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Author Topic:   Trailer safety chain on step bumper problem

frontier posted 03-02-2006 09:51 AM ET (US)
We have a Toyota pickup with the step bumper trailer hitch. 3 Holes in the bumper - center one for the ball. Side holes are too far in for attaching the safety chains. Eye bolts look horrible with the threaded end sticking up. Any ideas?
Tom W Clark posted 03-02-2006 10:11 AM ET (US)
Install a shackle on each side hole. Hook the safety chains to the shackles.
Bulldog posted 03-02-2006 10:48 AM ET (US)
Electrical supply houses carry interanlly threaded eye bolts that are heavy hot dip galavinized, you would then just have the bolt head that you would see from above on the step bumper. What is your hole diameter and thickness of bumper, if you can't find any I'll send you a couple.....Jack
E-mail me your address if needed
Sonic posted 03-02-2006 10:56 AM ET (US)
A rock climbing Caribiner should work well in that application.
Be careful how much you tow on the bumper though. If it's only a 13, you are fine, but any more than than I would get a proper reciever. It is much more sturdy. Older Toyota (and all trucks) have a habit of rusting out the rear bumper, and with both the trailer coupler and safety chains attached to it, you could have a real problem.
Are there any places in the frame under the truck to attach the safety chains? Tow hooks or anything?
Tom W Clark posted 03-02-2006 11:15 AM ET (US)
Gary,
I want to add that you need to buy what are called "Long D" shackles because the holes are so far back from the edge. No caribiner will work in this application.
I used this safety chain connection technique on my 1983 Toyota truck's step bumper. I pulled my Montauk with it for years with no trouble at all.
Jerry Townsend posted 03-02-2006 04:15 PM ET (US)
The loads on a safety chain - when the hitch fails are probably 3 - 5 times the load on the hitch loaded normally. Therefore, I would never consider using a caribiner in a safety chain.
Regarding shackles - the majority are cast and therefore are a bit weaker than cold-rolled material. Try to find a non-cast shackle - or have a welding shop make a couple up for you. --- Jerry/Iaho
Sonic posted 03-03-2006 10:03 AM ET (US)
Jerry,
High quality caribiners are much stronger than the safety chain on the trailer. Here is one that is rated for over 6900lbs when locked, 31kN
http://www.rockclimbing.com/gear/product.php?p=466&list=1
Caribiners are plenty strong, as long as you don't get the "non load bearing' keychain ones. I'd trust one much more than I would a hardware store shackle that many people use for this.
Chuck Tribolet posted 03-03-2006 12:12 PM ET (US)
The "repair links" do the job well, and are inexpensive.

Chuck
The Machinery Killer posted 03-12-2006 09:51 PM ET (US)
Frontier,
As a person, who has had a Class “A” Commercial Drivers License with all of the Endorsements for the PRC (Peoples Republic of California) for a couple of decades. I have seen more then I would care to see with accidents on the highways based on items or issues that could have been avoided. The rule of thumb is the accidents on the roadway that look minor are always fatal, those that look major are always minor, yet the same amount of attention by those driving by is always provided.
Do not use anything other then a Shackle used for rigging heavy equipment on the basis that if a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer can not find enough friends at 80,000lbs he or she will be looking for you as you or anyone else who are pulling a trailer above 58 miles per hour in this state. When pulled over they will no doubt look at your complete set up including safety chains, axel weight, and brake away devices time permitting. Having an anti social attitude with this individual assures their undivided attention for as long as they would like noting things in the vehicle code most judges have never heard of.
Using a climbing device may work or not, using a bolt and chain may work or not, however when you are on the witness stand in court because your trailer made a left turn in to a mini cooper without your consent. During this left turn the passenger is dead and the driver paralyzed consider the following response “Yes, I put the most durable items such as the shackles on the safety chains which were attached to my trailer in order to prevent trailer from taking off. So please take a look at the shackle manufacturer’s specifications for the size I used.” Alternatively, the other response “Umm, I did not think it mattered so I used something that would fit.” Your call but as a holder of a class A I would suggest putting the largest shackle possible on the strongest chain possible that would attach directly to the frame rail and not the bumper just in case the bumper would detach. Yes bumpers will detach in accidents due to the amount of force since a grade 8 bolt really does have a shear point the same way a safety chain has a break point.
Semper Paratus
Joe
Tom W Clark posted 03-12-2006 10:06 PM ET (US)
Guys,
Caribiners, "repair links", hardware store shackles will not work. They won't reach the hole in the bumper. Period.
As I said, you can use a "Long-D" shackle. These are stainless steel. Wichard makes a good one in a 7/16" size that reaches. It is rated at 11,465 pounds, WAY more than enough.
The Machinery Killer posted 03-22-2006 11:10 PM ET (US)
My impression of Jim H’s forum Continuous Wave is to allow those with a variety of background to contribute information based on experience to allow others to take heed and possibly prevent making the same error. Mr. Jim please feel free to post a correction to this if I am missing the point.
Frontier I would consider checking the manufacturers rating of the bumper attached to your truck by using the VIN number and your truck manufacturer’s parts counter. From there if you have not added an after market bumper and the item being towed is with in those limits of what the manufacturer was allowed. Since access is the concern, I would have the trailer chains replaced with longer ones that would allow you to wrap one around each frame rail in the typical x fashion. From there if you are stopped for any reason, you would have no real issues since you have gone over and above to secure the trailer above and beyond the normal requirements. Going above and beyond has been known to provide leniency in many situations.
Semper Paratus
rumrunner posted 03-23-2006 07:32 AM ET (US)
The Machinery Killer hit the nail on the head.
I had the same problem on a 1993 Ford F150, not equipped with a trailer package. Bumper mounted ball with two other holes.
I used shackles, settle for nothing less. My bigger concern was that the shackles would have held and the whole rear bumper would have torn off.
Based on my experience, you really should think about an aftermarket frame mounted hitch/safety eyes if you don't have a factory setup. Not sure what you're towing, but I feel a lot safer since I switched.
I got rid of the 93 F150, have a 99 F150 with tow package - what a difference!!! Much safer............
The Judge posted 03-23-2006 01:52 PM ET (US)
I had a 97 Tacoma and towed a 6000lb 24' Baja with it(short distances). If that bumper never bent or tore off from that, nothing will. The bumper hitch is rated for 3500lbs. If you are towing more than that and your truck is NOT a lease like mine, spend the $150 for a 2" receiver tpe hitch.
deepwater posted 03-23-2006 02:52 PM ET (US)
so why do you want to trust a stumpjumpersidecarafganarackpaki rig to tow a beautiful boat,,save your dimes and make nice nice with mom and get a hitch,,
The Machinery Killer posted 03-23-2006 10:15 PM ET (US)
Hey Deepwater,
As a friend of mine told me "It's always good to be in good graces with the Boss!". I wish I would listen more often...have fun.
Semper Paratus
deepwater posted 03-23-2006 11:55 PM ET (US)
well i'm not tried to the fence yet,and i don't do all the right things right,,,yet , but i come home every night with no holes in me and the same clothes on my back i left in so its been a good day ^@^
The Machinery Killer posted 03-26-2006 03:53 AM ET (US)
Deepwater,
Next time your in need of a aftermarket bumper for your stumpjumper consider this;
http://www.reunel.com/Photo/Dodge/dodge.htm
Having the Dead Weight Specs of 20,000lbs trailer and 6,120 tongue weight is a help. The receiver ratings of 15,000lbs of trailer with 5,180lbs of tongue assures one thing. The next step up is a three axel...
For the dodge owners with the sport packages this one really is a keeper for the front;
http://www.roadarmor.com/ra3/dodge_trucks.html
The banks monster exhaust with the transmission lock and exhaust brake does a nice job too extending the life of the trucks brakes. But if I could only replace the monster exhaust and put on the the Thunder Header it would be a better sounding truck...
BobL posted 04-02-2006 06:47 PM ET (US)
Frontier,
Consider getting a frame-mounted hitch for your Toyota pick-up. I messed around trying to get by with just the step bumper with my Tacoma and found that I could not turn very sharply without risking hitting the trailer against the bumper. I ended up getting a nice frame-mounted hitch from Cabelas for $149. It bolted on easily, came with the 2” receiver, and ended the problem with the safety chains.
BobL

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Author	Topic: Trailer safety chain on step bumper problem
frontier	posted 03-02-2006 09:51 AM ET (US) We have a Toyota pickup with the step bumper trailer hitch. 3 Holes in the bumper - center one for the ball. Side holes are too far in for attaching the safety chains. Eye bolts look horrible with the threaded end sticking up. Any ideas?
Tom W Clark	posted 03-02-2006 10:11 AM ET (US) Install a shackle on each side hole. Hook the safety chains to the shackles.
Bulldog	posted 03-02-2006 10:48 AM ET (US) Electrical supply houses carry interanlly threaded eye bolts that are heavy hot dip galavinized, you would then just have the bolt head that you would see from above on the step bumper. What is your hole diameter and thickness of bumper, if you can't find any I'll send you a couple.....Jack E-mail me your address if needed
Sonic	posted 03-02-2006 10:56 AM ET (US) A rock climbing Caribiner should work well in that application. Be careful how much you tow on the bumper though. If it's only a 13, you are fine, but any more than than I would get a proper reciever. It is much more sturdy. Older Toyota (and all trucks) have a habit of rusting out the rear bumper, and with both the trailer coupler and safety chains attached to it, you could have a real problem. Are there any places in the frame under the truck to attach the safety chains? Tow hooks or anything?
Tom W Clark	posted 03-02-2006 11:15 AM ET (US) Gary, I want to add that you need to buy what are called "Long D" shackles because the holes are so far back from the edge. No caribiner will work in this application. I used this safety chain connection technique on my 1983 Toyota truck's step bumper. I pulled my Montauk with it for years with no trouble at all.
Jerry Townsend	posted 03-02-2006 04:15 PM ET (US) The loads on a safety chain - when the hitch fails are probably 3 - 5 times the load on the hitch loaded normally. Therefore, I would never consider using a caribiner in a safety chain. Regarding shackles - the majority are cast and therefore are a bit weaker than cold-rolled material. Try to find a non-cast shackle - or have a welding shop make a couple up for you. --- Jerry/Iaho
Sonic	posted 03-03-2006 10:03 AM ET (US) Jerry, High quality caribiners are much stronger than the safety chain on the trailer. Here is one that is rated for over 6900lbs when locked, 31kN http://www.rockclimbing.com/gear/product.php?p=466&list=1 Caribiners are plenty strong, as long as you don't get the "non load bearing' keychain ones. I'd trust one much more than I would a hardware store shackle that many people use for this.
Chuck Tribolet	posted 03-03-2006 12:12 PM ET (US) The "repair links" do the job well, and are inexpensive. Chuck
The Machinery Killer	posted 03-12-2006 09:51 PM ET (US) Frontier, As a person, who has had a Class “A” Commercial Drivers License with all of the Endorsements for the PRC (Peoples Republic of California) for a couple of decades. I have seen more then I would care to see with accidents on the highways based on items or issues that could have been avoided. The rule of thumb is the accidents on the roadway that look minor are always fatal, those that look major are always minor, yet the same amount of attention by those driving by is always provided. Do not use anything other then a Shackle used for rigging heavy equipment on the basis that if a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer can not find enough friends at 80,000lbs he or she will be looking for you as you or anyone else who are pulling a trailer above 58 miles per hour in this state. When pulled over they will no doubt look at your complete set up including safety chains, axel weight, and brake away devices time permitting. Having an anti social attitude with this individual assures their undivided attention for as long as they would like noting things in the vehicle code most judges have never heard of. Using a climbing device may work or not, using a bolt and chain may work or not, however when you are on the witness stand in court because your trailer made a left turn in to a mini cooper without your consent. During this left turn the passenger is dead and the driver paralyzed consider the following response “Yes, I put the most durable items such as the shackles on the safety chains which were attached to my trailer in order to prevent trailer from taking off. So please take a look at the shackle manufacturer’s specifications for the size I used.” Alternatively, the other response “Umm, I did not think it mattered so I used something that would fit.” Your call but as a holder of a class A I would suggest putting the largest shackle possible on the strongest chain possible that would attach directly to the frame rail and not the bumper just in case the bumper would detach. Yes bumpers will detach in accidents due to the amount of force since a grade 8 bolt really does have a shear point the same way a safety chain has a break point. Semper Paratus Joe
Tom W Clark	posted 03-12-2006 10:06 PM ET (US) Guys, Caribiners, "repair links", hardware store shackles will not work. They won't reach the hole in the bumper. Period. As I said, you can use a "Long-D" shackle. These are stainless steel. Wichard makes a good one in a 7/16" size that reaches. It is rated at 11,465 pounds, WAY more than enough.
The Machinery Killer	posted 03-22-2006 11:10 PM ET (US) My impression of Jim H’s forum Continuous Wave is to allow those with a variety of background to contribute information based on experience to allow others to take heed and possibly prevent making the same error. Mr. Jim please feel free to post a correction to this if I am missing the point. Frontier I would consider checking the manufacturers rating of the bumper attached to your truck by using the VIN number and your truck manufacturer’s parts counter. From there if you have not added an after market bumper and the item being towed is with in those limits of what the manufacturer was allowed. Since access is the concern, I would have the trailer chains replaced with longer ones that would allow you to wrap one around each frame rail in the typical x fashion. From there if you are stopped for any reason, you would have no real issues since you have gone over and above to secure the trailer above and beyond the normal requirements. Going above and beyond has been known to provide leniency in many situations. Semper Paratus
rumrunner	posted 03-23-2006 07:32 AM ET (US) The Machinery Killer hit the nail on the head. I had the same problem on a 1993 Ford F150, not equipped with a trailer package. Bumper mounted ball with two other holes. I used shackles, settle for nothing less. My bigger concern was that the shackles would have held and the whole rear bumper would have torn off. Based on my experience, you really should think about an aftermarket frame mounted hitch/safety eyes if you don't have a factory setup. Not sure what you're towing, but I feel a lot safer since I switched. I got rid of the 93 F150, have a 99 F150 with tow package - what a difference!!! Much safer............
The Judge	posted 03-23-2006 01:52 PM ET (US) I had a 97 Tacoma and towed a 6000lb 24' Baja with it(short distances). If that bumper never bent or tore off from that, nothing will. The bumper hitch is rated for 3500lbs. If you are towing more than that and your truck is NOT a lease like mine, spend the $150 for a 2" receiver tpe hitch.
deepwater	posted 03-23-2006 02:52 PM ET (US) so why do you want to trust a stumpjumpersidecarafganarackpaki rig to tow a beautiful boat,,save your dimes and make nice nice with mom and get a hitch,,
The Machinery Killer	posted 03-23-2006 10:15 PM ET (US) Hey Deepwater, As a friend of mine told me "It's always good to be in good graces with the Boss!". I wish I would listen more often...have fun. Semper Paratus
deepwater	posted 03-23-2006 11:55 PM ET (US) well i'm not tried to the fence yet,and i don't do all the right things right,,,yet , but i come home every night with no holes in me and the same clothes on my back i left in so its been a good day ^@^
The Machinery Killer	posted 03-26-2006 03:53 AM ET (US) Deepwater, Next time your in need of a aftermarket bumper for your stumpjumper consider this; http://www.reunel.com/Photo/Dodge/dodge.htm Having the Dead Weight Specs of 20,000lbs trailer and 6,120 tongue weight is a help. The receiver ratings of 15,000lbs of trailer with 5,180lbs of tongue assures one thing. The next step up is a three axel... For the dodge owners with the sport packages this one really is a keeper for the front; http://www.roadarmor.com/ra3/dodge_trucks.html The banks monster exhaust with the transmission lock and exhaust brake does a nice job too extending the life of the trucks brakes. But if I could only replace the monster exhaust and put on the the Thunder Header it would be a better sounding truck...
BobL	posted 04-02-2006 06:47 PM ET (US) Frontier, Consider getting a frame-mounted hitch for your Toyota pick-up. I messed around trying to get by with just the step bumper with my Tacoma and found that I could not turn very sharply without risking hitting the trailer against the bumper. I ended up getting a nice frame-mounted hitch from Cabelas for $149. It bolted on easily, came with the 2” receiver, and ended the problem with the safety chains. BobL