(1) Every towed vehicle must be coupled to the towing vehicle by means of two safety chains, cables, or wire ropes in addition to the regular drawbar, tongue, or other connection which is certified by its manufacturer as complying with SAE J684 revised July 2005.

(2) The means of attachment of safety chains must:

(a) Be located equally distant from and on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the towing vehicle and of the trailer.

(b) Not be common with or utilize fasteners common with a ball or coupling.

(3) No welding operation or repair, such as cold shuts, will be performed on a safety chain subsequent to its manufacture, including the direct welding of a safety chain link to the towed or towing vehicles.

(4) Safety chains must:

(a) Be so connected that the slack for each length of chain between trailer and towing vehicle is the same and is not more than necessary to permit the proper turning of the vehicles.

(b) Be crossed in such a manner as to prevent the tongue from dropping to the ground and to maintain connection in the event of failure of the primary connecting system. See Figure 1.

(c) Be replaced immediately if they contain cut, cracked, or excessively worn links, or frayed, stranded, or otherwise defective wire rope.

(d) Not be connected to the hitch ball or to a ball mount designed to be readily removable when not in use.