Safety chain theory/practice

[flathead6]

Whats the design theory of a safety chain for a gooseneck - other than the obvious? I mean if the ball or neck fails, the chain keeps the towed trailer connected to the tow vehicle right? (Do fifth wheels have them?)



In practice, does this create a bigger hazard or a safe solution? Those of you with this unfortunate experience, does a disconnected trailer at speed, dangling behind the cab on a piece of chain make the crisis situation better or worse?



While a runaway trailer can pose a definate danger, it seems that having it loosly attached by way of a chain would be just as hazardous? I've felt the whipping action of a tag along trailer when wind or roads cause it to act up, I can only imagine the additional effect only a length of chain instead of a "solid" connection would create.



Just trying to think through the "worst case scenario". I see a lot of farmers with old trucks that just loop the chain over the ball or leave it off entirely.



I figure this is probably a law but was wondering if it was based in fact or not.



Thanks for any feedback,

KRB

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

Well I have a fifth wheel, and the is no chain. Just the breakaway controller and the kingpin. Do not recall ever seeing a fifth wheel with one. I do not see many goosenecks, so I cant help much there.

 

[RustyJC]

Generally, with a ball-type hitch (conventional "bumper-pull" or gooseneck), safety chains are used. With what is considered a positive locking hitch (such as the jaw/kingpin arrangement of a 5th wheel), safety chains are not required. I'm not saying that's right - it's just the way it is.



Rusty

 

[Mhannink]

i belive that like stated above a chain is requierd by law on all ball hitches however the 5th wheel hitch soposedly can't come off when properly put on so no chains are needed

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Couple years ago I was pulling a wire trailer, not sure of trailer weight, with three full reels of 750AL primary underground on it. Each reel weighs appr. 8k pounds. I was driving a tandem axle boom truck that weighed 47k pounds. While going down a two lane road about 55 mph, the hitch cracked and the trailer fell to the chains. The trailer pulled the truck into oncoming traffic. I corrected it back to the right side, but it then pulled me into the ditch where I stopped.



After this experience, I can see how the chains are a good thing. If I hadn't of had them, the trailer would have gone freely into oncoming traffic without a way to stop it.

 

[Dkuhlman]

I've had chains catch a couple of trailers over the years. I always cross mine under the trailer tongue and try to make sure they can catch the load but not be so short they will bind. Wouldn't operarate a non-5ver/gooseneck without them!

 

[DCaswell]

The reason for the chains is to keep the unit attached to the tow vehicle in the event of a hitch failure. Your safety is not the main reason but the safety of others on the road who should not have to suffer from your equipment failure. With a goose if the ball fails you can keep the trailer head in the box as you slow down. Might beat up your truck pretty bad & scare hell out of you but the trailer will at least be somewhat contained.

 

[TRCM]

The reason for the chains is to keep the unit attached to the tow vehicle in the event of a hitch failure. Your safety is not the main reason but the safety of others on the road who should not have to suffer from your equipment failure. With a goose if the ball fails you can keep the trailer head in the box as you slow down. Might beat up your truck pretty bad & scare hell out of you but the trailer will at least be somewhat contained.

This is why I have the emergency brake actuator for my trailer long enough that it won't actuate the trailer brakes unless the trailer is clear of the truck. I have a better chance of stopping it in the event of hitch failure with the tongue/trailer head still in the box. if the trailer brakes engage, it will rip right out of the bed and I will have no control over it anymore.



Why isn't a gosseneck considered a positive lock ? I know on mine, unless the lock pin breaks and allows the lock plate to shift, it can not come loose.

 

[Todd T]

After this experience, I can see how the chains are a good thing. If I hadn't of had them, the trailer would have gone freely into oncoming traffic without a way to stop it.

And because its a law to have them you would have been cited and liable.



I had a small 21' boat come off the ball once and the chains were the only thing that kept it from being a totaled wreck. I slowly stopped and pulled over with no damage to anything. (other than my pride)



keep in mind you still have electric brake control, so the chains would become taught and you should be able to steer to the shoulder if done correctly.

 

[Hoefler]

I worked a wreck where the Gooseneck trailer came off the ball and ran into the path of a Propane truck. No chains were used, they were cut off by the owner. No break-way switch either. The front corner of the trailer went through the windshield of the drivers side of the truck, crushing the shoulder of the driver and hitting him in the head. He spent several months in the hospital and still going to physical therapy. This wreck happened 4 years ago next month. I have work many wrecks were the chains were not used or even there. I have seen a couple incidents where the chains prevented a catastrophe.

 

[flathead6]

Thats what I was wanting to know - If the chains help or hinder. I figured that a loose gooseneck would make the problem worse but it sounds like it is still a controlled situation and can be managed. Thanks.



Several said it is the "law", is that federal I assume?



Thanks again for the feedback,

KRB