Are Safety Chains Required To Tow a 5th Wheel Trailer In the US?

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Are Safety Chains Required To Tow a 5th Wheel Trailer In the US?

by Anonymous

I would like know if safety chains are mandatory when entering the United States when towing a 5th Wheel Trailer?

ANSWER: Hi thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

The US does not require Towing Safety Chains when towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a positive locking coupling system. A 5th wheel setup using a Gooseneck Coupling System does require the use of safety chains.

5th Wheel Trailers with a gross weight of 3000 lbs. or more are also required to have a Breakaway Switch that will activate the trailer's brakes if the trailer separates from the tow vehicle.

For further information on towing a 5th wheel trailer in the US, I suggest that you also read the answer I gave to What Are The Restrictions For Towing A 5th Wheel Recreational Trailer In The USA?

Hope this helps.

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Are Safety Chains Required To Tow a 5th Wheel Trailer In the US?

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5hth wheel safety chain.
by: Dave S

To whom this may concern.

Dear Sir
I have been a truck driver in the UK for almost 30 years and I will be retiring in 9 months time. On Monday he 22nd August 2011 I had an accident with my unit and trailer.I coupled my trailer to my unit with 26 tons of rolled lead, I did my checks,but failed to clip my safety chain. I left my depot and I only travelled one mile away where I was delivering my load. I stopped at the gated house (security building)and booked in.As I pulled away my trailer came away from the the unit.I maintained the safety chain is an added safty factor and it is law in th UK not to used the safty chain. I believe that if the 5th wheel coupled to the traler was engaged correctly a safety chain isnt needed. Before the safety chain was introduced in the UK everything was fine and I never heard of any driver losing a trailer.My company is blaming me because I failed to put the safety chain on.

Kind Regards
David Stuart

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