What Size Tow Chain Do I Need?

When choosing a tow chain, there are two important factors to consider: tensile strength and working load limit. Tensile strength refers to how much work a chain can handle before breaking. For instance, if you are towing a car in a cradle, the load carries by the chain will be lower than if you were towing it straight off the ground. In addition, a high-quality tow chain will be made from a steel alloy and can handle heavy loads during overhead lifting.

A tow chain is useful for general towing, lifting and recovery. While they aren't the best option for general towing, they're extremely useful for lifting, pulling up tree trunks and any other application that requires a chain. Towing with a tow chain is not recommended if the vehicle is too small or has a weak link. Towing with a substandard chain is not only dangerous but may also result in a breakdown. Fortunately, these chains are inexpensive and are available at most hardware stores.

A safety chain is essential for a trailer. It connects the trailer to the tow vehicle and prevents excessive movement between the two. To properly attach a safety chain, it must be long enough to span the hitch and coupler and have enough slack to turn and hold the tongue of the trailer. Once you've installed your safety chain, you can rest assured that it will keep your trailer from coming loose or failing to attach to the ball on your tow vehicle.

When choosing a safety chain, it's important to understand your GVWR. GVWR refers to the weight of your trailer. To determine yours, consult your trailer's GVWR placard. If it's higher than 5,000 pounds, you'll need a safety chain rated higher than this weight. If you want to use a class III hitch, the chain needs to be rated at least as high as the hitch's maximum weight capacity.

Towing cables come in three different types. They have three main cores: wire strand core, fiber core, and independent wire rope. Wire strand and independent wire rope core cables are best suited for light winching applications and are less likely to crush during the process of wrapping around the winch drum. However, these towing cables are not recommended for heavy-duty winching applications and may be less durable.

When choosing a tow chain, always remember that safety chains are not intended to be permanently attached to the vehicle. You must be aware of the weight of the vehicle you're towing. Using safety chains can prevent a crash from occurring. The length of the chain is also an important factor in determining its strength. For example, a 27-inch chain can be a good choice if the trailer weight is only 2,000 pounds.

Tie Down Chain