Handling & Trailering
How should the safety chains be arranged when hitching a boat trailer to a tow vehicle?
Answer
Crossed underneath the trailer tongue and attached to the vehicle, so the tongue is cradled if it comes off the ball
Cross the safety chains under the coupler and attach them to the tow vehicle. If the trailer comes off the hitch ball, the crossed chains cradle the tongue and keep it from dropping to the pavement.
Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — 2026 Minnesota Boating Guide (state handbook; cited as a state example), “Boat Trailers — Before Driving” — https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/boatwater/boatingguide.pdf
Not the answer
- Left dragging on the ground
- Removed entirely to save weight
- Wrapped tightly so the trailer cannot pivot
Practice this
The boater safety certification exam is 50 questions and takes 40 correct — 80% — to pass. The app’s page carries a free ten-question test drawn from the same bank, marked as you go.
Take the free practice test