than I usually do. Just a short drive was enough to bend one of the quick links.

I couldn't budge it by hand and had to use pliers and vice grips to loosen it. The quick link was bent just enough that the chain couldn't fit through the opening. Fortunately, I was at home and got a crowbar and used it to pry the link open a little more.


Lowes has quick links!!

LOL, the chains are supposed to have slack. If they are not sparking on the pavement they are fine!

[alan H]

And crossed

[WaltP]

When you buy quick links be careful to check their load rating. Make sure each one can handle the full weight of your trailer. There are lots out there not made to handle heavy loads.


Walt

[schrome]

One way to remedy loose safety chains is to simply twist them to shorten them.

[WaltP]

Originally Posted by schrome

One way to remedy loose safety chains is to simply twist them to shorten them.

I've seen several warnings over the years not to twist them. I don't recall ever seeing an explanation.

Okay, I googled it. The explanation I saw was that it weakens them but it's a very minor effect, like 5%

Walt

[floyd]

Just use a small bungee at about the middle to keep the chains under control. They will hold them neatly in place without interfering with needed movement.

[Yellow Boler]

I got to use my chains one time when the hitch wasn't quite in the ball after forgetting to put the jack back up. I drove a few feet and the jack pushed the hitch up the ball when it made contact with the cement. I put the jack back up not realizing this and continued on. As I was driving on a bumpy road in my neighborhood all of a sudden there was this scraping noise and my trailer was nose down. Preparing for the worst I got out to see what happened. Has the frame broken? I wondered. And there it was hitch down on the pavement with only a few scratches. Luckily there was a guy nearby who helped me lift the hitch back onto the ball. And I continued on my camping trip. Never made that mistake again.