Trailer Warning - Cross those Chains
 

Just an FYI and I totally forgot about it but, make sure you cross your chains on the trailer when towing if you don't already. Got pulled over on the way to the Dutch Classic 2 weekends ago by a State Cop that was hanging out at the Toll Gate. He asked us why they were not crossed and in NJ as far as we know it is not a law to have it done but, I guess in PA and other surrounding states it is. Long story short and $ 400.00 later our chains are now crossed. Just an FYI for anyone who has not done it yet to DO IT!!!

Rob

Re: Trailer Warning - Cross those Chains
 

Trailering 101, no?

Re: Trailer Warning - Cross those Chains
 

So Rob did you have the chains on just not crossed? $400.00 is a big fine!
Pat

Re: Trailer Warning - Cross those Chains
 

Pat,

We had the chain on from the trailer to the motorhome but, didn't have them crossed and have been towing with the chains straight for 30+ years (To be honest, in NJ it doesn't say anything about it unless it's a new rule...checked the DOT book when we got home). Now PA maybe a totally different set of rules but, the cop was out to make his mark that day. I mean I'm just throwing the warning out to every other racer out there who maybe towing with the chains straight to cross them cause like Pat said and my Father's Wallet is saying "Ouch 400 Bucks is A LOT of money"

Re: Trailer Warning - Cross those Chains
 

I thought this was common knowledge. Sorry for my flip reply above.

But, here's a question for you all, do you know why you want them crossed? It's so that if/when the trailer comes unhitched, the chains will cradle the tongue until you get it stopped. If they're straight, the tongue will hit the ground, stab in, and all heck breaks loose from there.

Re: Trailer Warning - Cross those Chains
 

Some of the chains I've seen on trailers could be pulled apart by an 80 year old man with arthritis.Also some of the chain mounts leave a lot to be desired.Skimp at your own risk.
here's my chains on an 18' enclosed.Granted it tops out at about 7K loaded.

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/j...1945/004-2.jpg

I have to cross them a few times to keep them off the pavement when towing.

Re: Trailer Warning - Cross those Chains
 

Chains and hooks are cheap insurance. Get good grade chain of the right length, and good grab hooks. Cheap hardware chain and hooks made of bent round stock scare me. I prefer chain and hooks with weight capacities in line with trailer weight. It isn't that you are likely to suspend the trailer in the air by the chains, it is the shock load if the ball breaks loose.

Re: Trailer Warning - Cross those Chains
 

This is a very informative post. I raced for a long time and never heard about any of this...thanks guys.

Re: Trailer Warning - Cross those Chains
 

The sad thing is that due to a technicality the officer gave them a big fine. I could see if no chains were on the trailer but not to have them crossed might be his rule. Bob I would check with PA Dept Of Transportation before paying the fine. Being in the trucking business for many years you see allot of law interpretations by individuals. I was once told in Maryland by an officer that "If I won a trophy for my car then I would be considered a commercial operation" Try to find that in writing.
Rob due a search for PA Department of Transportation , on the site look up Laws and Regulations center,
If you need help with it call me.

Regards,
Pat

Re: Trailer Warning - Cross those Chains
 

Well Rob, I did some checking for you and this is from PA Dept. of Transportation. Sorry, it's in writing.
Pat


(c) Breakaway systems.--Every combination operated on a highway, the towed vehicle of which is equipped with brakes or which has a gross weight in excess of 3,000 pounds, shall be so equipped that, upon breakaway of the towed vehicle, the towed vehicle shall be stopped and held automatically, and the towing vehicle shall be capable of being stopped and held by use of its own service braking system.

(d) Safety chains.--Whenever two vehicles are connected by a ball-and-socket type hitch, or pintle hook without a locking device, they shall also be connected by two safety chains of equal length, each safety chain having an ultimate strength at least equal to the gross weight of the towed vehicles. The safety chains shall be crossed and connected to the towed and towing vehicle and to the tow bar so as to prevent the tow bar from dropping to the ground in the event the tow bar fails or becomes disconnected. The safety chains shall have no more slack than is necessary to permit proper turning