Are Safety Chains Required When Towing a Trailer or is the Hitch Ball and Trailer Coupler Enough
Question:
Is it safe to tow a 4 x 8 trailer with a simple ball hitch such as C40004? Would one need chains as well?
asked by: Susan B
Expert Reply:
When towing a trailer, you will always need safety chains or cables as required by law. This is so if the trailer coupler pops off the ball on your step bumper for some reason, it is still connected to the tow vehicle via the safety chains or cables until you can stop and remedy the problem.
I recommend getting a couple of 27 inch Long Safety Chains with 11/16 inch Hook, # 2118-605-04. With these chains installed, you will not have to worry about losing your trailer or getting a ticket!
I have included a helpful FAQ article on towing a trailer.
Products Referenced in This Question
Laclede 27" Long Trailer Safety Chain w/ 7/16" Hook - 1,250 lbs Weight Capacity - Qty 1
- Trailer Safety Chains
- Safety Chains
- Towing a Trailer
- 27 Inch Long
- 5000 lbs
- Single Chain
- S-Hooks
- Standard Chains
- Laclede Chain
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 6,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Magnetic LED Tow Light Kit - Weatherproof - Red Lens - 20' Wiring Harness - Qty 2
- Shop: Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Light Set - Incandescent - 30' Harness
- Shop: Magnetic Tow Lights - Red LEDs - 4-Way Flat Connectors - 20' Long Harness
- Shop: Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Search Results: magnetic tow lights
- Shop: Hopkins Magnetic Tow Lights - Red LEDs - 4-Way Flat Connector - Wireless
- Search Results: lights
- Search Results: tow lights
- Search Results: led tow lights
- Search Results: tll21rk
- Search Results: curt lights
- Video: Optronics Tow Bar Wiring - Bypasses Vehicle Wiring - TLL21RK Review
- Video: Review of Peterson Tow Bar Wiring - Bypasses Vehicle Wiring - PE26UR
- Video: Review of Peterson Trailer Lights - Stop Turn Tail License Plate LED Light - PE27RV
- Video: Peterson 4-Way Flat Red LED Magnetic Tow Lights Review
- Shop: Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Rear Cargo Fat Basket for Bikes - Swagman Fat Basket
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Search Results: 44649
- Q&A: Can Hydraulic Brakes of Demco Tow Dolly be Converted to Electric Brakes
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Q&A: Adding Brakes to a Mobile Home Axle
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect Installation - 2020 GMC Sierra 1500