Section 308.12. Safety chains or cables for trailer and mobile homes.

 

(1)   Number of lengths of chain required. Two separate lengths of safety chain or cable shall be required on all trailers and mobile homes. This requirement shall not apply to semitrailers having a connecting device composed of a fifth wheel and kingpin assembly (s. 347.47 (3) , Stats.), to a pole or pipe dolly (s. 347.47 (3) , Stats.), nor between towing vehicles and full trailers or trailer converter dollies when the towing vehicle is connected to the towed vehicle by means of a pintle and tow bar eye and all the installation and capacity requirements of s. Trans 308.14 .

(2)   Strength ratings for safety chains or cables. The strength rating for each length of safety chain or cable used in conjunction with trailers and mobile homes shall be as follows: - See PDF for table

(3)   Attachment of safety chains. The means of attachment of safety chains shall be located equally distant from and on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the towing vehicle and the trailer. Each means of attachment shall have no towing function other than the connection of safety chains and shall not be common with or utilize fasteners common with a ball, socket, ring, pintle, clevis, pin or other equivalent portion of the primary towing arrangement. No welding operation shall be performed on safety chain subsequent to its manufacture. Safety chains shall be so connected that the slack for each length of chain between the trailer and towing vehicle is the same and is not more than necessary to permit proper turning of the vehicles. Each means of attaching chain or cable shall have a longitudinal strength at least equal to the total gross towed weight.

(4)   Tilt bed trailers, equipment. All tilt bed trailers built with a swivel pole to permit angling of pole for forward drive unloading, shall be equipped with a chain at that point where the bend is joined to the pole. Chain shall be of sufficient strength, adequately fastened, and short enough to prohibit the trailer from angling in the event the connecting pin breaks or becomes disconnected.

History: Cr. Register, July, 1968, No. 151 , eff. 8-1-68; emerg. am. (1) and (2) (intro.), eff. 4-14-80; renum. from MVD 8.12, and am. (1) and (2) (intro.), Register, September, 1980, No. 297 , eff. 10-1-80.