Safety Tow Chain Question

Huntindog wrote:

KD4UPL wrote:
You've got it. Safety chains are supposed to be crossed. If the tongue comes unhitched it will theoretically fall into the "cradle" made by the crossed chains and not hit the pavement. In reality, on most trailers, this probably wouldn't happen. I think some states have this as an actual law.

This horse has been flogged here before...

On many TTs the chains originate from the same point on the tongue. Right under the ball..
I even have seen one that had one long chain that served as both chains.. It was simply run around a short piece of rebar welded under the ball.
There is simply no way to cross these.

And I have never seen a law that could be verified on this either...Lots of people say it, but....

Apparently in Oregon they are required to be crossed:

3) Does my trailer need safety chains.

Answer: Yes. The chains must be able to support the weight of the trailer and load. The chains must be crossed under the tongue of the trailer so if the tongue comes off the ball, the trailer is supported by the chains and does not contact the ground. (ORS 818.150)

However, Federal Law apparently leaves it up to each state.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=393.70

and I found this statement on the .ca.gov (California)
Safety chains are required for travel trailers. Safety chains are not required for fifth-wheel trailers. The purpose of safety chains is to prevent the trailer from separating from the tow vehicle in event of a hitch failure, such as a hitch ball that has loosened. The chains should be crossed in an "X" fashion below the ball mount, with enough slack to allow unrestricted turning, but not enough to allow the coupler to hit the ground.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648pt12.htm

I think I'll cross mine.