Safety Cable to Chains
#1
Registered
Thread Starter
Safety Cable to Chains
Guys,
I haven’t liked the safety cables that are on our trailer from the time we bought the boat. They’re stiff, unruly, and are starting to fray a bit at the loops (they were like that when we bought it), and they have a tendency to bite while handling them. I would really like to replace them with chains.
The hooks are labeled as 5/16”. My guess is the cables are actually 3/8”, with the covering and a little bit of bend expansion accounting for it measuring 1/2” at the bent loop. Is it safe to go with 3/8” link chain? Or should I go bigger? Are the quick links OK to o connect the hooks to the chain?
Boat and trailer weight a combined ~7000lbs dry.
Thanks. Brad.
I haven’t liked the safety cables that are on our trailer from the time we bought the boat. They’re stiff, unruly, and are starting to fray a bit at the loops (they were like that when we bought it), and they have a tendency to bite while handling them. I would really like to replace them with chains.
The hooks are labeled as 5/16”. My guess is the cables are actually 3/8”, with the covering and a little bit of bend expansion accounting for it measuring 1/2” at the bent loop. Is it safe to go with 3/8” link chain? Or should I go bigger? Are the quick links OK to o connect the hooks to the chain?
Boat and trailer weight a combined ~7000lbs dry.
Thanks. Brad.
Last edited by Brad Christy; 04-11-2024 at 09:24 AM.
#2
Registered
Thread Starter
Guys,
I haven’t liked the safety cables that are on our trailer from the time we bought the boat. They’re stiff, unruly, and are starting to fray a bit at the loops (they were like that when we bought it), and they have a tendency to bite while handling them. I would really like to replace them with chains.
The hooks are labeled as 5/16”. My guess is the cables are actually 3/8”, with the covering and a little bit of bend expansion accounting for it measuring 1/2” at the bent loop. Is it safe to go with 3/8” link chain? Or should I go bigger? Are the quick links OK to o connect the hooks to the chain?
Boat and trailer weight a combined ~7000lbs dry.
Thanks. Brad.
I haven’t liked the safety cables that are on our trailer from the time we bought the boat. They’re stiff, unruly, and are starting to fray a bit at the loops (they were like that when we bought it), and they have a tendency to bite while handling them. I would really like to replace them with chains.
The hooks are labeled as 5/16”. My guess is the cables are actually 3/8”, with the covering and a little bit of bend expansion accounting for it measuring 1/2” at the bent loop. Is it safe to go with 3/8” link chain? Or should I go bigger? Are the quick links OK to o connect the hooks to the chain?
Boat and trailer weight a combined ~7000lbs dry.
Thanks. Brad.
Thanks. Brad.
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Helmwurst (04-12-2024)
#3
VIP Member
VIP Member
Did the same thing on my Nordic...got mine from etrailer and they were sold as a kit by weight...sounds like you're all set lol
#4
You have to look at the chains working load limits. A "Typical" 3/8" chain has a working load limit of around 8800lbs so it should be plenty good for your application...just make sure you can verify the load limits as ive seen some very cheap chains sold at stores that i wouldn't trust hold a back yard gate closed!
Also make sure you have enough length of chain to criss-cross under the trailer tongue and still be able to make tight turns....but im sure you already know that
Also make sure you have enough length of chain to criss-cross under the trailer tongue and still be able to make tight turns....but im sure you already know that
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-Wally
Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy horsepower. And I've never seen a sad person hauling a$$!
-Wally
Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy horsepower. And I've never seen a sad person hauling a$$!
#5
Registered
Thread Starter
You have to look at the chains working load limits. A "Typical" 3/8" chain has a working load limit of around 8800lbs so it should be plenty good for your application...just make sure you can verify the load limits as ive seen some very cheap chains sold at stores that i wouldn't trust hold a back yard gate closed!
Also make sure you have enough length of chain to criss-cross under the trailer tongue and still be able to make tight turns....but im sure you already know that
Also make sure you have enough length of chain to criss-cross under the trailer tongue and still be able to make tight turns....but im sure you already know that
Yup. This is what I ordered:
Safety Chains
I think we’re good.
Thanks. Brad.