Nobody said laughing... joking is what was said.I'm not laughing. I just wanted to move this nonsensical conversation out of the towing thread, and into one that sane people can come to, drop a reason to use chains, then leave and let the children REEEEEE!
Thanks for the detailed response. That makes sense in that context. So if you have trailer brakes with a switch, you don't have chains - otherwise, you have chains (I'm paraphrasing obviously).This is most likely the reason.
"A European tow vehicle driver who experiences coupling failure is left with a tow vehicle that can be easily controlled and a separated trailer with its brakes locked on.
An Australian tow vehicle driver who experiences coupling failure is left with a tow vehicle and trailer loosely connected by a pair of chains. The combination behaves totally unpredictably and almost always finishes up rolled over."
(Australia has the same system as the US regarding trailer hookups I believe)
49 CFR 393.70 coupling devices and towing methods is where the safety chain requirements are located on the federal level.
Most states will have laws adopting the federal laws as a state requirement.
There are requirements for working load limits, attachment points, criss crossing of the chains and how the emergency break away cable is to be attached..