How to Select a Trailer Hitch
Match hitch class to the door sticker and the product page before you shop a heavier trailer than the vehicle can safely tow.
Watch on YouTubeTrailer Safety Chains: How Long Should They Be (Canada)
Towing
How long should trailer safety chains be in Canada? Long enough to cross under the coupler and still turn without dragging on pavement. Short enough that they cannot snag, bounce into the road, or leave a giant loop that can catch a curb. This covers the cross-under habit, slack that turns, and the CURT chains and hooks we stock, with free shipping anywhere in Canada.
Built for Canadian hitch shoppers. free shipping on CURT towing gear from Lots of Parts.
Related reading: first tow day checklist, coupler latch checklist, and pin clip and safety chains guide. Prefer the full index? Open the towing guides hub.
Related reading: first tow day checklist, coupler latch checklist, and pin clip and safety chains guide. Prefer the full index? Open the towing guides hub.
How we set chain length without dragging or snagging
Cross the chains under the coupler so a failed hitch still cradles the tongue instead of spearing the pavement. Leave enough slack for full turns in a parking lot, then watch for dragging on speed bumps and driveway lips. Strength ratings on the chain and hooks must match the trailer plan. S-hooks, latching hooks, and snap hooks are different grab styles. Confirm the product page rating before you trust a hook on a highway tongue.
Step 1Cross under the coupler every time
Cradled tongue beats a dragging spear.
Step 2Set slack that turns without dragging
Parking-lot lock test, then a slow speed-bump check.
Step 3Match chain and hook ratings to the trailer
Weak hooks cancel strong chain.
Step 4Walk away only after the full latch checklist
Chains are one line on a longer yard checklist.
Official CURT videos for Canadian trailer shoppers
These clips come from the official CURT YouTube channel (@curtmfg). Use them before you open a product page.
If an embed does not load, use the YouTube link under each video.
Trailer Hitch Installation Techniques
Confirm chain length, break strength, and hook style on the product page before you tow. Chain-length rules vary by province, so check yours.
Watch on YouTubeHow to Connect a Trailer Wiring Harness
Chains and lights are different systems. Still prove lamps before dusk.
Watch on YouTubeHow to Choose a Ball Mount and Trailer Ball
Match shank size to the receiver tube, then level the trailer with drop or rise once the hitch is on.
Watch on YouTube
Shop CURT part 80030 safety chain
In-stock forty-eight inch safety chain with two S-hooks in the five thousand pound break-strength family, with free shipping from Lots of Parts.
Open the product pageWorth knowing. Cross under, turn without dragging, match ratings. Then finish the coupler checklist.
CURT gear for the job
CURT part 80030Forty-eight inch safety chainForty-eight inch safety chain with two S-hooks. Confirm break strength on the product page.$32.32 CAD
CURT part 80031Matched forty-eight inch safety chainForty-eight inch safety chain with two S-hooks in the same length family when you need a second matched pair.$36.01 CAD
CURT part 45806Safety chain holder bracketSafety chain holder bracket for a two inch shank. Helps keep free length off the ground.$24.03 CAD
CURT part 81810Safety-latch S-hookSafety-latch S-hook when you need a latching hook that stays closed on a loop.$14.37 CAD
CURT part 81900Safety-latch clevis hookSafety-latch clevis hook. Confirm the rating against your trailer plan.$35.39 CAD
CURT part 81288Snap hookSnap hook option. Confirm fit on your chain and the rating on the product page.$20.51 CAD
| Topic | What we tell shoppers |
|---|---|
| Cross under | Chains cross under the coupler so a failed hitch still cradles the tongue. |
| Slack window | Enough to turn. Not enough to drag or snag a curb. |
| Strength | Chain and hooks both need ratings that match the trailer plan. |
| Yard habit | Chains are one checkbox on the coupler latch walk-around. |
Related guides worth opening
Coupler latch checklistFull tongue walk-around.
First tow day checklistSystems check before the highway.
Pin clip and safety chains guidePin and chain shopping.
Towing guides hubFull Canada hitch index.
In short: cross under the coupler, set slack that turns without dragging, match chain and hook ratings, and finish the full latch checklist before you leave.
