Trailer chain question...

[User113]

I don't tow much, so I'm just asking.

I did notice however that many states have a requirement similar to "Chain must have no more slack than needed for proper turning."

It seems to me, however, that dragging chains have way too much slack. Particularly in light of how close the chain holes typically are to the centerline of the towing vehicle. And it seems that on the other end they are universally attached pretty close to the centerline of the trailer. So the chains only need to be a few links longer than the longest distance from the chain hole on the towing vehicle to the attachment point on the opposite side of the trailer at maximum articulation. If you're doing off-road towing, maybe a couple extra links. If your chains are hanging more than a few link lengths below the trailer tongue, they are probably too long.

Am I missing something?

 

[Topzide]

After you cross the chains to keep tongue from digging into the road, you need to make sure that they don't bind up and then if you have a WD hitch, you'll need more links. That's what's so slick about the chain holder. Takes the slack up off the road but will stretch the hooks if something goes south! May make up one with the scrap laying around. The DOT guys around here wish I'd hold a class for all the landscapers to attend. They crack down on them pretty hard around me. If you're driving a 250, 2500 of higher and have a dual axle trailer, be prepared to get some attention from them. I've got all my boxes check and then some! Plenty of lighting and DOT tape of tongue and back corners. I want to look like a Christmas tree going down the road at night! Gotta love LED lights, low amp load for light output!