How To Move The Safety Chain Closer To The Front Of The Travel Trailer Tongue

Question:

I have a 2018 Jayco Jay Flight 21QB travel trailer. The safety chains are mounted on the bottom of the tongue - both chains with one U-shaped steel rod welded to he bottom of the tongue tip, directly below the hitch. I use a 10,000 pound rated equalizer hitch system. When parking the trailer where the truck needs to be more about 10° from straight, the casting on the hitch hangs on the safety chain bracket below. I want to move the mounting position. I would prefer a bolt-on bracket, but if that is not available, I am looking at the forged steel mounting bracket that you are offering. Questions: 1. is there a bolt-on bracket available for my 6,500# trailer? This is my preference, if available. 2. Is there an instruction available for the weld-on brackets? I am aware that they need to be mounted forward on the tongue, but I want to know if there is any particular orientation that the brackets need to be.

asked by: George F

Expert Reply:

It is possible that the Curt Trailer Safety Chain Holder Bracket - 2" Shank # C68CR could help. This is not a safety chain anchor point, but more of a guide/holder that fits onto 2" shanks and requires no welding or drilling. If that won't work for you then your other option is to weld-on an anchor, such as Buyers Products Weld-On Safety Chain Retainer For 3/8" Chain # 3375471001. These retainers are rated for up to 25,000lbs and can be mounted on the frame or tongue of the trailer. Buyers Products does not state any particular orientation, but I would just move them up to give you enough room.

I am not sure if this would solve your problem, but you could look into just swapping the chain for a longer one so that you don't have to go through the trouble of welding on new anchors. Tow Ready Safety Chain Kit with Clevis Hooks - 44" Long - 16,000 lbs - Qty 2 # 49150 may work for you; I also attached a link to other safety chains for you to look at.

expert reply by: Andrew N