[SEL] Breakaway chains & Cables

[Gary Epps]

Hi Peter,

When I last built a tandem axle trailer I put brakes on both axles.  I have
pulled some pretty heavy loads with this trailer and knowing I have brakes
on each axle is a comforting feeling.  Going down a long steep hill here in
the Ozarks with a load of wet sand I can use the trailer brakes to stop the
truck.  The trailer is all steel with 23" sides on a 5' x 10' frame.  The
point I really wanted to make is that safety chains are always a pain to
store when not in use.  I solved that problem by welding a link of chain on
each side of the tongue A frame back toward the trailer box at 90* to the
rail of the A frame.  This gives me a place to hook the S hook in for
storage.  This way the chains are up off the ground and not just wrapped
around the A frame arms.  They look neater and don't rust as bad.

Gary
----- Original Message -----
From: <diesel at easynet.co.uk>
To: "The SEL email discussion list" <sel at lists.stationary-engine.com>
Sent: Friday, October 15, 2004 10:09 AM
Subject: Re: [SEL] Breakaway chains & Cables


> Quoting Richard Strobel <Richard_Strobel7 at msn.com>:
>
> > Peter, we're required here in Montana to have chain(s).  I've seen one
and
> > two used.  The nice thing about two is that you can cross them and then
hook
> >
> > them up.  If the hitch ever comes off the ball, the tongue will not dig
into
> >
> > the ground. Course they have to be the right length.  I have been told
that
> > this is a requirement in some states, but can't reference it.
> >
> > Take Care,
> > RickinMt.
>
> I did notice that on a couple of rigs I saw over there this year, probably
at
> Tulare in April.
>
> Because the European industry tends to rely on overrun braking systems and
> break-away brake applications, there are no hard points provided for
attaching
> chains, although I did notice a small loop on the new van towbar.
>
> The other option is to make a plate up with loops or hooks and bolt it
between
> the tow ball and the towbar. It's pretty unlikely that you'll lose a ball
off
> the bar, so I don't feel too uncomfortable about doing it that way. We
don't
> have a removable tow hitch as such, so the hard point for the ball is the
actual
> towbar rear face.
>
> I prefer the idea of both breakaway and chains, it's just implementing
them and
> keeping safe at the same time. I've never had a trailer or caravan go awol
yet,
> and hope not to have to live through the experience! :-))
>
> Peter
> --
>
> Peter Forbes
> diesel at easynet.co.uk
> http://www.oldengine.org/members/diesel
>
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