i am kinda new to big trucks ( more than 1/2 ton ) and 5th wheel /goosneck hitches and i am a little confused about safety chains.
i realize that there are no safety chains on 5th wheel hitches but i have seen some gooseneck hitches with provisions for safety chains and some without those provisions .

is it different for private and commercial goosenecks?
if safety chains are required then why do some hitches not have those provisions ?

i guess what i need is a medium length lesson on hitches !

i have a home built goosneck car trailer built for a drag racer , it is short and low ,double dexter axles with 6 inch drop and 3500 lb per capacity . i have safety chains on its neck and did use them when i pulled it with my old truck ( 1961 international scout ). i also have a conversion frame for it that makes it a bumper pull unit for when i dont have access to a goose hitch , like now. i was planning on gettinga b&w turnover hitch soon.

can you'all expand my knowledge in this area ?

 

I don't think safety chains are required because the mechanism for locking the hitch is much more substantial and not as prone to coming loose like ball hitches are. The hitch is essentially the same as that on Big Rigs and they don't have safety chains either.

Edwin

 

I work in the trucking industry and it's always been amazing to me that the only thing holding that big trailer to the tractor is that little pin!! It's very rare but I have seen a couple guys not check to make sure the kingpin was locked and pull off and the trailer falls right on the ground...

 

All ball hitches( gooseneck or bumper) require chains. Pintel hooks require chains. Fithwheel hitches do not require chains.
Medium enough ?
Clark

 

Oh no, not again.....Didnt we have this conversation last year?

 

matt if you had this conversation last year i have not found it , i have not of course real ALL the prior posts on this forum but i am well on my way to doing that .

do you have a post number i could reference , i really dont mind finding it lol

 

Definitely some varying opinions on this subject.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...threadid=39684

 

Safty chains are a requirment north of the border. They are even bothering the farmers and making them use chains on their implements behind tractors.