Are these legal as a subtitute/replacement?

Your main concern, are the cables at least as strong as the chains, is a good one. However, when was the last time anyone had their hookups officially inspected? I never have. If you're satisfied with the cables for safety, go for it.

icanon wrote:

mowermech wrote:
According to Montana Code Annotated 61-9-208 (6) (a), any trailer over 3000 lbs GVW must have safety chains OR CABLES of not less than 1/4 inch diameter.

However, there is a "catch-all" law (MCA 61-9-504) that allows "The Department" to make such other rules as may be determined necessary for public safety.

What does YOUR state law say?

That's the thing I will be traveling all over and I want to be legal everywhere.

In that case, IMO you will have to contact the appropriate authorities in every state or province you plan to enter. I would not rely on any of the various lists of laws found on the internet. They range from slightly inaccurate to grossly inaccurate. I also would not rely on information given on this or any other forum. Many people have no idea what the law in their locality says, they only know what Joe Doaks down the street told them, but they joyously pass it on as gospel! If given a statute reference so you can read it for yourself, it is probably factual.
Good luck.

I personally would want a one or the other. I have extended chains with chains before. but it was not always my first choice. I can see a cable being a bit nicer at times. Then again, if you have multiple rigs as I do/did pulling the same trailer(s), chains can be better as you make them as long as you need for the rig with longest safety harness needs. then twist the chain to make it shorter for the rig with a smaller/shorter need.

Marty

bob213 wrote:
Maybe you could contact the mfg. and see what they say.

Great idea bon213 :)
I just sent them an email. Will post reply if I get one.

My boat (30 ft. and heavier than my trailer) came with safety cables. I assume it is legal in every state. If it's legal in Calif. it must be legal everywhere ;). Now the fact that what you are looking at are extensions might make a difference. Maybe you could contact the mfg. and see what they say.

So if cables are within my towing limits can they legally replace chains anywhere?

I see locally dump trucks with pup trailers, they ALL use cables for the safety device. I would bet most states allow one to choose, based on what is best for the application. You would need a deck of a large diameter and heavy chain vs a cable for said pup dump.trailer. hence why cables are used.

Marty

mowermech wrote:
According to Montana Code Annotated 61-9-208 (6) (a), any trailer over 3000 lbs GVW must have safety chains OR CABLES of not less than 1/4 inch diameter.

However, there is a "catch-all" law (MCA 61-9-504) that allows "The Department" to make such other rules as may be determined necessary for public safety.

What does YOUR state law say?

That's the thing I will be traveling all over and I want to be legal everywhere.

Thanks everyone for your replies.

According to Montana Code Annotated 61-9-208 (6) (a), any trailer over 3000 lbs GVW must have safety chains OR CABLES of not less than 1/4 inch diameter.

However, there is a "catch-all" law (MCA 61-9-504) that allows "The Department" to make such other rules as may be determined necessary for public safety.

What does YOUR state law say?