Emergency chains

B.O. Plenty wrote:
I just gather mine up until they are short enough and put a Zip Tie through the links to hold them together. If the were ever needed the Zip Tie would break and the chains could do their job..

B.O.

I also do this. Works great.

I just gather mine up until they are short enough and put a Zip Tie through the links to hold them together. If the were ever needed the Zip Tie would break and the chains could do their job..

B.O.

My chains are just twisted a few times until they are short enough.

You won't be able to find a "coiled cable" in the strength needed for safety chain replacement. The type and diameter of the cable required preclude coiling. Also, by the time you have the required number of thimbles, clamps, and such purchased, good quality chain be will be much less cost.

You can also twist the chain to make it a bit shorter so it does not drag.

I would not go to a cable from a chain. The cables will suffer more from rust and corrosion more than a chain will and you cannot see the inside corrosion on a cable.

Paul

Why didn't you shorten the chain and add clevis hooks to keep the chains off of the ground?

Personally, for those heavy trailers, I prefer chains.

I went to Tractor Supply and got the highest rated clevis hooks with clips that I could fit on my Receivers safety loops. I think they were each rated at 8 or 12k lbs. My trailer had a GVWR of something like 7,700 lbs or so.

Good luck with the cables though.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

mhardin wrote:
Check your state laws to see if a cable is legal. I'm not positive, but I think my state law specifies chain.

X2. Check with your State DMV. They should provide the information you seek.

What is real important is the grade of chain. It is like bolts. They can be the same size, but the grade of material makes a huge difference for the strength that they provide. I also stick weld them onto the frame for assured strength.

I would use Grade 70 3/8" chain.

http://www.nacm.info/Downloads/NACM%20_Welded_Specs.pdf

mhardin wrote:
Check your state laws to see if a cable is legal. I'm not positive, but I think my state law specifies chain.

There must be some spec behind what size of chain needs to be used. Mine has a tag on one of them with something stamped into it. Never looked at it but looks like it should not be removed.

Check your state laws to see if a cable is legal. I'm not positive, but I think my state law specifies chain.