Towing chains too short

[Off Rez]

I've a new hitch and the chains are too short. How do you extend them about 6 inches to a foot for an 8000lb trailer?

[bikendan]

It might help if you posted what brand and model WDH you have.

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[flyflotrtim]

Originally Posted by Off Rez

I've a new hitch and the chains are too short. How do you extend them about 6 inches to a foot for an 8000lb trailer?

If they are indeed too short, I would be more comfortable replacing rather than extending them.

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by Off Rez

. How do you extend them about 6 inches to a foot for an 8000lb trailer?

You need new chains of the proper length for the strength.

[aircommuter]

https://e-rigging.com/products/grade...39745679523913

[llr]

Originally Posted by aircommuter

https://e-rigging.com/products/grade...39745679523913

This is like what I used. You remove the hooks, join the chains then put the hooks on the end. Not difficult.

[BriaBeck]

All you need is a chain stretcher!

[DocP]

Originally Posted by Off Rez

I've a new hitch and the chains are too short. How do you extend them about 6 inches to a foot for an 8000lb trailer?

There are a variety of safety chain extension cables available. Back when I had a travel trailer, I used something similar to this and it worked out well:


https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Safet...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

[Off Rez]

I was looking at those cable extensions, so it's nice to know someone has used something similar. Here's what I'm dealing with. For a Weigh Safe True Tow hitch.Attachment 286109

[llr]

Just remove the hook and use the cable extenders or the coupler and another piece of chain, then put the hooks on the end.

To remove the hook you just need to remove the cotter key from the pin, then slide the pin out. Reverse to replace the hooks, you may need ne cotter keys but if there is no cracking they are ok.

[aircommuter]

It may also depend if you can get the length you need without making them too long and if you have a way to cut the chain. If not then you can just buy the pieces cut at a supplier for your needs.

[itat]

Hopefully there is a metal tag on the existing chains that’ll tell you what grade your chains are. They are probably Grade 43. I just bought a Weigh Safe WDH for the new TT we have on order and it will require extending the chains so I bought Grade 70 - 5/16” chain to be sure it’s plenty strong enough. I’ll use a Grade 70 double clevis coupler to connect the two chains.

[Off Rez]

The tag fell off a while ago.

[aircommuter]

Section § 393.70: Coupling devices and towing methods, except for driveaway-towaway operations.

Guidance Q&A
Question 2: When two safety chains are used, must the ultimate combined breaking strength of each chain be equal to the gross weight of the towed vehicle(s) or would the requirements be met if the combined breaking strength of the two chains is equal to the gross weight of the towed vehicle(s)?

Guidance: If the ultimate combined breaking strength of the two chains is equal to the gross weight of the towed vehicle(s), the requirements of § 393.70(d) are satisfied. It should be noted that some States may have more stringent requirements for safety chains.

[Backcountryboondocker]

https://www.amazon.com/Curt-Manufact...1875234&sr=8-8

Just get a couple of these and use them to connect the old chain to a section of new chain to extend the length of the overall chain.

[Believer45]

Originally Posted by Backcountryboondocker

https://www.amazon.com/Curt-Manufact...1875234&sr=8-8

Just get a couple of these and use them to connect the old chain to a section of new chain to extend the length of the overall chain.

That is what I did on mine. As near as I can tell in Ohio they want each chain breaking strength (not the working load) to equal or exceed GVWR of the trailer. The chain and this quick link both meet that requirement. I did crank hard on the threaded "nut" to make sure it would not come loose and I do check the quick links every time I hook up and at each walk-around en route.



Dave / Believer45

[aircommuter]

Originally Posted by Backcountryboondocker

https://www.amazon.com/Curt-Manufact...1875234&sr=8-8

Just get a couple of these and use them to connect the old chain to a section of new chain to extend the length of the overall chain.

Those are almost twice price as the ones mentioned above.

[Backcountryboondocker]

Originally Posted by aircommuter

Those are almost twice price as the ones mentioned above.

https://www.amazon.com/Curt-Manufact...%2C336&sr=8-13

And these ones are cheaper than the ones you showed. Things like connecting links are not hard to find in any size or design or price that you want. It just depends on what your preference is and what is the best thing for your application. And the amazon links are just for reference. Tractor Supply has them for cheaper.

[Chuck_S]

Geez, guys, these are $3 items and we're price shopping?

-- Chuck

[Off Rez]

As always, a wealth of good info. Thank you all.