To chain or not to chain with a GN
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,200
Likes: 566
From: Central KY
The chains on mine are too heavy to bounce and do any scratching.
As far as coming up with a way to attach chains, I'd think you could get the spring loaded u bolts like my hitch uses as replacement parts from any hitch dealer
Here's one source
http://www.curtmfg.com/index.cfm?eve...&categoryid=37
As far as coming up with a way to attach chains, I'd think you could get the spring loaded u bolts like my hitch uses as replacement parts from any hitch dealer
Here's one source
http://www.curtmfg.com/index.cfm?eve...&categoryid=37
In Texas, safety chains are not required for gooseneck attached trailers. By the definition, any trailer where the connection point where the weight is carried is born directly ON the vehicle (interpreted as in the bed) it is classified as a "semi" trailer, and can be registered as such. Semi trailers are not required to have safety chains.
See page 35 of this publication:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/lw/cmvl...Farm_Guide.PDF
Dry Creek
See page 35 of this publication:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/lw/cmvl...Farm_Guide.PDF
Dry Creek
Again, good dialog and source of perspectives. And for the record, my truck is loved but it works for its living and wears the scratches and dents in the bed as a badge of honor. Any safety chain scuffs won't be noticed, especialy if tempered by bungee cords, tire tubes or bed liners
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,570
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From: Batavia, Ohio
I want to add the spring loaded u-bolts too. If anyone comes across a source to buy just those parts, let me know. I might be able to go to the hardware store???? Anyone know which grade u-bolts i should buy?
Thanks
Thanks
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,242
Likes: 16
From: Celina, TX
OH DO I HAVE A STORY FOR YOU!!!! I had a B&W Turnover ball in my pickup, and one cold night, I sent my then girlfriend down to hook up the trailer. I had to move a 4440 John Deere the next day. So I start the tractor, start up the trailer ramps, and the trailer comes out of the bed and up in the air! Short part, she had it hooked up right, I just forgot to tell her to make sure that the pin was in on the ball. She was used to the gooseneck hitches that are welded to the frame, not a Turnover ball.
One of the guys from the local cattle sale barn was hauling a Bobcat skidsteer in his 32' stock trailer. He backed it into a ditch to load it so that back end was on the ground. When he went to unload it as his house, he was just going to drive it out off the end of the trailer. When he backed up to the end, the neck shot straight up out of the bed. Turns out he had a drop in ball in the bed and he never bothered to climb underneath and put the pin through the shank under the bed to keep it in the hitch. He's hauled many a load of cattle in that trailer and he said he never saw the need to climb underneath and put the pin in, because that made it harder when he removed the ball.
Surprised that never happened with a good load of mama cows walking to the back in that trailer.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,785
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From: Pattonville, Texas
KRB, it's quite simple: drill two pairs of 9/16" holes 10" to the left and right of your ball's centerline. Each pair of holes should be appropriately spaced to fit the half-inch U-bolts you bought, along with the washers, locking nuts and coil springs from your favorite hardware store.
Drop the U-bolts through the holes, crawl under the bed and install the springs, washers and locknuts. You don't even need an extra pair of hands!
Just pull the U-bolts up against the spring tension and hook your chains...
Drop the U-bolts through the holes, crawl under the bed and install the springs, washers and locknuts. You don't even need an extra pair of hands!
Just pull the U-bolts up against the spring tension and hook your chains...
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 698
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From: Newport News, VA
Supposedly you can buy them from the link I posted.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,200
Likes: 566
From: Central KY
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