I first started towing about 2 years ago at which point I was a part of a bbq team that traveled the country doing cookoffs.. And the sad part is I took more time checking and inspecting faulty equipment and replacing snapped e-brake cables as well as the power sources, than any other person had done in years. It was absolutely astounding how they managed to get across country without killing someone. Their chains were a mangled mess and looked like they had been dragged on the ground for hundreds of miles if not more....
I'm VERY avid about making sure my trailer is secured before going anywhere. And much like Frank, I check it every time I stop for fuel up. It's as simple as making sure the ball is latched properly, crossing your chains, making sure THEY are attached properly, and plugging in your wire harness and checking to make sure brakes and lights all work and function as they should. Seeing this video just absolutely affirms all of my suspicions about what happens when people are too lazy to handle the most basic of procedures to get their trailer on the road, and to do so safely.
I'm sorry I don't have much in terms of sympathy for those who just buy a trailer and go. I do agree that they should have been trained by the trailer salesman on how to properly hook up their trailer before leaving... But I also believe it's common sense..... Granite crossing the chains most people don't understand the laws of physics and how that applies to the crossed chains but even if they hook the chains up, the probability of causing an accident is greatly reduced because the trailer can still only go so far, tho far less predictable in terms of damage path but still... And for those who don't know how to LATCH the ball? Good God they should never have bought the trailer in the first damn place!
Trailer safety training should be mandatory when renting from u-haul or purchasing a trailer of your own. And you should be required to present some form of documentation in the event of an officer pulling you over due to chains being unhooked. And you should also have to present that when purchasing a trailer in the future to prove that you know what the hell you are doing, at least for the most part...
Good topic Duffy. It's sad how plain stupid and careless people can be when it comes to something so simple..