Recommended Safety Chains for 500 lbs Boat Trailer

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Question:

I need help choosing the correct safety chain for my application. I was considering class 2 but it may be overkill for my application. My coupler is Class one, my trailer is only 140 lbs. or so, my boat a 14foot aluminum v-style Sea Nymph Big Water 2-3 hundred lbs. and has a trolling motor and 25 hp Mercury outboard with a single battery at present. I was considering using quick links on the trailer end, however 3/8inch s-hooks with retainer clips should likely work fine on the trailer end also and give easier flexibility to remove chains when not in use. I will recheck but am somewhat uncertain as to the exact length of each of two safety chain will be needed. I doubt over 2-3 max each given they connect to a bracket on the end of the coupler away from the ball end and then to either a hitch I may be purchasing #75038 or to the bottom of the truck frame or bumper below the ball on the truck or bumper itself. Your prompt assistance on this is appreciated so I can plan my purchase accordingly with your expert opinions or suggestions.

asked by: Dave

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Expert Reply:

For a 500 lbs boat trailer I recommend a 27 inch long chain rated at 5K, part # 2118-605-04. For a 48 inch chain with the same capacity, use part # 2118-348-04.

One way to determine the length you will need is to connect your trailer to your tow vehicle, back your trailer up into a near jack-knife position and then use a rope to go from the safety chain attachment points of your trailer to your tow vehicle. Then measure the length of rope used and that will be the correct length of chain to use.

Safety chains will usually bolt or be welded to the trailer tongue.

With safety chains you will also want to cross them underneath the coupler that way if the coupler was to become disconnected the trailer would land where the chains intersect and it would catch the coupler instead of just dragging it.

expert reply by: Chris O

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Answer 1

The Fulton Fold-Away Hinge Kit, item #FHDPB230101, is designed for bolt-on installation. If you need a weld on kit, you would use the Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit, Weld On, item #FHDPW230300, for your application. To install either of these…

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Answer 2

I definitely understand how safety chain capacities and determining exactly what chain rating you need for your trailer can be a bit confusing. To keep it as simple as possible, safety chain requirements state that the breaking strength of EACH…

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Answer 3

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 4

If you take a look at the linked diagram you can see the minimum recommended clearance distances between truck and trailer for 5th wheel towing. It is recommended to have at least 5-inches from the top of the bed rails to the bottom of the trailer…

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Answer 5

Oddly enough I can't find a decent u-bolt that we carry that would work well for your application.

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Answer 6

I have a solution for you but the part #CE10190GA-4 is not available in a half kit so what you would want is the part #CE10190GA with the swivel bracket part #CE10206G. We don't have the bolt and nut though so you would need to supply that…

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Answer 7

The overall length of the Fulton hinge kit part #FHDPW330300 is 7-1/2 inches. You should note that since this slips over the frame channels it does not add this length to the tongue of the trailer.

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Recommended Safety Chains for 500 lbs Boat Trailer

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