Forum Discussion

upontheridge's avatar
upontheridge
Explorer
Feb 21, 2014

Safety Chain link being crushed by hitch when turning

I was getting trailer ready for a first spring trip and noticed that the first link of the safety chain on the trailer side is almost busted in half. I need to move trailer from storage area to house and decided to put a repair link on for extra measure. It got slightly smashed as well. Chain is getting pinched between trailer safety chain connector on the end of the trailer tongue and the lower part of my equalizer hitch. Trying to decide how to fix. Should I have safety chain connector welded to a different position. Not sure how to change the Equalizer hitch unless I could somehow raise the ball on the hitch. Chain is being pinched with just a 40-45 degree turn.

Pic of smashed safety chain


Pic of hitch. Safety chain is hitting the wing area at the end of the hitch where you see a bit of rust next the progress name.


Moderator edit to re-size pictures to forum limit of 640px maximum width.

  • upontheridge's avatar
    upontheridge
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2014
    CEddy wrote:
    I have a very similar problem with my setup- same Equal-i-zer hitch, same stupid V-shaped chain attach point under the coupler. My chain hasn't been crushed as bad as yours, though.

    For the record, the current chains have plenty of length, and I wouldn't say I've 'jack-knifed' my trailer any more than normal.

    I'm relocating my chains to the inside of the A-frame (new chains and hooks while I'm at it). I'm using bolt-on 12,000-lb D-rings as attachment points. There are also weld-on varieties if you're so inclined. After the new chains are on, the old attachment point will get cut off.

    Have you also had the issue where a link will get hung under the hitch head when unhitching and pick up the back of the truck? Wore my arm out cranking the tongue jack a few times before I figured that one out!


    I am trying to figure out why KZ the trailer manufacturer would put the safety chain attachment point in a place that would interfere with hitch. Planning to take to a welding shop to have them weld something under the bottom of the aframe on each side to attach safety chains. Trailer is only a year old so hoping to use the same chains and hooks minus a link. Have not ever had a problem with chains getting stuck in hitch head. Thought about a bolt on arrangement but figured a weld would be stronger. Haven't seen any bolt on work from the factory and not crazy about drilling the frame.
  • Bmach's avatar
    Bmach
    Explorer II
    Feb 23, 2014
    Old B why would you not go a an rv dealer for a welding job?
  • CEddy's avatar
    CEddy
    Explorer
    Feb 22, 2014
    I have a very similar problem with my setup- same Equal-i-zer hitch, same stupid V-shaped chain attach point under the coupler. My chain hasn't been crushed as bad as yours, though.

    For the record, the current chains have plenty of length, and I wouldn't say I've 'jack-knifed' my trailer any more than normal.

    I'm relocating my chains to the inside of the A-frame (new chains and hooks while I'm at it). I'm using bolt-on 12,000-lb D-rings as attachment points. There are also weld-on varieties if you're so inclined. After the new chains are on, the old attachment point will get cut off.

    Have you also had the issue where a link will get hung under the hitch head when unhitching and pick up the back of the truck? Wore my arm out cranking the tongue jack a few times before I figured that one out!
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Feb 21, 2014
    upontheridge wrote:
    Rewelding to a different spot was my first thought but when I called RV dealer about it they were hesitant to reweld. Trying to decide if I should take it to them for reweld or just find a welder that will do the job. Reading about safety chains everyone says the location of the holder is the best location vs on ibeam under the tongue. With the weight distributing hitch the safety chains will probably never see action unless the hitch pin would break.

    The chains are not to short if anything they may be a tad long.


    You don't go to a RV Dealer for a weld job.

    Go to a welder or to a trailer shop.
  • We_Cant_Wait's avatar
    We_Cant_Wait
    Explorer
    Feb 21, 2014
    Having had the same hitch set up on 2 previous TT the only way I can see that someone could crush the safety chain is if they were jack-knifing the unit all the time while backing in. Do you have a REAL tight back in spot while camping?
  • upontheridge's avatar
    upontheridge
    Explorer
    Feb 21, 2014
    Rewelding to a different spot was my first thought but when I called RV dealer about it they were hesitant to reweld. Trying to decide if I should take it to them for reweld or just find a welder that will do the job. Reading about safety chains everyone says the location of the holder is the best location vs on ibeam under the tongue. With the weight distributing hitch the safety chains will probably never see action unless the hitch pin would break.

    The chains are not to short if anything they may be a tad long.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Feb 21, 2014
    Have them relocated........welded to a different spot.
    Afterwards.......a wire brush and can of spray paint and attack those rusted areas

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