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How Thick Should a Tow Chain Be?

Oct 08,2022
Tow chains are made of steel or alloy links, and are inexpensive and easy to find. They can be any length and are generally Grade 70 or higher. The breaking strength of tow chains is measured by multiplying the Working Load Limit by the length of the chain. Check the product documentation to make sure that yours is strong enough for the load you're towing. A good rule of thumb is 20 feet.
When choosing a tow chain, most towing professionals recommend a 20-foot model, but you may want to choose a shorter or longer one depending on the circumstances. These chains are great for towing, recovery, and lifting heavy items. Most tow companies use chains instead of ropes when rescuing stuck vehicles. Despite its disadvantages, tow chains can be incredibly useful in these situations.
For safety and efficiency, a chain should be at least tensile strength. Tensile strength is the measurement of how much work the chain can do before snapping. It's important to know this number as it helps you choose a chain that is strong enough to safely tow a car. A chain of a lower tensile strength is more prone to breaking during heavy work or overhead lifting.
Towing equipment must be durable. A high grade of chain will increase the tow weight capacity by approximately 20 pounds. You can purchase these accessories at a specialized towing store or online. Just remember that chains and ropes are available in a wide range of lengths. If you don't know how thick you need a towing rope, read the labels. Then buy the best rope for the job.
Using a tow strap without a safety hook can cause serious injuries. If your tow strap breaks, your car is free to move in the direction of the momentum of the vehicle. It will most likely cause an accident. A safety chain keeps the trailer connected to the towing vehicle. It also gives you the ability to safely pull the trailer over in case of a collision. However, the tow strap alone isn't enough to prevent this from happening.
A towing cable should be durable enough to withstand the weight of your vehicle. If not, it can break and become a dangerous projectile. For example, one inch of nylon rope has a higher breaking strength than a steel cable. If one inch of nylon rope breaks, it snaps back to its point of attachment, unlike steel cables, which rebound in unpredictable ways and wrap around anything in their path.

Trailer Safety Chain Assembly With S Hook Both Ends

Trailer Classification Chain Size S-hook Size Min. Breaking
inch inch lbs
1   3/16  3/8 2,000 
2   3/16  3/8 3,000 
3  1/4   7/16 5,000 
4   5/16  17/32 7,000 
4  3/8  17/32 7,000