Cross the safety chains or not?

I have read and always assumed that you are supposed to cross you safety chains. I was shooting the breeze with the service manager of my dealer today he told me it actually is worse to cross your safety chains. This is the first reputable person ever tell me this. Anyone else ever hear this? What do you do?

To add. The reason not to cross them is because they have less chance of breaking he said.

Ironically, anytime I have ever seen anyone not cross their chains I would say, “must be a newbie”. LOL.

Not a new topic on RV forums, but still remains a good question.

In many States it's a law that the chains must be crossed. I cross mine out of habit thinking that if my hitch "breaks" the cradle that the crossed chains provide will prevent my TT tongue from hitting the pavement. Well, no matter how I adjust my chains allowing for a non-binding condition in tight turns, my TT tongue WILL hit the pavement thus providing for an event I will never forget (should it happen). IMO if one chain snaps, I can't see that the remaining chain would support my 1,200lb tongue weight along with all the other dynamics being introduced.

Turk2500

In Pennsylvania, it's a state law that the chains be crossed.

Here's a link to a chart of State Safety Chain Laws. I don't know how current it is, but it's worth a look.

State Safety Chain Laws

I think a legitimate question is why would it be state law in some places if it was detrimental to the strength of the chains.

I've always crossed mine, habit I guess.

I have always been told and always have crossed them. Hope I never find out if it is better or not through my own experience. Must be a reason why some states/provinces make it law.

I have always crossed them because that's what I have been told I would like to see which is safer

I cross mine on every type of trailer I've ever owned, including a snowmachine trailer and my little 14 ft boat trailer. It just makes sense to me....