Order my parents a pair of safety chains and mounts for there new fifth wheel. Chains rated 20,000 lbs +, mounts 18,000 lbsWhat would be the best way to mount the chains to the trailer hitch?I haven't found quick links rated over 3,000-4,000 lbs.I was thinking about using high grade bolts and washers.Any ideas?Thank you for your time

I thought when they broke loose you guys just caught them with your tail-gate? ;)

Leichardti wrote:Order my parents a pair of safety chains and mounts for there new fifth wheel. Chains rated 20,000 lbs +, mounts 18,000 lbsWhat would be the best way to mount the chains to the trailer hitch?I haven't found quick links rated over 3,000-4,000 lbs.I was thinking about using high grade bolts and washers.Any ideas?Thank you for your timeIf you're using a standard fifth wheel hitch, safety chains aren't needed. Only if you're using a gooseneck adapter are they needed. I've seen people replace the pin box bolts with longer ones, then put a steel strap under the bolt and attach the chain to that. I believe that the Anderson hitches come with chains and, if so, =should= have instructions or a kit, to attach them to the pin box.Lyle

Safety chains are required for FIFTH WHEELS in your state? That's a new one on me - normally, they are only required for ball hitches (gooseneck and conventional bumper-pull type hitches) in the RVing world.Can't help you - I've never used safety chains on a 5th wheel hitch (there's a reason that the 5th wheel hitch manufacturers don't make a provision for them.)Rusty

5th wheels do not need safety chains. I am getting my "fifth" 5th wheel Tomorrow and in over 70,000 miles of towing have never had a problem. Also to connect of disconnect the chains you probably would have to crawl into the truck box and that would be a pain. Then there would be toe problem of chains catching on something. If you are worried about trailer coming unhooked because it was not hooked up correct. I just raise my landing jacks about an inch and put truck in drive, so if it is not hitched up right it will do no damage to box. Also if you are worried about it coming out of the hitch because it is not connected up right, safety chains would not prevent damage to truck.

Another vote saying that a standard fifth wheel hitch has no provision for adding chains.My son uses a Reese goose neck adapter on his standard Reese rails when pulling a nine ton (construction) dump trailer. That setup came with chains from the factory since it is a ball/socket connection.

Best way to mount safety chains? | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

Me_Again
Explorer III
Apr 17, 2015
Lets see there was a thread about SD and Nebraska requiring them. Chris
Water-Bug
Explorer II
Apr 17, 2015
If my 5er breakes loose, I don't want it dragging my TV and family into the ditch. If it's loose and the breakaway brakes don't stop it, my TV won't stop it either.
Leichardti
Explorer III
Apr 17, 2015
Thanks for the info. I'll put the chains on my toy hauler that isn't a Fifth wheel.
restlesswind
Explorer
Apr 17, 2015
Fivers have the emergency brake that activates if the trailer accidently disconnects from the tow vehicle while being towed.

I'm thinking that to OPs parents probably know about the breakaway switch and will be wondering what to do with those brand new safety chains.

To the OP....Send 'em back and use the money to get some camping gear for your parents. It was a nice thought though to be thinking of your parents safety.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Apr 16, 2015
Dtank wrote:
Old-Biscuit wrote:

YOUR bumper pull requires them.

Your FOLKS 5vr doesn't.

Return chains/mounts for refund.

BTB.....

Believe the Biscuit...;)

.

BTB :E

I've become a text lexicon

which is very ironic because I don't text
wandering1
Explorer
Apr 16, 2015
Not needed or required for 5th wheels. Sounds like you got ripped off.
kennethwooster
Explorer
Apr 16, 2015
I love the fact we don't need the chains. That would be a something extra for a short man to try and get into the bed to hook up. Do a pull test, and you will know if you are connected or not.
Dtank
Explorer
Apr 16, 2015
Old-Biscuit wrote:

YOUR bumper pull requires them.

Your FOLKS 5vr doesn't.

Return chains/mounts for refund.

BTB.....

Believe the Biscuit...;)

.
RedRam
Explorer
Apr 16, 2015
Maybe that's why I still love my V gate :B
MFL
Nomad II
Apr 16, 2015
ScottG wrote:
I thought when they broke loose you guys just caught them with your tail-gate? ;)

Good answer Scott! That is why V-gates are not so popular anymore, they have no catch ability.:B