Safety chains

[Gramps]

We are going through preparations for our trip to Toledo, getting things organized, finally got the 16K hitch installed, looking at installing a bedsaver, ect. While looking at the bedsaver site, I found a towing laws reference, and it indicated that several states we will be traveling through require safety chains. I would expect this on a TT, but was not aware it would apply to a 5er. If these are in fact required, where and how are they attached? I ask because I would rather not be some State Troopers entertainment for the day while trying to get to my destination.

Any ideas?

[CmdrDewey]

I have never heard of safety chains on a 5vr and I have been hauling one for about 30 years

[HughM]

I've pulled for years and looked at a lot of units but have never seen or heard of chains on a fifth wheel. Chains must be for the travel trailer which makes sense.
Hugh

[Gramps]

I thought it sounded rather goofy myself, but the one thing I hate worse than being stupid, is setting in front of a bubble gum machine because some Cop was having a bad day. Several States noted TT only. I can't even imagine what a 5er with safety chains would look like.

[indy roadrunner]

Gramps, I work for a very large trucking company and none of our trailers have safety chains. However, our dolly converters which are hooked to Pintle hooks, do have safety chains. I think the point being that trailers properly coupled to fifth wheel hitches are pretty secure compared to trailers hooked to a ball hitch. Also how in the world would you fasten safety chains to king pin hitches? If the trailer comes off the fifth wheel, safety chains would be the least of your worries. In my 35 years of trucking, I have never known a fifth wheel hitch to fail. We have rolled trucks and trailers and the fifth wheel would still be coupled. I know of one of our tractors that was T boned on an interstate and it tore the 5th wheel off the frame of the truck but it never came uncoupled from the king pin of the trailer.

[BB_TX]

I think goosenecks require chains also. At least you see a lot of heavy goosenecks with chains on them. But like others, never heard of it on 5th wheel.

[Glenn and Lorraine]

Goosenecks require safety chains. 5th wheels do not.

[Delaine and Lindy]

Correct answer, safety chains aren't require for a 5th wheel. They are required for Goosenecks, and Trucks pulling doubles, which are called wiggle wagons, or pups in the Trucking industry. GBY...

[kerry]

If it's coupled to a tow vehicle on a ball safety chains are required. Kerry

[Driftwoodgal]

We don't use chains, but do have a lock (clip) on the 5W hitch to make sure that the handle can't pop open.He always does the tug test, then gets out to check the jaws. He then hooks the trailer brake wire around the handle.

Colleen