Viewing videos requires the latest version of Adobe's Flash Player.
Get the latest Flash player.
Get the latest Flash player.
Summary: Don't let chains sag to the ground when installed on a trailer. Learn other mistakes to avoid when installing a trailer hitch from a certified mechanic in this free automotive video.
Views: 202 | Tags: lighting, balls, vehicle, braking, boats, trailers, towing, trailer, hauling
About the Expert
Jeff Jackson Jeff Jackson is an ASE certified mechanic and Yamaha certified jet ski mechanic who started his career in the U.S. Army where he received his mechanical train... read more
Comments
Questions & AnswersLet's talk about the does and don'ts of trailer hitches. One thing that you don't want to do, is, here's where your chains go when you hook up a trailer. You don't want to leave the chains sagging to the point to where the trailer will, the chains will drag the ground. It'll wear your chains away and it will make it weak and if your trailer every does break away from the hitch, they're not going to help you, because they're going to break to. But you also don't want to get the chains to tight. If you get them to tight, when you turn tight in a corner it's going to put extra pressure on that chain and possibly break it or tear up your trailer or your truck. So make sure that the chains have a nice little arc underneath the hitch but they're not too tight, but they don't drag the ground. Another thing that you don't want to do, is when you're hooking your trailer up to your truck, if you've got a light trailer that's fine you can carry it to the vehicle. But beware, the momentum of that trailer is not so easily stopped once you get it going. So it's very easy to run into the back of your vehicle with your trailer and put a big dent in the back door or the bumper or damage the tag. Which I'm sure if you've seen anybodies vehicle, when it has a trailer, you've probably seen that kind of damage on the vehicle.
Email this video to a friend
Ask A Question
