Around 2/17/2007 7:02 PM, Mike wrote:

I'm with the replies so far, but with a slightly different take. If the
chains are crossed (and the right length), if the trailer comes off the
hitch, the crossed chains will keep the tounge off the ground. Imagine
traveling at 60mph, and the tounge comes off the hitch and DIGS into the
pavement. I can't imagine the end result, but I'm sure it wouldn't be
pretty.

BINGO. That right there is the primary reason to cross the chains.

Nothing like having your boat and trailer pole-vault itself into
oncoming traffic...


If crossed, it creates a cradle of sorts, and the tounge stays off the
pavement. You should be able to stop safely.

Crossed chains or not, you'll know about it if the ball fails.


--
~/Garth - 1966 Glastron V-142 Skiflite: "Blue-Boat"
"There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing
as simply messing about in boats." -- Kenneth Grahame
~~ Ventis secundis, tene cursum ~~