How Are Safety Chains Rated
Question:
I have a question about tow safety chains. I thjink I read in several places that I should use saftey chains which are ratedinch at 2x the GTW. On your pages - if I see a chain which says say 5,400 lbs - is that the rated capacity, and thus that would only be enough for a 2,700 lbs trailer, or is that chain already doubled and thus it would be for a 5,400 lbs trailer? If I understand right for a totally flexible class III hook up I should have 7000 lbs rated chains?
asked by: Bart M
Expert Reply:
Safety chains come in a variety of classes: Class I (2,000 pounds gross trailer weight or GTW), Class II (3500 pounds GTW), Class III (5,000 pounds GTW), etc.
It is important that the capacity of the chains exceed your GTW, the weight of the loaded trailer.
I think the 5,400 pounds you are referring to is the chain's Working Load Limit, which is about 1/3 of a chain's break strength. Safety chain requirements state that the breaking strength of each chain should be equal to or exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or GVWR of the trailer.
A Class III hitch is rated for a maximum gross trailer weight of 5,000 pounds. So you will want safety chains rated as high or higher than the hitch capacity, such as safety chains # 1483-535-04, which have a working load limit of 5,400 pounds.
![Chris O](https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/catg/people/632_tn.jpg)
Products Referenced in This Question
Laclede 35" Long Trailer Safety Chain w/ Clevis Slip Hook - 5,400 lbs Weight Capacity - Qty 1
- Trailer Safety Chains
- Safety Chains
- Towing a Trailer
- 35 Inch Long
- 5400 lbs
- Single Chain
- Clevis Hooks
- Standard Chains
- Laclede Chain
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: How to Choose Correct Capacity for Trailer Safety Chains
- Shop: Height Adjustment Kit for MORryde RV Cargo Sliding Trays
- Shop: MORryde RV Cargo Sliding Tray - 90" x 20" - 2 Way Slide - 60 Percent Extension - 800 lbs
- Search Results: 145 inch rims
- Search Results: keel roller bracket
- Search Results: boat winches
- Shop: Yates Keel Roller for Boat Trailers - TPR - 10" Long - 5/8" Shaft
- Q&A: Do Boat Trailer Keel Rollers Need to Support Full Weight of Boat
- Search Results: keel support
- Search Results: safety chain mounting bracket
- Shop: Roller Shaft with Pal Nuts for Boat Trailer Rollers - Zinc-Plated Steel - 11" x 5/8"
- Shop: CE Smith Keel Roller for Boat Trailers - Self Centering - PVC - 12" - 5/8" Shaft - Amber
- Shop: Castle Rock ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D
- Shop: Castle Rock ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 15" Silver Mod Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2 - Load Range D
- Q&A: Mounting Points For Buyers Products 3/8" Trailer Safety Chains
- Q&A: What Trailer Safety Chain Will Work For My 10,000 Pound Capacity Trailer
- Search Results: safety chains
- Video: MORryde Safe-T-Rail Telescoping RV Hand Rail Review
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: 1980a~ss
- Video: Laclede Chain Safety Chains and Cables - Safety Chains - 1483-535-04 Review
- Q&A: Size and Type Bolts Required to Install Demco A-Frame Trailer Coupler with Hole for Trailer Jack
- Video: Draw-Tite Safety Chain with Clevis Hook Review
- Q&A: Can a Trailer Grease Seal Be Pressed In Too Far Beyond Flush
- Q&A: Hardware Kit For A Demco Cast Head Coupler.
- Article: Printable Trailer Bolt Hole Pattern Template
- Video: Titan Chain Safety Chains and Cables - Safety Chains - TCTSCG30-730-04X1 Review
- Video: Titan Safety Chain with S-Hook and Latch Review
- Article: 7 Common Questions Everyone Has About Trailer Tires
- Video: Titan Chain Safety Chains and Cables - Safety Chains - TCTSCG30-5548-04X2 Review