mitch5252
NW Tennessee
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Joined: 10/18/2006
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I have read and learned a lot from the thread titled, SAW A HORRIBLE TRAVEL TRAILER ACCIDENT TONIGHT.
I started this thread in case other people new to towing, like me, don't know or understand the importance of crossing your safety chains. It might be overlooked due to the title of the thread that contains all the great information.
Here is my reply in that thread, which also contains an important question at the end:
Thank you, everyone, for this extremely helpful information! I am really new to towing, and although I cross my chains, as instructed during the "walk-through" last August, I never understood why. You all have put the fear of God in me and I will never NOT cross my chains!!
But, I have a question - how do you know the correct length of the chains to make sure they would do their job properly, if ever needed?
I'm sure this thread will help many people new to towing!
Thanks.
Regards,
Michelle
2008 Fun Finder X-160
2006 Toyota Sienna Limited
Equal-i-zer Hitch
Prodigy Brake Controller
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LarryJM
NoVa
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Joined: 11/09/2007
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mitch5252 wrote:I have read and learned a lot from the thread titled, SAW A HORRIBLE TRAVEL TRAILER ACCIDENT TONIGHT.
I started this thread in case other people new to towing, like me, don't know or understand the importance of crossing your safety chains. It might be overlooked due to the title of the thread that contains all the great information.
Here is my reply in that thread, which also contains an important question at the end:
Thank you, everyone, for this extremely helpful information! I am really new to towing, and although I cross my chains, as instructed during the "walk-through" last August, I never understood why. You all have put the fear of God in me and I will never NOT cross my chains!!
But, I have a question - how do you know the correct length of the chains to make sure they would do their job properly, if ever needed?
I'm sure this thread will help many people new to towing!
Thanks.
Regards,
Michelle
An even more important thread to read is the following on both safety chains and breakaway switches.
CLICKY
Larry
2001 standard box 7.3L E-350 PSD Van with 4.10 rear and 2007 Holiday Rambler Aluma-Lite 8306S Been RV'ing since 1974. TRAILER MODS
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coptalker
Western Colorado
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Joined: 04/20/2004
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I never cross my chains. My "chains" are actually a single chain that is attached in the middle behind the coupler. Crossing them would not change the ability of the chain to support the tongue weight in the event the hitch failed. Having them the right length, though, is pertty important.
Glen
2004 Dutchmen 27BG, Rocky Mountain Elk Edition
2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 8.1/Ally
2 boys, 12 & 14
a friendly black lab
a couple of decks of cards
a cold beer
Life is too short to sweat the small stuff.
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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If the worst mistake you ever make is not crossing your safety chains I suspect you'll have a very happy RVing experience. Yes, they SHOULD be crossed but the difference is not that great one way or the other.
2004 F-150 HD 3,050 lb. payload
Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
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roster2
Enid, Ok
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Joined: 01/07/2007
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In Oklahoma and Texas it is the law that the safety chains be crossed. Think I'm kidding, ask my brother, it cost him a $75 ticket at a check point in Gainsville, Tx. because his chains were not crossed. Petty, yes, but it is the law.
2008 Sabre by Palimino, Model 28RBFWS
2006 GMC 1500HD 6.0 4 SPD 4:10-1
Bob-USAF (Ret) Barbara-Soon to be retired
No pets, just two beautiful granddaughters
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TXcampingfamily
San Antonio, TX
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Joined: 07/04/2008
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OK I'm getting nervous. Please tell me this is a TT thing and not for 5ers. We don't have safety chains. 
Gin & Mike
2001 Jayco Qwest 265
2001 Ford F350 crewcab 4x4
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goldendagger
moving
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Joined: 08/21/2003
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crossing the chains, makes a saddle (sling) so if you do come unhitched your trailer tounge will be supported and not nose dive into the road.. and it does make a huge difference. trust me it's better to fix your bumper, jack crank, than try and pull your trailer out of the road, and staighten your tv frame...
who left the light on? is it me or are we leaning downhill. where did the dog run off to
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Kajtek1
CA
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Joined: 12/04/2002
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I lost utility trailer on the turn once. Although the road was empty and nothing serious happened, I still remember(30 years later) stupid feeling seeing it on my left in rear view mirror.
Crossing the chains is one thing, but installing quality components is another. My newly acquired 1965 Airstream trailer has single chain, slightly welded to the frame with bent hook on the end. I towed it only once, but will have to add second chain and better hooks in the future.
Pessimist sees dark tunnel, optimist sees a light at the end, realist sees lights of coming train.Engineer sees 3 idiots on the tracks.
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JTMO
Novato, CA
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Joined: 10/26/2003
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You got rid of the bus? Loved the graphics on it.
And, in CA it is the law so you will have to install a second chain and cross.
Cedar Creek 27LRLS 7359 dry with extensive options/7700+ loaded.
2003 Expedition 5.4 FX4 with factory Tow 3.73 Bilstein shocks. GCVWR 14500, Tow rating with no cargo 8650
Equalizer Hitch, Prodigy, Barker Electric jack. Coachnet ERS
Rallies=8
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bill h
el segundo
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Joined: 08/02/2001
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Never underestimate the importance of safety chains when towing a trailer. You never know what can happen.
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