When it comes to towing, safety isn’t just a consideration—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a weekend towing enthusiast or a vehicle owner figuring out how to tow a trailer, your towing equipment can make or break the operation. At the center of this equipment are towing chains. But not all towing chain grades are the same. This blog unpacks the different towing chain grades, explains why they matter, and shares practical towing safety tips to keep you confident on the road.

What Are Chain Grades, and Why Do They Matter in Towing?

Towing chains aren’t just about pulling something heavy—they’re about doing so safely and effectively. Towing chain grades represent the strength and composition of the chain material, offering a standardized measure of its workload capacity. But each grade performs differently under pressure, making choosing the right one crucial.

The grade of a chain indicates its tensile strength, or how much load it can endure before breaking. This is particularly important in towing, where chains are required to secure vehicles, trailers, or heavy loads. Using an inappropriate chain grade could lead to equipment failure, property damage, or even accidents. Understanding towing chain grades is the first step toward ensuring safe and seamless towing experiences.

Different Towing Chain Grades and Their Applications

Not all chains are made equal. When selecting chains for towing, understanding the available grades and their specific uses is crucial. Below is a breakdown:

30 (Proof Coil Chain)

• Strength: Lowest of the common chain grades.
• Applications: Light-duty tasks like securing luggage or for general-purpose use around the home or garden.
• Towing Use: Not recommended for towing due to its limited capacity.

43 (High Test Chain)

• Strength: Moderate tensile strength.
• Applications: Suitable for securing cargo on smaller trailers.
• Towing Use: Ideal for lighter towing, small trailers, or boats. Not suitable for heavier-duty towing requiring high-strength chains.

70 (Transport Chain)

• Strength: Exceptional tensile strength, designed specifically for securing loads during over-the-road transport.
• Applications: Logging, construction, and heavy-duty towing.
• Towing Use: Perfect for vehicle towing due to its capacity to handle higher loads and meet Vehicle Towing Regulations.

80 and 100 (Alloy Chains)

• Strength: Industrial-grade with the highest level of durability.
• Applications: Lifting accessories and heavy-duty towing.
• Towing Use: Commonly used for professional towing or in situations where reliability and safety are paramount. Meets stringent regulation requirements.

Overwhelmed by the choices? A general rule is to choose a chain that matches or exceeds your setup’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). But when in doubt, opt for Grade 70 for towing—it strikes a perfect balance between strength and practicality.

How to Identify Chain Grades for Safe and Efficient Towing

Chains aren’t always labeled clearly, especially if you’re new to shopping for towing accessories. But here’s a quick guide to identifying the grade:

• Look for Stamped Markings: Chain grades are typically stamped on the links themselves. For example, “G70” stands for Grade 70.
• Color Codes: Some manufacturers color-code their chains, making identification easier (e.g., Grade 70 chains are often yellow-coated).
• Manufacturer Documentation: Always refer to product information or ask staff when purchasing towing chains.

Failure to check chain grades can compromise towing capacity and, most importantly, the safety of your towing operation.

Why Choosing the Right Chain Grade Matters

When towing, choosing the correct chain grade is about more than meeting weight capacity requirements. It impacts safety, performance, and even legal compliance.

Safety

Low-grade chains will not carry the load they’re tasked with, which increases the risk of accidents. Safety chains are your last line of defense if your primary towing method fails. High-grade chains minimize the risk of catastrophic equipment failure.

Legal Compliance

Many states and regions have strict regulations for towing, including the type and grade of chains used. For instance, using Grade 70 safety chains may be a legal requirement when towing certain types of trailers. Consult Vehicle Towing Regulations in your area to avoid penalties and remain compliant..

Efficiency and Performance

Higher-grade chains reduce the strain on your towing setup, ensuring smoother and more reliable operations. A strong chain limits stress on towing hardware, preserving the lifespan of your trailer and accessories.

Tips for Maintaining and Inspecting Your Towing Chains

The lifespan of towing chains depends on how well you maintain them. Neglected chains can corrode or weaken over time, further compromising tow safety. Follow these tips to keep your chains in optimal condition:

• Inspect Regularly: Always check chains for visible cracks, wear, or corrosion before and after towing trips.
• Store Properly: Avoid moisture-rich environments to prevent rust. Store chains in a dry location after each use.
• Clean After Use: Wipe off dirt and debris to maintain the chain’s longevity.
• Lubricate Periodically: Applying lubricants can reduce wear and tear, especially for frequently used chains.
• Replace When Required: If a link shows visible signs of weakening, it’s best to replace the chain immediately. Don’t use a chain with any doubts about its reliability.

Towing Safety Tips and Accessories to Enhance Security

Aside from proper chain grades, using quality towing accessories boosts the overall safety of your towing setup. Here are some essentials:

• Tow hooks to secure chains.
• Tensioners to ensure no slack in the chain.
• Locks for additional security, especially for long-distance towing.
• Always double-check connections, maintaining a safe towing capacity throughout your trip.

The Final Word on Towing Chain Grades

Towing isn’t just about brute strength—it’s a carefully calculated operation that combines the right equipment, techniques, and safety precautions. Choosing the right towing chain grade is at the heart of this process. Whether you’re securing lighter loads with Grade 43 or handling heavy-duty towing with Grade 70 or 80, understanding chain grades helps ensure safety, legal compliance, and overall efficiency.

Before you hit the road, inspect and maintain your chains, match them with your GWR, and invest in high-quality towing accessories. The peace of mind from a secure tow is always worth the effort.

Need Professional Advice?

If towing feels overwhelming or you want to double-check your setup’s safety, consult a licensed towing company or gear up with expert advice. Many professional services offer personalized assessments to help match the right equipment with your towing needs. Your tow, your safety—make every mile count.

For reliable and professional towing services, feel free to get in touch with our company. Contact Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for a wide range of towing services in Indianapolis and surrounding counties. Our team of experts is equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle your vehicle, equipment, or fleet with the care it deserves.

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