Eff0neFitty

If the trailer gets dislodged, won't the crank-up post still slam into the ground and scrape the pavement until you stop? I'm not understanding how the safety chains crossed actually prevent that from happening.

BCMIF150

They are there to keep the trailer attached to the vehicle so you can control it until you stop. If the chains are not there, the trailer can go anywhere.

Eff0neFitty

So you would be dragging the trailer as the crank post scrapes the ground?

Ricktwuhk

The crank up post often pivots sideways... Tongue would dig into the pavement or come up and slam into the vehicle.

As to getting "dislodged", the vast majority of these detachments are due to the neglect of the driver, i.e. not properly securing the trailer and ensuring the connection, then checking it each and every gas/test stop.

My neighbor just got a brand new tailgate for this reason when he didn't properly secure his small trailer for a less than 5 mile drive. 100% his fault. Expensive lesson. Watch with your eyes to ensure that the coupler latch goes under the ball and is drawn up tight to the ball, and the latch is clipped and locked into place.

You can learn a lot about trailering here: https://www.etrailer.com/info.aspx and https://www.consumerreports.org/car-...r-safe-towing/

Eff0neFitty

Thanks. So the chains won't stop the trailer nose from slamming down and being dragged and scraping the pavement while you're moving, until you stop? What's the actual purpose of the chains then?

juanvaldez

Depends on how tight the chains are. I lost a trailer because the guy told it me used a 2" ball when it was 2 5/16'". The jack had a skid plate on it that touched slightly but did not dig in. .

16IngotFX4

In case you missed it, I think post #2 pointed out the purpose of chains.

Pokes

The chains keep the trailer from going somewhere on its own.

Many years ago I lost a receiver pin and the whole hitch slid out of the receiver.
Trailer didn’t have chains, and it passed me on the left in the oncoming lane of traffic. Bounced off the curb and came to a stop straddling the yellow line.

Chains won’t keep it from digging into asphalt or ruining your tailgate, but will keep it from becoming a projectile towards another car, or a building, etc.

spammagnet

To prevent it from becoming a missile that kills somebody else.

Blackbuzzard

Here's some spooky uncoupled trailer entertainment.

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