Chains shrunk! Ha hah.

[Susan Premo]

We have a 2011 aliner and we can't get the safety chains to criss cross, the used to, we don't know why they won't, but my question would be if we got longer ones, the ones we have now are 20" each, what do we need to know about before purchasing. Thanks for any help, this is a huge pain. It makes no sense at all. But I don't know what else to try.

 

[bondebond]

Are you using a receiver hitch? It could be that you changed hitches and ended up with one that protrudes out further than it did previously.

I would go with a pair of 5,000 pound safety chains, 7/16" link. I several options on etrailer.com and they're a reputable place to get trailer parts. I see a safety chain there with those specs for like $18 each.

 

[tzmartin]

Well, next time don't put them in the dryer after you wash them. The tag clearly says line dry only. LOL

 

[jmkay1]

Did your chains get twisted and somehow get hung up somewhere in the twisted position.

 

[Tonya Harding]

Dumb question, but did you add a hitch extender...dang odd they won't fit now???

 

[Susan Premo]

No

Did your chains get twisted and somehow get hung up somewhere in the twisted position.

No, straight, I can't figure it out, we didn't change a thing!

 

[Arlyn Aronson]

No

No, straight, I can't figure it out, we didn't change a thing!

Well, the chains don't shrink so "something" is shorter. Your hitch is pinned correct?

 

[Annunzi]

We had a similar issue when we got a new TV and the hitch mount was a little farther from the trailer. We just added a few chain quick links to the existing safety chains to make up the extra length. Something like this:

 

[Anthony Hitchings]

Chains don't shrink, so you either changed something or your memory is failing

 

[rabird]

pull to the right a tad and hook up one chain, pull to the left and hook up the other.
or drive over a bump (or bricks, 2x4s, barbies, ...) and stop and hook em up ...

 

[bondebond]

pull to the right a tad and hook up one chain, pull to the left and hook up the other.
or drive over a bump (or bricks, 2x4s, barbies, ...) and stop and hook em up ...

If the chains are that tight, DO NOT USE THEM. Replace them or get the properly rated quick links and chain segments (needs to meet or exceed the GVWR of the PUP/trailer).

 

[NMroamer]

Post a picture of your problem.

 

[Tonya Harding]

We had a similar issue when we got a new TV and the hitch mount was a little farther from the trailer. We just added a few chain quick links to the existing safety chains to make up the extra length. Something like this:

View attachment 83721

I put Loctite on mine to make sure murphy's Law doesn't kick in...

 

[Arlyn Aronson]

So this is a new camper? I thought it was a new problem on old camper-tow vehicle. Maybe I misread Susan's post?

 

[rabird]

Maybe I misread Susan's post?

Maybe others did.

 

[xxxapache]

I also was thinking it was the same old set up.

 

[Susan Premo]

No

So this is a new camper? I thought it was a new problem on old camper-tow vehicle. Maybe I misread Susan's post?

Not new, just new to us, it's a 2011.

 

[Susan Premo]

Okay, so we decided to bring it to a shop, I said to.myself I bet it criss crosses now! It did, but a tad difficult to make it into the slot, anyway, the shop guy said they'd add on a couple of links. So good to go soon. Thanks for listening.

 

[NLB]

I put Loctite on mine to make sure murphy's Law doesn't kick in...

I thought you would use “KneesFoot” Oil.

 

[Tonya Harding]

I thought you would use “KneesFoot” Oil.

I use Loctite medium to secure the barrel locking where it screws onto the link; keeps idiots from unscrewing 'em & wandering off lol, plus I've seen 'em unscrew on their own after time. I use Neatsfoot Oil on a whip the wife uses on me to keep it soft & supple