Towing a trailer adds a whole new set of responsibilities, and even experienced drivers can find themselves white-knuckling the steering wheel at times. After all, you are hauling thousands of extra pounds that respond to every turn and stop. There are many towing accessories designed to keep your trailer under control if the unexpected happens, but few are as simple and essential as safety chains. With the right setup, they buy you precious time to slow down and pull over safely if the hitch connection fails. Follow this guide on how to pick and attach safety chains correctly, so you can tow with confidence every time you hit the road.
What Are Trailer Safety Chains and Why Do You Need Them?
Trailer safety chains are simply chains that connect your trailer to your truck alongside the hitch ball. They act as a fail-safe: if the hitch connection fails, the chains provide just enough control to help you slow down and pull over safely before serious damage occurs.
Safety chains aren’t just a precaution, though—they’re required by law. Most states have specific regulations on their use, so it’s important to know what your state enforces to stay compliant. Choosing and attaching the right chains can prevent thousands of dollars in damage and, more importantly, keep you and other drivers safe on the road.
How To Pick Trailer Safety Chains
Selecting the right trailer safety chains doesn’t need to be complicated. While it’s important to get the strength, length, and hardware right, knowing what to look for makes the process straightforward.
Chain Strength
In basic terms, your trailer’s safety chains take the place of the hitch ball if the connection fails. That means, they must be able to handle the weight of your trailer and then some. Always choose chains with a weight rating higher than your trailer's gross weight. This information is typically listed by the manufacturer, and using a quality brand ensures the rating is accurate and reliable. Picking chains that are too weak can put you, your trailer, and other drivers at serious risk. Trusted brands like BlueOx, Husky Towing, Curt, and Draw-Tite are a great place to start your search, so you can shop with confidence.
Determining Chain Length
It's important that your safety chains have enough slack to allow for turns, but not so much that they drag on the ground. To measure, attach the trailer to your vehicle and position it as if making a sharp turn, in a near jack-knife position. Then, measure the side that would “stretch” the chains the most—i.e., the side with the longest distance between the trailer’s attachment point and the hitch—and round up to the nearest chain length offered. This ensures the chains are long enough to allow full turning without putting strain on the hitch, and can still maintain control in an emergency.
Why measure in this position? If you only measure the chains with the trailer perfectly straight, they may end up too short when you make a sharp turn. That could cause the chains to stretch too tight, bend, or even detach in an emergency. Measuring at an angled position ensures the chains have enough slack for safe, unrestricted movement.
Verify Chain Quantity and Hardware
Not all chains come in pairs, so be sure to confirm the quantity before purchasing. Additionally, some manufacturers do not include mounting hardware, so you may need to buy it separately. Ensuring you have the right hardware is just as important as the chains themselves.
Hook Selection
It’s important to verify that the hooks included with the chains are up to the task. Simple S-hooks are acceptable for light, Class I or II trailers, but heavier trailers require thicker, stronger hooks that are forged or cast for durability, such as a clevis hook. It’s also wise to verify that spring-loaded clips are present, as they prevent the hook from slipping off during turns, bumps, or sudden stops.
State Requirements
The advice laid out here complies with federal regulations for trailer safety chains, but many states have additional requirements or variations. For example, in Pennsylvania, each chain must have a strength at least equal to the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and in Montana, steel chains or cables must have a minimum diameter of 1/4 inch. The RVIA offers a helpful quick guide to safety chain requirements for RV trailers, which is a great resource if you plan to travel through multiple states. To ensure you’re fully up to date on any changes though, check the laws of each state you plan to visit.
How To Attach Trailer Safety Chains
Selecting chains is the most technical part; hooking them up is easy when done in the proper order.
- Install the Chains on the Trailer: Start by securing each chain to its attachment point on the trailer. This is usually done with a single bolt that runs through one of the links. Make sure the chains are properly fastened and free of twists.
- Cross the Chains: Rather than simply running the chains to the attachment point directly in front of them, cross the chains underneath the trailer tongue before connecting them to your tow vehicle. Doing so allows the chains to act as a cradle that prevents the tongue from dragging on the ground in the case that it comes disconnected.
- Set the Hooks “Backwards”: Position the hook openings facing you. Even with safety clips, this makes it less likely for the hooks to fall off.
- Verify Chain Height and Slack: Once everything is set up, verify that there’s at least five inches of clearance between the chains and the ground. If there's more or less, you can adjust the slack by repositioning the mounting point on the trailer to different links then secure any dangling sections with cable ties to prevent them from catching while driving.
What To Do If Trailer Disconnects
If your trailer detaches while you’re driving, the safety chains are only part of the solution—you still need to bring both the trailer and your vehicle to a safe stop.
Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns, as either can make the situation worse. If your trailer brakes are connected and functional, use them to help slow the trailer. Otherwise, apply the brakes gradually, without locking up the trailer or tow vehicle. Slowly steer toward the shoulder, giving yourself enough space to stop safely.
To help ensure your safety chains can do their job in an emergency:
- Inspect chains before each trip for rust, wear, or bent links.
- Avoid chains that have been modified or welded, which can compromise their strength.
- Keep extra chains and clips on hand, especially if you tow in remote areas.
Keep Your Trailer Secure with Parts Via
Parts Via specializes in trailer and towing accessories, including safety chains and thousands of other items designed to keep motorists safe while towing for work, vacation, or anything in between. Our experts are ready to offer product knowledge and advice when shopping for parts, and our fast, FREE ship-to-store service connects you quickly with the parts and accessories you need—and with trusted technicians who can install them. They can also inspect your trailer and towing equipment to help prevent breakdowns or accidents on the road.