Trailers and Safety Chains

I tow a trailer (un-braked) most days for work... my tools are in it.

When I bought it from Multi Trail in Paarden Island (KTM used to share their premises), I had never towed a trailer ever, so had zero knowledge of trailers, and obviously trusted their build quality for all the components...time proved things differently.

In the beginning, I always hitched up the trailer, placing the safety chain over the towing hitch, later left the hitching-up to my staff...the rest is obvious...one day they clearly did NOT hitch it up properly...the Safety chain snapped, fortunately no damage to anything other than plug ripped off electrics' lead.

The chains to restrain the wheels when parked were equally useless, snapping soon after buying it.!!

Now it suddenly was clear and blindingly obvious this chain was way too under spec. for the task... a cheap piece of 4 or 5 mm common galvanised chain welded to the trailer

I bought 6 or 7 mm link Herc Alloy....(high tensile) chain and fitted it with a high grade of High Tensile 10mm bolt a 8.8 or a 10.8... and yes, one fine evening my staff tested its efficacy....it passed!!

Now recently my father bought a new car and in reading the owners manual/handbook..read a section about towing, their recommendation is for the chain to be laid over the tow hitch with a twist in it...as in a fig. of 8, this to reduce the likelihood of the trailer being dragged on the road, and the chain bouncing off should it un-hitch whilst being towed...a safer way.

I fitted a longer chain a few days later, to allow for this.

I can only suggest taking a critical look at the safety chain on your trailer, as the chain fitted will be a common galvanised chain....it has in all likelihood, cosmetic, and pass roadworthy, value only!!