glp23
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Post by glp23 on Apr 8, 2021 20:53:07 GMT -8
 20210408_164558 by Greg LaPrad, on Flickr My 1964 12' Santa Fe Cub has a single tow chain. Any thoughts on how I can safely rig this (without welding) to create an additional chain hookup or a safer towing situation? Thanks! |
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Post by danrhodes on Apr 9, 2021 15:37:39 GMT -8
I bought a 6 foot Reece tow chain at Home Depot. I used their chain cutter to split it in two, then purchased 2 grade 8 bolts, drilled through the coupler and the frame and bolted the chains in place. You already have one hole, just match it on the other side and upgrade your chains with those that have a more secure attachment, not just a hook. It's important to have two chains crossing under the coupler to "catch" it if it becomes uncoupled. 1965fieldandstream.blogspot.com/2016/11/towing-safely.htmlEDIT They don't seem to carry the long chain anymore, but two of these, some upgraded bolts and you are good to go. Note the attachment point cannot fall off like your hooks. www.homedepot.com/p/Reese-Towpower-36-in-Safety-Chain-7007600/202282291 |
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Post by Teachndad on Apr 9, 2021 22:03:59 GMT -8
Nice points Dan.
Harbor Freight makes a nice safety chain and it's got the spring clips on the hooks, which I really like for safety. Make sure when you go the bolt route that you also allocate room for a washer between the coupler and the chain and another washer between the outside of the chain and the bolt head. You should "sandwich" the chain with the washers. Don't use anything less than a grade 8 for this application.
On a second look at your safety chain hook, the guage looks really small(thin)/weak to me. The HF hooks are really beefy.
Cheers,
Rod
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glp23
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Post by glp23 on Apr 10, 2021 0:43:30 GMT -8
Thank you for the replies. Would a 1/2 inch grade 8 hex bolt be sufficient?
Greg
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Post by danrhodes on Apr 10, 2021 6:14:59 GMT -8
Thank you for the replies. Would a 1/2 inch grade 8 hex bolt be sufficient? Greg Use the largest bolt that will fit through your chain links. If you look at the photo in my blog link, I did what Rod suggested and sandwiched the chain between washers. I also added an extra nut just so the chains don't rub as much on the frame but that's not necessary. |
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Post by Teachndad on Apr 10, 2021 11:28:18 GMT -8
Tag your it, Dan.
As I receive the baton,😊.
I went out and measured the existing hole in the coupler for the safety chain mounting bolt and the hole is 1/2". That was drilled by a mobile trailer repair service I have used in the past.
Cheers,
Rod
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glp23
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Post by glp23 on Apr 11, 2021 0:40:15 GMT -8
That is very helpful! Thank you Dan and Rod!
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