Re: [A/S] Suburban/"Lockup"

[Jim Redelfs <jim.redelfs@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> It you're not going to cross them why have them at all?

Because even a SINGLE safety chain can prevent a catastrophic accident.

A safety chain (note: singular) will keep an unhitched trailer ATTACHED to
the tow vehicle.  The introduction of the safety chain improved towing
safety immeasurably.

If one was good, two should be better, right?

Right.  It was then learned that, in the event of an uncoupling, a PAIR of
chains, CROSSED under the coupler, acts as a "cradle" and holds the tongue
of the trailer off of the pavement until the lashup can be brought to a
stop.

Consider the spectacular alternative:  The SINGLE safety chain is doing its
job keep the trailer attached, BUT the tongue is dragging along the
pavement, VIOLENTLY "wagging" back-and-forth, until the coupler strikes a
pavement seam or fault, i.e. falls into a chuckhole.  The whole trailer then
flips end-over-end, often dragging the tow vehicle into the accident.

Two, crossed safety chains are best by far.  Given that, if crossing them is
required by law is a moot point.

           :)
JR