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Topic: newbie question re trailer hitch chains

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brickiemum

04/3/2013 at 8:32pm
Location: Glasgow
Outfit: Vango Monte Verde 900

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Hi, just upgraded our silly little camping trailer for something a bit bigger and brand new (it's more or less 5x3) Now for the silly newbie question..... hitch safety chains....what do I do? The trailer comes with a chain attached with a sturdy bolt to the underside of the trailer tongue/draw bar. There are no hooks/clips on the end of the chain. What should I be looking to add to the ends and where on my car should these be attached to. Also how tight (or how much slack) should there be...should they keep the prong bit underneath the hitch clear of the ground should the trailer separate?

brickiemum

04/3/2013 at 8:35pm
Location: Glasgow
Outfit: Vango Monte Verde 900

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ooh, thanks in advance btw

Phil Ness

04/3/2013 at 8:39pm
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The chain is there to prevent the trailer hitch hitting the floor if it becomes detached. If there are no fittings a bolt through the links or a D shackle should be placed in the chain so to make a loop, short enough to work if needed but so as not to obstruct the normal operation of the trailer. As to where to fasten it most people loop it over the ball on the hitch.

brickiemum

04/3/2013 at 8:51pm
Location: Glasgow
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so join the two free ends of chain together (the midpoint is attached to the tongue) and then just loop it over the towball?

Phil Ness

04/3/2013 at 10:35pm
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Basically yes. I would hitch up the trailer and see how the chain reaches. You might just need to join the ends or perhaps a link or two in. Alternatively could you unscrew the mid point and connect the two ends with the bolt forming a loop that way?

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