As a new owner of a 5.0 with an Andersen Ultimate Hitch, are safety chains required? Trailer is in the shed for the winter, so I've got time to figure out. According to Wisconsin DOT statutes, safety chains are not required with a fifth wheel hitch. What is the Andersen classified as?
I think the end consensus of that thread was something to the effect of:
yes in many (if not most / all) jurisdictions, perhaps on a 'technicality' (e.g. the Andersen ball may not be technically considered a "5th Wheel Hitch"), perhaps not uniformly policed / enforced
in any case probably prudent and easy to have and use 'em ("prudent" from both a safety standpoint and a 'LEO conflict avoidance' standpoint)
no-one seemed to have any anecdotes where having them created any LEO concern or meaningful hassle in daily use, whether or not "required".
Surely someone will parse and / or disagree, no worries
The Andersen is a ball and coupler hitch. The only hitch that doesn’t require safety chains is a real 5th wheel hitch which captures the king pin directly.
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What a long strange trip it’s been!
Bottom line, yes I will be putting on safety chains. Have then on my gooseneck cattle trailer, not inconvenient to hook up and the safety factor is worth it.
Agreed, we have used the safety chains on ours lots now and they literally add less than 30 seconds to hookup and disconnect times. I have those heavy duty carabiner-style hookups so they simply snap on and off.
Agreed, we have used the safety chains on ours lots now and they literally add less than 30 seconds to hookup and disconnect times. I have those heavy duty carabiner-style hookups so they simply snap on and off.
AGREED as well. They would be a pain for me if I left them laying or had to dig for them on the truck bed but when we are disconnected from the trailer I hook mine to carabiner hooks on each sidewall of the truck bed.
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