I always cross the chains. It will act like a cradle if the worst would happen. Make sure they never drag. Also make sure the trailer wires don't drag or get pinched.
You have to cross your chain to the tow vehicle. This the proper way to connect the chain to the tow vehicle. This documented in the federal safety course for boating.
Good advice Butttttt cross the safety chains that way if the tongue comes off the ball the chains will hold up the front of the trailer so it won’t dig into the ground saving you a substantial amount of money in trailer repairs
I'm 76, been towing since 1971; had one trailer break loose (didn't like the way it was towing, went back to the house to change to a ball mount of proper height but had to switch the balls and I failed to close the coupler. Got about 40 miles when an undulation in the road caused the hitch to pop off the ball. Chains were crossed but too long for that hitch and the bottom of the tongue hit the pavement. Glad I was towing with a long, wide 11,500 lb motorhome instead of my mid-size pickup. No harm except a groove in the asphalt in a rural highway and one bent bracket where right side chain was attached.
Always criss cross your safety chains! It'll catch the tongue of the trailer if your hitch fails. Catching the tongue of the trailer without it hitting the road.
I was always told that you should close the chains. I know for a fact that this works. The crossed chains will catch the tung if it pops off, keeping it from biting into the ground.
Yea … seating that ball is most important….. I learned the hard way. Today I couldn’t seat it no mater how many times I jumped on it. I also learned that when things get rusty( and they do) to reach inside the ball receiver to make sure the latch inside is all the way open before trying to seat the ball in it. Today I had to inch my truck forward … then back it up to make the ball seat properly. …. It gave such a lurch I thought I may have effed up …. But no …. It slammed right in place. Thanks for the reminder to use a safety pin on the ball latch…. It is important for first timers to follow all those safety steps.
As so many have said always cross your safety chains. That way they will catch the trailer tough if it bounced off the ball and keep it from digging into the road.
absolutely you got to cross the chains so that if it comes off the ball it will not drag the ground also you got to make sure that you twist the chains to ensure that they do not drag the ground during transport
Keep up the good work! So many people, young and old and in between don't know simple everyday tasks.. and that's fine, maybe they never had someone in they're life to teach them. But you will.
I was taught to cross the chains on step 4. This way if the trailer pops off and ball and starts to drag, the chains that have been crossed will hold the trailer nose off of the road. It will prevent the nose of the trailer from being damaged if for some reason it pops off.
Cross your chains. Also, you can run your wires through the excess loop of that style safety pin. It keeps the wire from hanging down low and possibly snagging on something. AND...Don't be scared to grease the ball a little bit for them bigger trailers.
Yep, I saw that he missed a step and I’m happy to see a lot of people called him out for it. You have to cross the chains! Now, I’ve witnessed a lot of trailers come off the ball and the chains disconnect. The chains are just hanging in those holes. And I probably shouldn’t be doing it this way, but for myself and the safety of the vehicles behind me, I actually lock both chains to the hitch hook up, so that the trailer can not separate from my truck.
All good ideas I would suggest getting a lock instead of a pin if you're going to park someplace and leave it such as boat ramp or something like that so you don't come back and your trailer is gone dirt bags love to do that
I always use a lock.But you can't stop professional theives if what you're pulling is expensive enough and they want it bad enough.It just prevents your cheap theives from robbing you.
I also actually look at the holding clamp under the ball to ensure it is in its proper place. There have been a couple of times over the years that it has been hung up on the ball. Then the tongue could bounce off the ball even if the top pin is in. Good video to start a conversation of experiences and thoughts. Thank you.
ALWAYS CROSS THE CHAINS! I bought a cheap ball that came loose on the Highway and the uhaul trailer popped right off but the crossed chains caught it and I was able to pull over safely. Who knows what would’ve happened if the trailer dropped straight to the road. Stay safe out there!
I like your videos, but can I add 2 more steps that are important? 1) check your tire pressure on the trailer and tow vehicle. 2) check the lights of the trailer and tow vehicle. thanks for the video!
You have to cross your chains. Any rookie knows that. If you trailer comes uncoupled the trailer tongue will rest on the crossed chains instead of digging into the road. Safety first my friend... good luck in the future..
Should cross the chain Sir, if there is a separation a crossed chain (if tight enough) will make a sort of basket keeping the tongue from hitting the pavement. Not critical but does help, great video
I feel like the most important part of this process is making sure the trailer is down all the way on the ball, and knowing the difference. You got underneath the trailer to show the clamp, but never to show it in place.
Hey bud you need to cross those chains so that way when the trailer also comes off the hitch it lands in the cross of the chains and then it doesn't drag on the ground
CROSS THE CHAINS. It catches the tongue of trailer if hitch come disconnected. Otherwise the tounge will plunge into what ever surface your driving on. Then after hooking lights up check them to be sure working correctly. The last step is to always double check everything before you you tow.
In the uk and Europe we don’t have chains, we simply have a cable which pulls on the trailer brake then snaps so the trailer doesn’t cause the tow car to crash. Different philosophy, not sure which is safest!
No allowed use chains in Europe. You do however fit a breakaway line the applies the trailer breaks. The idea is if the hitch fails you will overturn the towing vehicle if chains are fitted.
I know this is an old video, but I was talking about it with my husband the other day, and months after seeing it, it still bothers me. My husband has driven trucks and trailers for over 10 years and before I got my first trailer the first lesson he taught me was how to hitch up the trailer properly, safely, and legally. Step 1- safety check Step 2- trailer on ball Step 3- lock ball down Step 4-insert and lock pin (we have sturdy locking pins that we use) Step 5- CROSS THE CHAINS (twist if necessary for length) and hook to vehicle. Step 6- plug cord into adapter on vehicle. Step 7- check that all electric is functional. Crossing the chains saved my new (2nd) trailer when I had to make a sharper turn than I anticipated suddenly, and the trailer popped off the ball. The tongue landed on the chains and I was able to pull over safely without the trailer fishtailing or getting damaged. The trailer’s hitch had been modified by the previous owner to fit their weird ball and they didn’t disclose the modification at purchase, so I had to have the hitch unmodified to be safe. Crossing the chains saved the trailer, prevented an accident, and prevented damage to my vehicle. CROSS YOUR CHAINS! They are called safety chains for a reason. Imagine if you have low hanging chains that are causing sparks and you have dry straw in your trailer, um…can you say flammable? Or you hit a bump and your cheap pin lock breaks and your trailer pops off the ball and your trailer slams to the ground because there is nothing to stop it from falling. You slam on your brakes causing the trailer to slam into your vehicle and suddenly major accident.
Haha …. Me again….. Hey - I just wanted to put another tip out there….. simple as I may seem…. If your chains are too long and dragging on the ground once you hook ‘em up…. Just twist them to take up the slack before hooking up to the vehicle….. But not too much…. Just enough to keep ‘em off the ground …. Still need some slack for cornering…. Hey -thanks again! Who da thought this would be such an important video!
cross the safety chains in a X pattern. that will prevent the trailer tongue from hitting hitting the road surface preventing catastrophic damage to your vehicle and anyone else that might be near the failure of the truck/ trailer.
I had a trailer come off the ball. The safety chains were extremely heavy duty. They ripped right off the trail frame where they were welded on from the factory. The hitch was worn. Road was a bad washboard. And my speed was about 20 mph.
Oh my a very important step is to cross the chains man!!! If the hitch comes off the crossed chains will cradle it preventing the hitch from hitting the ground…. You should redo this video for the noobs!
you need to CROSS THE CHAINS SO IF IT DOES COME OFF THE BALL THE TRAILER WILL SIT IN THE CHAIN!!
I thought it was common knowledge to do so
First thing I thought of when he hooked them up.
Yes should cross.
That's what I do
It’s safer but I believe some states don’t require to cross
I only came to the comments to see how many different people said, cross the chains
Me too. Saved me one time. Or two.
Same
Ditto
Save me with a water trailer from work that could have been a disaster
Same here
Thumbs up to everyone that said cross the chains
That's a DOT requirement bud
Same bro
I always cross the chains. It will act like a cradle if the worst would happen. Make sure they never drag. Also make sure the trailer wires don't drag or get pinched.
At least Cross your fingers if you fail to CROSS YOUR CHAINS!
You have to cross your chain to the tow vehicle. This the proper way to connect the chain to the tow vehicle. This documented in the federal safety course for boating.
Got everything else right but ya didn't cross those chains 🤣🤣
Good advice Butttttt cross the safety chains that way if the tongue comes off the ball the chains will hold up the front of the trailer so it won’t dig into the ground saving you a substantial amount of money in trailer repairs
This
I'm 76, been towing since 1971; had one trailer break loose (didn't like the way it was towing, went back to the house to change to a ball mount of proper height but had to switch the balls and I failed to close the coupler. Got about 40 miles when an undulation in the road caused the hitch to pop off the ball. Chains were crossed but too long for that hitch and the bottom of the tongue hit the pavement. Glad I was towing with a long, wide 11,500 lb motorhome instead of my mid-size pickup. No harm except a groove in the asphalt in a rural highway and one bent bracket where right side chain was attached.
Thats not why u cross the chains ..it's to keeps the trailer in the lane and not swaying into the other lanes
No kidding on the chains.
@@cb4055 whatever you're smoking sell me some...
My dad taught me to cross the chains. Also, the state troopers have told me that as well
I was not disappointed when I came to the comments 😂
My thoughts exactly lol
Gonna have to really think about all your advice after the not crossing chain bonner move
Came straight to the comments as soon as he didn’t cross the chains 😂 you’re also supposed to twist them so they don’t drag
That's a good video, All but one thing by law and yes it is law just not enforced much is that the safety chains are to be criss crossed !!
youve gotta cross the chains brother , nice video , thanx , keep it comin
Always criss cross your safety chains! It'll catch the tongue of the trailer if your hitch fails. Catching the tongue of the trailer without it hitting the road.
Always cross the safety chains and use a quality lock on the trailer.
You didn't cross your chains! Feel like that's important. It's a small detail that can really help you out if you have failure.
CROSS YOUR CHAINS!!😊. I was taught this by my Daddy, every boyfriend I had, and my Hubby!!
Don’t forget to check that the pin is in the receiver hitch itself. That not being in can make for a bad day as well.
Even that guy on your sweat shirt knows to cross cross your chains 🥱
Step 1 ... Check BALL SIZE, there are 3 sizes, and the wrong size can total your vehicles or kill people.
CROSS THE CHAINS DAD!
I was always told that you should close the chains. I know for a fact that this works. The crossed chains will catch the tung if it pops off, keeping it from biting into the ground.
Cross the chains it will create a cradle for the tounge if it comes off
Yea … seating that ball is most important….. I learned the hard way.
Today I couldn’t seat it no mater how many times I jumped on it.
I also learned that when things get rusty( and they do) to reach inside the ball receiver to make sure the latch inside is all the way open before trying to seat the ball in it.
Today I had to inch my truck forward … then back it up to make the ball seat properly. ….
It gave such a lurch I thought I may have effed up …. But no …. It slammed right in place.
Thanks for the reminder to use a safety pin on the ball latch…. It is important for first timers to follow all those safety steps.
This should be a part of DMV test… all of it and more.
Yes
And how change a flat tire
Brilliant
Thanks for the advice. But I do it every morning. Ur a genius!
I always cross the chains.. never really knew the actual reason why, just learned that way and have always done it.
I was thinking the same thing about the chains myself.
OMG. You forgot to mention to raise the landing gear.
Candalevier Pin.
Cross the chains to create a cradle if it does pop off.
When you didn’t cross the chains I went straight to the comments lol
As so many have said always cross your safety chains. That way they will catch the trailer tough if it bounced off the ball and keep it from digging into the road.
Tell me you’ve never hooked up a trailer without telling you’ve never hooked up a trailer
Yes! I won’t get in to greasing the ball vs not greasing it either lol he is scratching for views
Step #1 should be, “make sure you have the right size ball for the trailer hitch”
Don't forget ball grease (just a little grease)!
It does help alot.I always use a little.
And blinker fluid....😂
absolutely you got to cross the chains so that if it comes off the ball it will not drag the ground also you got to make sure that you twist the chains to ensure that they do not drag the ground during transport
I see you covered the license plate to protect it from damage if you accidentally overshoot when backing up. Brilliant!
I put spray some lithium grease on the ball so it reduces friction when traveling and making turns
Keep up the good work! So many people, young and old and in between don't know simple everyday tasks.. and that's fine, maybe they never had someone in they're life to teach them. But you will.
I was taught to cross the chains on step 4. This way if the trailer pops off and ball and starts to drag, the chains that have been crossed will hold the trailer nose off of the road. It will prevent the nose of the trailer from being damaged if for some reason it pops off.
Someone disappointed this man with how they hooked up a trailer so bad, he made a dad video lmao.
And then he disappointed every single person by not crossing his chains
Twist your chains to shorten then and cross your chain. Wnd also make sure you have the correct size ball.
Cross your chains.
Also, you can run your wires through the excess loop of that style safety pin. It keeps the wire from hanging down low and possibly snagging on something.
AND...Don't be scared to grease the ball a little bit for them bigger trailers.
Great advice but make sure your crossing those safety chains.
Your dad is helping me big time I just gotta job where I have to drive a trailer
Yep, I saw that he missed a step and I’m happy to see a lot of people called him out for it. You have to cross the chains! Now, I’ve witnessed a lot of trailers come off the ball and the chains disconnect. The chains are just hanging in those holes. And I probably shouldn’t be doing it this way, but for myself and the safety of the vehicles behind me, I actually lock both chains to the hitch hook up, so that the trailer can not separate from my truck.
That safety pin is no joke. We have a welding trailer with an identical tounge, and a pin has saved us many times
All good ideas I would suggest getting a lock instead of a pin if you're going to park someplace and leave it such as boat ramp or something like that so you don't come back and your trailer is gone dirt bags love to do that
I always use a lock.But you can't stop professional theives if what you're pulling is expensive enough and they want it bad enough.It just prevents your cheap theives from robbing you.
You need to cross the safety chains to allow the chains to catch the hitch if it ever drops off
Thanks for the unsafe video, Im glad so many people caught your error of crossing chains. Step 5-check your lights
Always cross your chains so if it comes off it will pull straight and not wobble side to side.
Come on dad, you didn’t cross the chains man.
Don’t forget to crisscross your chains at least once so if the ball hitch fails the trailer won’t sway all over the highway.
In addition to crossing the chains, you can twist the chains if they’re too long (touching the ground or very close to).
I also actually look at the holding clamp under the ball to ensure it is in its proper place. There have been a couple of times over the years that it has been hung up on the ball. Then the tongue could bounce off the ball even if the top pin is in. Good video to start a conversation of experiences and thoughts. Thank you.
Step 0: Make sure its the right ball size for the hitch
ALWAYS CROSS THE CHAINS! I bought a cheap ball that came loose on the Highway and the uhaul trailer popped right off but the crossed chains caught it and I was able to pull over safely. Who knows what would’ve happened if the trailer dropped straight to the road. Stay safe out there!
I like your videos, but can I add 2 more steps that are important? 1) check your tire pressure on the trailer and tow vehicle. 2) check the lights of the trailer and tow vehicle. thanks for the video!
The reason to cross the chains is to prevent snapping a chain when turning .
Thanks dad. I love you too
You have to cross your chains. Any rookie knows that. If you trailer comes uncoupled the trailer tongue will rest on the crossed chains instead of digging into the road. Safety first my friend... good luck in the future..
Sorry Dad, checking to make sure you have the proper ball size is #1 and very important. Kinda like your videos are for some people, great job!!
Good to see the safety pin installed,👍
I can tell I’m not the only one who died inside when he didn’t cross his chains
Make sure the size of the hitch is compatible with the ball size.
Cross the chains! Thanks tips
Should cross the chain Sir, if there is a separation a crossed chain (if tight enough) will make a sort of basket keeping the tongue from hitting the pavement. Not critical but does help, great video
Always hook the chains crossed over each other!
Hooked safety chains up wrong. Way to go dad
People talking about crossing the chains like they constantly have trailers flying off the ball lol
I feel like the most important part of this process is making sure the trailer is down all the way on the ball, and knowing the difference. You got underneath the trailer to show the clamp, but never to show it in place.
I thought crossing the chains was going to be the step he emphasized the most.
Criss cross the chains like an X and you can twist them if there's too much slack, it'll tighten them and keep the trailer closer
He forgot a step: Backing up the vehicle so the ball lines up perfectly with the hitch. That takes the most time and will test your patience.
Crossing the chains ⛓️ is a must 👌
My dad always crossed the chains.
Cross the chains, DAD!
This guys like the blind leading the blind
Spin your chains to prevent forest fires a couple years back someone burnt down 30+homes in my area the cause was sparks from chains dragging
Thank you, Capt!
Hey bud you need to cross those chains so that way when the trailer also comes off the hitch it lands in the cross of the chains and then it doesn't drag on the ground
CROSS THE CHAINS. It catches the tongue of trailer if hitch come disconnected. Otherwise the tounge will plunge into what ever surface your driving on. Then after hooking lights up check them to be sure working correctly.
The last step is to always double check everything before you you tow.
Also you cross the chains because if it does come off the ball The trailer won’t zigzag backwards and forward it will stay straight behind the vehicle
Trailer balls come in different sizes. Make sure your ball is right for the trailer.
In the uk and Europe we don’t have chains, we simply have a cable which pulls on the trailer brake then snaps so the trailer doesn’t cause the tow car to crash. Different philosophy, not sure which is safest!
Twist the chains! prevent fires sparking and helps catch the trailer
My question is...who amongst us didn't already know all this?
No allowed use chains in Europe. You do however fit a breakaway line the applies the trailer breaks. The idea is if the hitch fails you will overturn the towing vehicle if chains are fitted.
I know this is an old video, but I was talking about it with my husband the other day, and months after seeing it, it still bothers me.
My husband has driven trucks and trailers for over 10 years and before I got my first trailer the first lesson he taught me was how to hitch up the trailer properly, safely, and legally.
Step 1- safety check
Step 2- trailer on ball
Step 3- lock ball down
Step 4-insert and lock pin (we have sturdy locking pins that we use)
Step 5- CROSS THE CHAINS (twist if necessary for length) and hook to vehicle.
Step 6- plug cord into adapter on vehicle.
Step 7- check that all electric is functional.
Crossing the chains saved my new (2nd) trailer when I had to make a sharper turn than I anticipated suddenly, and the trailer popped off the ball. The tongue landed on the chains and I was able to pull over safely without the trailer fishtailing or getting damaged.
The trailer’s hitch had been modified by the previous owner to fit their weird ball and they didn’t disclose the modification at purchase, so I had to have the hitch unmodified to be safe. Crossing the chains saved the trailer, prevented an accident, and prevented damage to my vehicle.
CROSS YOUR CHAINS! They are called safety chains for a reason.
Imagine if you have low hanging chains that are causing sparks and you have dry straw in your trailer, um…can you say flammable?
Or you hit a bump and your cheap pin lock breaks and your trailer pops off the ball and your trailer slams to the ground because there is nothing to stop it from falling. You slam on your brakes causing the trailer to slam into your vehicle and suddenly major accident.
Cross the chains dad ...dont always need adapter.....not all have that old style latching....or use the lock to hold it
You could put a little grease on the ball so it moves easily and doesn't wear the ball and hitch . Oh and cross the safety chains.
Haha …. Me again…..
Hey - I just wanted to put another tip out there….. simple as I may seem….
If your chains are too long and dragging on the ground once you hook ‘em up….
Just twist them to take up the slack before hooking up to the vehicle…..
But not too much…. Just enough to keep ‘em off the ground …. Still need some slack for cornering….
Hey -thanks again! Who da thought this would be such an important video!
C- Coupling Score from one dad to another
cross the safety chains in a X pattern. that will prevent the trailer tongue from hitting hitting the road surface preventing catastrophic damage to your vehicle and anyone else that might be near the failure of the truck/ trailer.
Hooked the chains up wrong. You're supposed to cross them to make a cradle if the trailer ever disconnected.
I had a trailer come off the ball. The safety chains were extremely heavy duty. They ripped right off the trail frame where they were welded on from the factory. The hitch was worn. Road was a bad washboard. And my speed was about 20 mph.
Never would have figured that out 😅. Thanks
My dad's trailer popped off the ball once....them chains saved what I'd say would be him having to buy a new trailer
Well said. Cross the chains.
You good at explaining
Oh my a very important step is to cross the chains man!!! If the hitch comes off the crossed chains will cradle it preventing the hitch from hitting the ground…. You should redo this video for the noobs!