bolts and nuts and chains

[Ron Dickey]

I should be using this title at the end of Oct.

But really I was told by a neighbor that I need certain Bolts and locking nuts on my hitch.

What chains should I use what are others using.

what length chain and what guage?

Ron D.

[Jiminsav]

Ron, you need at least grade 5 or better bolts for your coupler, and as for the chain, you can by a packaged one at any auto parts store or marina store, or a Bass Pro shop if you have one close by.
also, use flat washer under head of bolt and flat washer and lock washer under nut.

[JunkMan]

I just buy a length of chain from the local hardware store, along with a couple of hooks that are held in place with a pin and cotter pin, that way I am sure that they are the proper length. My current truck requires longer chains than my old one, and the ready made chains are usually too short for me. The size of chain depends on the weight of the trailer, on my car trailers I use a pretty heavy chain (5/16"), I think the ones on my small trailers are about 1/4", possibly less. I weld the chains to most of my trailer tounges.

When bolting on a coupler or chains, I prefer to use a Nylock nut (a nut with a plastic/nylon insert) instead of a lock washer.

[asianflava]

I bought my chains from Wally World. They are pretty long so I use a threaded link to hook them up, I can loop the excess onto the link. I need the long chains for when I tow with my truck.

[sdtripper2]

Ron Dickey:

Here is some information that may help you to choose what size safety
chain you want to get for your trailer.

Trailer Safety Chains
are to be used on trailers based on the GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT (GTW).
So if your trailers GTW is 2K LBS, you should have two chains on your
trailer that cross under the hitch and attach to the hitch bracket.

*Use safety chains rated equal to or greater than twice the maximum GTW rating.

Most likely using the trailer chain charts from below the chain size could be
= 3/16" x 48" chain with two 3/8" S-hooks as a minimum for a 2K LBS trailer
using two lengths of chain and hooks.
Note: (Two chains and size of chain are based on California standards.) My trailer has 2 larger diameter safety chains on it.

Safety Chains charts and more:

Safety Chains, Accessories & Trailer Couplers for California Standards







Things to know before you Tow

CA DMV Recreational Vehicles and Trailers

CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODES

California DMV RV & Trailer handbook