Safety Chains for Andersen AUH?

[minnow101]

The only thing having a stack of printouts of the applicable law in my glovebox will do is save time later on when arguing your case in front of a Magistrate. Arguing roadside with a law enforcement officer with the interpretation of the law NEVER ends well.

If spending $50 for a chain kit that prevents me from returning to Texas, CA or In or any other state to that may have such a chain requirement to argue the point is money and time saved.

[CManley]

I purchased the AUH used that came with chains. It’s definitely not a hinderance to use them, nor great cost to purchase. My understanding from Anderson is that it’s needed in Ca.

My opinion is that the AUH provides far better control and ride over the Curt 5th Wheel slider I happy got rid of. The diet cannot be beat. If chains are needed, ok.

Happy Towing


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[lawdes]

I had a AUH and bought the chains. I have to agree with the position that “5th wheel” as referred to in the statutes does refer to the type of hitch mechanism, not the style of trailer. I would suggest that the AUH didn’t exist when these statutes were enacted so was not contemplated. The AUH fits the definition of a ball and socket hitch. Just because the term “5th Wheel” is commonly used to describe a style of trailer doesn’t change the specific definition ie: a type of trailer hitch consisting of a pin on a pin box attached to the trailer and a capture plate attached to a tow vehicle over or near the rear axel. That does not describe the AUH. I think the AUH is a fine, safe hitch but under the definitions in those statues, it is not a “5th wheel” hitch.

[Dick Noble]

I have ordered a chain kit. I'm not sure it is needed but for $75, I do not want to have to go to court.

[Leon T]

I have ordered a chain kit. I'm not sure it is needed but for $75, I do not want to have to go to court.

Even worse if some state trooper or local cop decides you are operating an unsafe vehicle and shuts you down until repairs are made rather than issuing you a "fix it ticket". In many jurisdictions they can do this. It has happened to me. Also, if God forbid you're in some type of accident and you don't have the chains I can only imagine the liability you might incur if someone gets hurt. The ambulance chasers would have a field day. I think you're making a smart move FWIW. When you use a ball mount on a "fifth wheel" trailer you have basically converted your 5th wheel to a gooseneck trailer.

This is completely unrelated to the safety chain issue, but I once watched at a convenience store in TX as the state troopers escorted one out of state motorist after another into the store so they could buy money orders to pre-pay their appearance bond or traffic fine (I don't know which they were paying). I don't know if they still do it, but I thought right then and there I don't want to ever give them the opportunity to take my money.

[howson]

Duplicate thread? Will work to merge with thread 19802.

-Howard