At Equalizer Hitch Products, we’re dedicated to ensuring every towing experience is safe, smooth, and efficient. One common yet often overlooked challenge faced by many trailer enthusiasts is the annoying and potentially hazardous problem of dragging chains. Not only can dragging chains lead to premature wear and tear, but they can also become a safety concern on the road. In this blog post, we’re diving deep into practical and effective solutions to keep your trailer chains off the ground, ensuring every journey you embark upon is safe and hassle-free.

What are Trailer Safety Chains?

Safety chains, often referred to as “trailer chains” or “towing chains” are an integral safety feature that provide a backup connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer. Trailer safety chains ensure that the trailer remains attached to the vehicle in the event that the primary hitch connection fails.

For example, if your ball mount was not properly secured to its coupler, they make become separated during a bumpy ride. In such a situation, the only thing connecting your trailer to its towing vehicle would be the safety chains. This allows you the time to pull over to the side of the road when your hitch connection fails. Remember, safety chains are not a replacement for a well-installed hitch system.

Safety chains are typically attached to the trailer’s tongue and the towing vehicle’s frame. The minimum weight of your safety chains is determined by your GVWR, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Its important to ensure your chains are appropriately rated for your specific trailer, so they’ll be able to maintain your connection to the trailer for a short time as you pull over. Many areas of the United States require safety chains by law, so always be sure to follow regulations and ensure they are rated properly for all your towing needs.

How to Keep Trailer Safety Chains From Dragging?

When you are towing a trailer, there are certain safety measures that must be followed. One of those is ensuring the trailer chains do not drag on the road while driving. Dragging chains can cause damage to the pavement, damage the chains, or even spark wildfires. Here are three key ways to keep your trailer safety chains from dragging on the open road.

1. Check the proper length – The first step in keeping your trailer chains safe is ensuring that they’re the right length. Too short and the chains won’t function as they should, and too long, they drag on the ground. The general rule of thumb is to keep the chains short enough to prevent dragging and long enough to provide sufficient slack for tight turns. A good rule of thumb is to have the chains hang from the tongue of the trailer in a straight line without dragging on the ground.

2. Maintain adequate hitch height – To keep the chains from dragging, make sure the hitch height is at the correct level. The part where the ball and the coupler are connected should be at the same level. If the hitch is too low, it will cause the chains to be slack and drag on the ground.

3. Twist links – Twist or cross the links of the chains to shorten them. Doing this will make the chains shorter hence reducing the risk of them dragging. However, avoid twisting the chains too tight to avoid breaking them.

The Fastway Chain-up: Trailer Chain Accessory

The Fastway Chain-Up is designed to lift and cradle the trailer chains, ensuring they don’t drag on the ground when you’re towing. Designed to work with a standard ball-mount hitch, simply put your ball mount into the spherical opening on the chain up to get it ready for chains. On either side of the chain-up, simply insert your chains into the holders to keep them up and off the ground. No more chain damage, no more wildfires, no more headaches! Purchase the Chain-Up at Fastway Trailer Products Today!

For hitches, ball mounts, and more; check out the product catalog for Fastway Trailer today.