TOPIC: Trailer Chains

I am going to redo my chains and coupling.
The chains are currently one link coming off the front bolt on the coupling. The link attaches to the middle chain link. Hence there is no way to cross the chains since it is one chain.
I want to make it proper.
How would I do it?

On most I have re-chained I drilled a hole clear through the tube watching got the wires. I used a 1/2 inch grade 8 bolt with washers and lock washers and bolted it on. My Tee Nee had these neat brackets already. Use a heavy enough link to do the job. Don't scrimp here.

I have a small trailer that like yours has one chain. But it is long enough that I loop it through the hitch and back to the trailer and secure it with a closing quicklink. I like the quicklinks rather than a hook. Anyway this way the single chain becomes doubled. Of course it does not solve the problem of how to cross the chains.

I got a stainless steel safety chain set from West Marine and drilled mounting holes for them in the sides of my hydraulic actuator. They look great!

Frank

In Pennsylvania it is now illegal to use S hooks to hook too you tow vehicle. You have to use the large snap clips or a quick link.

a single chain bolted down through the tongue of the trailer through the center link is still acting as two chains an can still cross. chain is bolted whilst being held perpendicular to the tongue. not sure why you think they cannot be crossed?

I used quick links at the trailer and these hooks I use on the truck. They can be changed from chain to chain in seconds. I left the s hooks on for now. I don't use them.

These are the chains I got: www.amazon.com/Seasense-Stainless-Safety-16-Feet-24-Inch/dp/B001P2T6U2/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1346269973&sr=8-3-fkmr2&keywords=SeaSense+S.S.+Trailer+Safety+Chain

When it's not hooked up to the truck, I just bring the chains around and hook them to my jack. Keeps them out of the way.

I got some heavy chain from a local Hardware store and added some snap hooks with quick links - don't need stainless or galvanized in my opinion. Never had to back a trailer down into the water so far the chains got wet ?

Every non-stainless chain I have ever had on a boat trailer rusts eventually. It doesn't need to be backed all that way down in the water, or at least I have never had that experience. I like my stuff to look nice, but do whatever you like.

Thanks guys, you have given me just what I need.
I like those metal tabs on Roberts and bhamrick's trailers. I always though the bolt shouldn't go through the links, but I don't know why.

This came about after I almost got to see how good my chains really were.
My 15 year old has been rigging up the trailer and boat while I am at work so we can go out right at 4:30 til dark.
Luckily I checked his work. The coupling was clamped down over the top of the ball instead of over it.

I had taken a different trailer through inspection and it was failed because there was one chain. In CT they must be two separate attachment points. I did it exactly like Frank putting the bolt right through the links.

Ha Ha, The ramp at Crooked Creek Lake goes in so shallow the back tires on my F-150 get wet. In fact when I step out of the truck my feet get wet.