New Towing Guides

[hodgo]

I don't know if this has been posted before or not but to possibly save some one a $245 fine I will post it again I believe NSW has the same regs. and if so all other states will follow suit The problems associated with making this new standard meet a lot of excising prime movers will be Hugh in relation to medications to the towing vehicle and chains to trailers etc.

[sheerluck]

........The problems associated with making this new standard meet a lot of excising prime movers will be Hugh in relation to medications to the towing vehicle and chains to trailers etc.

I'm guessing there's a bit of auto-correct going on there. Give it a second go, Hodgo.

[weeds]

i see i need brakes for my 1300kg camper trailer :angel::angel:

chains to sop the trailer from hitting the ground if it comes off the hitch…………this would be a big failing for a lot of set up, never checked mine

[d2dave]

Just had a read and it is nothing new to Victoria. Has been trailer regs here for a while. I read nothing about prime movers though.

[hodgo]

Just had a read and it is nothing new to Victoria. Has been trailer regs here for a while. I read nothing about prime movers though.

__________________________________________________ _____
Dave


Any towing vehicle is usually called the prime mover or it was in my days as a driver

[pop058]

i see i need brakes for my 1300kg camper trailer :angel::angel:

chains to sop the trailer from hitting the ground if it comes off the hitch…………this would be a big failing for a lot of set up, never checked mine

Always needed brakes on anything over 750 ATM and I reckon most camper trailers would blow 750 kg easy.

[Sprint]

Funny how more than a couple of points in that guide are contrary to relevant standards and road rules.....

[V8Ian]

Common sense dictates that safety chains should be as short as possible and where two are in use they should be crossed, forming a cradle in case of coupling failure.
What is new in that document and what problems are going to arise from it?

[hodgo]

Common sense dictates that safety chains should be as short as possible and where two are in use they should be crossed, forming a cradle in case of coupling failure.
What is new in that document and what problems are going to arise from it?


__________________________________________________ ___________
Ian
I could not agree more with what you say, But the person that uses his trailer once a month or the a person that hires a car float to transport a car in the near future and is not aware of these new regs is a sitting duck for the law The way I see it, it will create a lot of cost to many motorist to bring their vehicle and trailers up to standards

[weeds]

Common sense dictates that safety chains should be as short as possible and where two are in use they should be crossed, forming a cradle in case of coupling failure.

What is new in that document and what problems are going to arise from it?


Yeah but the problem I'd the distance from the shackle point on the tow bar and the A frame on the trailer.......these day the distance between the two is going esp with off road hitches and extended slide in hitches........

[bob10]

Something to think about, I guess. My home made trailer is rated to 750 kg, but I have never had it over the weigh bridge before a trip. Bob


Compulsory Third Party insurance for trailers in Queensland is provided by the towing vehicle’s insurance


cover. If your trailer is being towed by an interstate registered vehicle, contact your insurer to obtain


additional cover. A trailer may not be covered by comprehensive insurance if:




• it does not comply with Queensland registration and vehicle standard legislation;


• its on road mass exceeds your vehicle’s towing capacity;


• it is not roadworthy or safe; or


• it is overloaded.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

As I said elsewhere, I think the new bit about requiring "D" shackles rated 1.5 times the ATM of the trailer is a great step forward. How many cars do you see with snap rings, or little padlocks attaching the chains and as for petrol stations selling tiny unrated "D" shackles IMHO it should be illegal as we know they will be used on trailers.

I find it interesting that Arthur Goddard's Hitchmaster D065 for the lunette ring on army trailers is in breach of the guide, because it requires a tool.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/977.jpg

[ramblingboy42]

A further problem occurs when the shackle is rated at 1.5 x trailer atm.

the shackle pin becomes too large for the chain.

it is going to necessitate considerably larger size chain being fitted to most drawbars.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

You guys are about 4 days behind the Grey Nomads Forum:p,, and I think you'll find its D shackles they are trying to get rid of,, replaced by rated BOW shackles.

[incisor]

if you read the pdf it says they prefer the bow shackle but d shackles are fine...;)

[V8Ian]

A further problem occurs when the shackle is rated at 1.5 x trailer atm.

the shackle pin becomes too large for the chain.

it is going to necessitate considerably larger size chain being fitted to most drawbars.
I think the attachment point on the tow bar will be more of an issue than the chain.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

I think the attachment point on the tow bar will be more of an issue than the chain.I have "Hammer-Lok" chain joiners on both my RRc and D4 because of the difficulty getting rated shackles into the car attachments.

After all for a 2Tonne trailer the shackles need to be rated at least 3Tonne and the only ones you can buy are 3.25T where the pin is 19mm and you need clearance on 27mm to pass the shackle through the chain or vehicle connection.

Does anyone know if the 1.5times is a combined total for both shackles or each?

If it were a secured load on a truck, its a combination of the restraints but the guideline is a little unclear on the shackles.

[pop058]

There seams to be a bit of confusion over shackle types and sizes. The way I read it is :

1. Bow shackles are preferred over D shackles purely because they provide a greater range of movement. Thats it.

2. The requirement for a specific shackle rating is for each chain connection. If a requirement exists for 2 chains (over 2500 kg ATM), then each must have the correct rated shackle.

3. Quoting from the Safe Towing Guide, "shackles should have a Break Load Limit of at least 1.5 times the trailer ATM. The Break Load Limit is generally 6 times the W.L.L. of the shackle." Using my 3T car trailer as an example -

An ATM of 3000 kg X 1.5 = 4500 kg "Break Load Limit"

A BLL of 4500 / 6 = 750 kg W.L.L.

So my trailer should have 2 shackles (1 per chain) rated at a WLL of 750 kg. This equates to a physical shackle size of 8 mm (grade 6). I actually run 12 mm on my trailer.

At first glance an 8 mm (rated) shackle seems a bit small, but are legal.

Clear as mud ?:D

[TonyC]

As I said elsewhere, I think the new bit about requiring "D" shackles rated 1.5 times the ATM of the trailer is a great step forward. How many cars do you see with snap rings, or little padlocks attaching the chains and as for petrol stations selling tiny unrated "D" shackles IMHO it should be illegal as we know they will be used on trailers.


Safety Chain Connections (Shackles, Pins or Bolts)
The Department of Transport and Main Roads recommends that the shackles used should meet Australian
Standard AS 2741-2002 “Shackles”, or another equivalent recognised standard, and have a break load limit of the shackle is rated at least 1.5 times greater than the ATM of the trailer.

Have another read. QLD Main Roads only recommend rated shackles and only recommend that it is 1.5 times the trailer ATM.

They also talk of braking load limit NOT working load limit.

My guess is the person who wrote the guide ant no engineer!

Tony

[weeds]

A further problem occurs when the shackle is rated at 1.5 x trailer atm.

the shackle pin becomes too large for the chain.

it is going to necessitate considerably larger size chain being fitted to most drawbars.

Pretty sure they are talking BLL needs to be 1.5 times the trailer

A 1t shackle should fit most chains, BLL is approx. 5 or 6 times SLL. so let's say the 1t shackle has a BLL of 5t that means you can tow a trailer coming in at 3.3t.......I think I have that right??

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Have another read. QLD Main Roads only recommend rated shackles and only recommend that it is 1.5 times the trailer ATM.

They also talk of braking load limit NOT working load limit.

My guess is the person who wrote the guide ant no engineer!

TonyHi Tony,

The first quote is applauding the inclusion of rated shackles. Up until relatively recently, the ADRs and regulations only specified chain, number, size and/or rating, plus how they were attached to the trailer.

The shackles that attached them to the towing vehicle were conspicuously absent from those rules.

[V8Ian]

I have replaced the un-rated shackles, supplied with the caravan, with slightly larger rated ones. The rating on my shackles is WLL 1T, the largest shackle that will fit into the Mitsubishi/Hayman Reece towbar. The caravan ATM is 2010 kg, the safety chain is mild steel gal, with a slightly smaller diameter than the shackle. Herein lies the problem, the shackles are the largest that can be used yet below required rating. The chain must fail the requirement dismally.
Maybe I need to supplement the existing set-up with a doubled length of number eight wire, cobb and co-ed between the vehicles. ;)

[pop058]

I have replaced the un-rated shackles, supplied with the caravan, with slightly larger rated ones. The rating on my shackles is WLL 1T, the largest shackle that will fit into the Mitsubishi/Hayman Reece towbar. The caravan ATM is 2010 kg, the safety chain is mild steel gal, with a slightly smaller diameter than the shackle. Herein lies the problem, the shackles are the largest that can be used yet below required rating. The chain must fail the requirement dismally.
Maybe I need to supplement the existing set-up with a doubled length of number eight wire, cobb and co-ed between the vehicles. ;)

Ian, your 1000kg WLL shackles are more than enough for a 2010 ATM van from a legal point off view. Do you run 1 or 2 chains ?

[V8Ian]

Ian, your 1000kg WLL shackles are more than enough for a 2010 ATM van from a legal point off view. Do you run 1 or 2 chains ?

Paul, I have and use two chains but as I see it 1000 + 1000 falls 10 kg. short of the actual load.

[hodgo]

Before I posted this I sat for about 45 minutes trying to work out what I need for my 750 kg box trailer and who I am to attach it to my falcon standard tow bar and still comply. I some times tow a car float short distances loaded with a vehicle on it, I know its not legal but the trailer has electric brakes and well made and I drive accordingly to all conditions. To do this today I would have to have my tow bar modified beyond belief to attaché it to my Falcon and this is going to cause a lot of reengineering by back yarders that don't under stand engineering principles.
I would love to meet the person that dreamt up this miss leading load of hard to understand law I feel reasonably safe in saying that a big percentage of people today do not under stand the mechanic of tow bars or what suits what needs eg A person ( JIM) buys a second hand car you choose car B over car A because it has a tow bar he needs it because he has a 6x4 box trailer that's used for rubbish every now and then and take the dirt bike out bush
Now both Ford and Holden have at least 2 or 3 different rated tow bars, ^ months later he buys a caravan from a friend Jim now has a car with a light weight tow bar and a van weighing near 2 tone loaded this would make all these new rules useless but he has complied with all the latest regulation.


Oh I near forgot I hope to be able to attach hammer lock links to my tow bar
Hodgo

[pop058]

Paul, I have and use two chains but as I see it 1000 + 1000 falls 10 kg. short of the actual load.

The maths does not work appear to work that way mate. According to the guidelines, your 2010 kg van requires shackles (well only one really) rated at a W.L.L. of around 500 kgs.

The two 1000kg shackles you have are legal for a Van of 4000 kg ATM.

Just out of interest, what brakes to you have on your van ??

[Bigbjorn]

Paul, I have and use two chains but as I see it 1000 + 1000 falls 10 kg. short of the actual load.

Better double up the fence wire and use two Cobb and cos. Maybe a hobble strap or two.

[V8Ian]

The maths does not work appear to work that way mate. According to the guidelines, your 2010 kg van requires shackles (well only one really) rated at a W.L.L. of around 500 kgs.

The two 1000kg shackles you have are legal for a Van of 4000 kg ATM.

Just out of interest, what brakes to you have on your van ??
This recommendation certainly appears to have been written by a chair polisher with no knowledge of the subject.

The brakes are 4 x Alco electric, sans break-away features.

[V8Ian]

I have replaced the un-rated shackles, supplied with the caravan, with slightly larger rated ones. The rating on my shackles is WLL 1T, the largest shackle that will fit into the Mitsubishi/Hayman Reece towbar. The caravan ATM is 2010 kg, the safety chain is mild steel gal, with a slightly smaller diameter than the shackle. Herein lies the problem, the shackles are the largest that can be used yet below required rating. The chain must fail the requirement dismally.
Maybe I need to supplement the existing set-up with a doubled length of number eight wire, cobb and co-ed between the vehicles. ;)


Better double up the fence wire and use two Cobb and cos. Maybe a hobble strap or two.

I'm onto it Brian. :D

[d2dave]

I have replaced the un-rated shackles, supplied with the caravan, with slightly larger rated ones. The rating on my shackles is WLL 1T, the largest shackle that will fit into the Mitsubishi/Hayman Reece towbar. The caravan ATM is 2010 kg, the safety chain is mild steel gal, with a slightly smaller diameter than the shackle. Herein lies the problem, the shackles are the largest that can be used yet below required rating. The chain must fail the requirement dismally.
Maybe I need to supplement the existing set-up with a doubled length of number eight wire, cobb and co-ed between the vehicles. ;)

Ian. If your chain is only mild steel and the shackle pin is only a bees dick too big, get an anvil, sit the end link end up and holding with a pair of pliers, give it a good whack with an appropriate size hammer.

[d2dave]

Before I posted this I sat for about 45 minutes trying to work out what I need for my 750 kg box trailer and who I am to attach it to my falcon standard tow bar and still comply. I some times tow a car float short distances loaded with a vehicle on it, I know its not legal but the trailer has electric brakes and well made and I drive accordingly to all conditions. To do this today I would have to have my tow bar modified beyond belief to attaché it to my Falcon and this is going to cause a lot of reengineering by back yarders that don't under stand engineering principles.
I would love to meet the person that dreamt up this miss leading load of hard to understand law I feel reasonably safe in saying that a big percentage of people today do not under stand the mechanic of tow bars or what suits what needs eg A person ( JIM) buys a second hand car you choose car B over car A because it has a tow bar he needs it because he has a 6x4 box trailer that's used for rubbish every now and then and take the dirt bike out bush
Now both Ford and Holden have at least 2 or 3 different rated tow bars, ^ months later he buys a caravan from a friend Jim now has a car with a light weight tow bar and a van weighing near 2 tone loaded this would make all these new rules useless but he has complied with all the latest regulation.


Oh I near forgot I hope to be able to attach hammer lock links to my tow bar
Hodgo

Our last Ford was a 98 NL Fairlane. The tow bar was rated to 1600kg and it had a plate clearly stating this, along with down force max of 160kg.

This being a requirement from 1992, I can't see any problem with confusion about different rated bars.

[ADMIRAL]

There is a lot of misinformation out there, before getting too excited about meeting any standards on shackles, have a read of the following.


MYTH (http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/townsville/2014/08/08/myth-changes-requirements-shackles-used-towing-trailer/)

Incorrect rumour - towing shackles - Bundaberg (http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/bundaberg/2014/08/08/incorrect-rumour-towing-shackles/)

It's a rumour going around, but cops say it's an urban myth | Bundaberg NewsMail (http://www.news-mail.com.au/news/tackle-rumour-an-urban-myth/2348430/)

[d2dave]

There is a lot of misinformation out there, before getting too excited about meeting any standards on shackles, have a read of the following.


MYTH (http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/townsville/2014/08/08/myth-changes-requirements-shackles-used-towing-trailer/)

Incorrect rumour - towing shackles - Bundaberg (http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/bundaberg/2014/08/08/incorrect-rumour-towing-shackles/)

It's a rumour going around, but cops say it's an urban myth | Bundaberg NewsMail (http://www.news-mail.com.au/news/tackle-rumour-an-urban-myth/2348430/)

I thought this thread was about what the rules are, not whether or not they are being policed.

The link in the OP's post does not look to me like a rumour.

Now in the link above it states that there have been no changes to the shackles law and this is probably correct.

It has probably been the law for some time, as it has in Vic, but their are plenty of people still using Bunnings shackles.

Until a few years ago I was one of them.

No one here is being fined. Probably every second time I use my 6x4 trailer I am in breach of a loading law, which I have been doing for 35 years and not once been done for it.

[zulu Delta 534]

There is a lot of misinformation out there, before getting too excited about meeting any standards on shackles, have a read of the following.


MYTH (http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/townsville/2014/08/08/myth-changes-requirements-shackles-used-towing-trailer/)

Incorrect rumour - towing shackles - Bundaberg (http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/bundaberg/2014/08/08/incorrect-rumour-towing-shackles/)

It's a rumour going around, but cops say it's an urban myth | Bundaberg NewsMail (http://www.news-mail.com.au/news/tackle-rumour-an-urban-myth/2348430/)

Well, I'll be blowed. That means I can't trust Facebook posts any more either. What a sad day for society.
Regards
Glen

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Our last Ford was a 98 NL Fairlane. The tow bar was rated to 1600kg and it had a plate clearly stating this, along with down force max of 160kg.

This being a requirement from 1992, I can't see any problem with confusion about different rated bars.What is more interesting is that on the Falcon version they used the same bar for both the automatic and the manual yet the manual vehicle was only rated for 1275kg not the 1600kg of the automatic.

What manual car owners would have gone further than the label on the bar?

[V8Ian]

I will take a stab in the dark on why shackles didn't rate a mention in previous DoT documents.
Years ago, when DoT last visited the subject, nobody had heard of receiver hitches. We all had 4" x 3/4" flat bar tongues with a ram's horn welded to it, that we hung the chain on.

[d2dave]

I will take a stab in the dark on why shackles didn't rate a mention in previous DoT documents.
Years ago, when DoT last visited the subject, nobody had heard of receiver hitches. We all had 4" x 3/4" flat bar tongues with a ram's horn welded to it, that we hung the chain on.


Geez Ian. That's showing your age.

[Mick_Marsh]

Geez Ian. That's showing your age.
That's showing the age of my vehicles. I have only recently changed the towbar on the hybrid from one using pigtails to one using shackles. A few still have pigtails. Some don't have the facility for connecting chains at all.
Bear in mind, the ADR's are not retrospective.
Mind you, for my own peace of mind, I am gradually converting the towing setup on my vehicles to ones that facilitate the connection of chains with rated shackles.
Does anyone have a rated solution for connecting chains to pintles?

[V8Ian]

Geez Ian. That's showing your age.

AULRO elder statesman. ;)

[pop058]

That's showing the age of my vehicles. I have only recently changed the towbar on the hybrid from one using pigtails to one using shackles. A few still have pigtails. Some don't have the facility for connecting chains at all.
Bear in mind, the ADR's are not retrospective.
Mind you, for my own peace of mind, I am gradually converting the towing setup on my vehicles to ones that facilitate the connection of chains with rated shackles.
Does anyone have a rated solution for connecting chains to pintles?

I don't think pig tails are legal anymore anywhere on anything :D

[Mick_Marsh]

I don't think pig tails are legal anymore anywhere on anything :D
I've used them in the past and continue to use them. I have vehicles that went throught he roadworthy and registration process with them. You'll have to back that statement up for me to believe it. As I said, the ADR's are not retrospective.
Bear in mind I have vehicles that do not require seat belts.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

I don't think pig tails are legal anymore anywhere on anything :DI know some boars and sows that would take offence at that statement! :D

[pop058]

I've used them in the past and continue to use them. I have vehicles that went throught he roadworthy and registration process with them. You'll have to back that statement up for me to believe it. As I said, the ADR's are not retrospective.
Bear in mind I have vehicles that do not require seat belts.

It is a matter of interpretation but the Safe Towing Guide states;

"The safety chains must be properly connected to the tow bar with attachments capable of withstanding the specified breaking load of each chain."

I admit it does not specifically say you cannot use pigtails, but I cannot see them standing up to a 3500 kg trailer coming adrift. I might investigate that one a little more.

[V8Ian]

It is a matter of interpretation but the Safe Towing Guide states;

"The safety chains must be properly connected to the tow bar with attachments capable of withstanding the specified breaking load of each chain."

I admit it does not specifically say you cannot use pigtails, but I cannot see them standing up to a 3500 kg trailer coming adrift. I might investigate that one a little more.
It's not regulation, only a guide! :confused:

[Homestar]

Nothing there to really get I a twist about. My little Sankey meets all those requirements. I made sure it was 100% before I took it up to Glenreagh last year.

It's all well and good having a document like this, but should there be some form of licensing for people that tow around huge 3+ tonne caravans without having a clue on how to safely do it or how it effects the towing vehicle...?

[pop058]

It's not regulation, only a guide! :confused:

A bit of homework and I found this ADR.

Standards/Australian Design Rules for Vehicles as amended, taking into account amendments up to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 62/01 – Mechanical Connections Between Vehicles) 2006 Amendment 1


13.4. ‘Towbars’ Safety Chain Attachment Requirements

13.4.1. For vehicles other than those designed for use in ‘Road Trains’ , the ‘Towbar’ must be fitted with two safety chain attachments, of strength meeting the requirements of clause 13.4.2, mounted one on either side of, and adjacent to, the tow ‘Coupling’.

No hooking both chains on the one connection point.

13.4.2. Each safety chain attachment provided on the ‘Towbar’ must withstand the following forces without either any residual deformation that may interfere with or degrade the function of the assembly or any breaks, cracks, or separation of components:

13.4.2.1. longitudinal tension(N) = 9.81 x ‘Towbar’s’ rated capacity(Kg); and

13.4.2.2. Vertical load (N) = 0.5 x 9.81 x ‘Towbar’s’ rated capacity (Kg).

A bit more than some mild steel pigtails can handle I would imagine.

13.4.3. ‘Towbar’ safety chain attachments must be fixed to a part of the ‘Towbar’ which is permanently attached to the vehicle.

Not attached to the removable tongue/hitch.

13.4.3.1. Means of permanent attachment include at least either welding or bolting.

[Scouse]

I was collecting a car for a mate today with my trailer & was told that the local (Sydney) police are having a blitz on trailer shackles.


Apparently, it has the be a yellow shackle securing the safety chain to the towing vehicle or you get a $200 odd on the spot fine.
I assume 'yellow' shackles are a code for a certain rating but a quick Google search doesn't show up anything specific. I've found a bit of chit chat on other fora but nothing that has a definite answer.


Has anyone in NSW come across this before?

[V8Ian]

What date is on that, Paul?

[pop058]

2007 IIRC

18/7/2007

[Mick_Marsh]

Thanks Paul. This bit is the important bit

Standards/Australian Design Rules for Vehicles as amended, taking into account amendments up to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 62/01 – Mechanical Connections Between Vehicles) 2006 Amendment 1
This tells me that it is from the third edition ADR's. These ADR's generally apply to vehicles manufactured after July 1988. You have to look at the specific ADR to see when it applies from.
Generally speaking vehicles manufactured up to July 1989, the second edition ADR's apply.
In short, all my vehicles except for my 1990 Perentie and my 1994 Commodore can have pigtails as the third edition ADR's do not apply. All my other vehicles are pre 1988.
With my trailers, the third edition ADR's apply to the two Tracks and the tandem car trailer. All the other trailers are pre 1988.

[101RRS]

See this current thread - a lot of discussion on this issue.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/203658-new-qld-towing-guide.html

[Mick_Marsh]

I was collecting a car for a mate today with my trailer & was told that the local (Sydney) police are having a blitz on trailer shackles.


Apparently, it has the be a yellow shackle securing the safety chain to the towing vehicle or you get a $200 odd on the spot fine.
I assume 'yellow' shackles are a code for a certain rating but a quick Google search doesn't show up anything specific. I've found a bit of chit chat on other fora but nothing that has a definite answer.


Has anyone in NSW come across this before?
Not true. More Facebook disinformation.

[Scouse]

Not true. More Facebook disinformation.The guy who told me claimed he'd been fined last weekend for having a stainless steel shackle securing his boat trailer.

[pop058]

Thanks Paul. This bit is the important bit

This tells me that it is from the third edition ADR's. These ADR's generally apply to vehicles manufactured after July 1988. You have to look at the specific ADR to see when it applies from.
Generally speaking vehicles manufactured up to July 1989, the second edition ADR's apply.
In short, all my vehicles except for my 1990 Perentie and my 1994 Commodore can have pigtails as the third edition ADR's do not apply. All my other vehicles are pre 1988.
With my trailers, the third edition ADR's apply to the two Tracks and the tandem car trailer. All the other trailers are pre 1988.

Happy with that, thanks Mick :)

[Sprint]

did anyone spot the landy?

[pop058]

did anyone spot the landy?

Yes, well the towbar anyway :D

[Mick_Marsh]

The guy who told me claimed he'd been fined last weekend for having a stainless steel shackle securing his boat trailer.
From what I've read, there is no such offence. The shackles are a recommendation. A copy of the fine would be proof.

If it happened to me, I'd be taking the matter further.

[Meken]

From what I've read, there is no such offence. The shackles are a recommendation. A copy of the fine would be proof.

If it happened to me, I'd be taking the matter further.


Stainless steel shackles are specifically mentioned in the op towing guide as not appropriate as they tend to bend.

[Homestar]

Stainless steel shackles are specifically mentioned in the op towing guide as not appropriate as they tend to bend.

Yes, but as it is only a guide, as Mick said, I would challenge it.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

It's not regulation, only a guide! :confused:

ADR's anyone?
"A safety connection device includes a trailer safety chain or cable as outlined in Australian Design Rule (ADR) 62 “Mechanical Connection Between Vehicles”. For trailers with an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) up to 3500kg, ADR 62 requires compliance with Australian Standards AS 4177 “Caravan and light trailer towing components”. For trailers with an ATM over 3500kg, compliance with Australian Standards AS 2321 “Short-link chain for lifting purposes” is applicable.""

[Mick_Marsh]

ADR's anyone?
"A safety connection device includes a trailer safety chain or cable as outlined in Australian Design Rule (ADR) 62 “Mechanical Connection Between Vehicles”. For trailers with an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) up to 3500kg, ADR 62 requires compliance with Australian Standards AS 4177 “Caravan and light trailer towing components”. For trailers with an ATM over 3500kg, compliance with Australian Standards AS 2321 “Short-link chain for lifting purposes” is applicable.""

For clarification:
That is for the chain that is required to be permanently welded to the trailer
From ADR 62-00
3. APPLICABILITY
3.1. Applicability Summary
3.1.1. This national standard applies to the design and construction of vehicles as set out in the table below.


3.2. Applicability Table

Vehicle Category - ADR Category Code - UNECE Category Code - Manufactured on or After - Acceptable Prior Rules
Moped 2 wheels - LA - L1 - 1 March 1992 - Nil
Moped 3 wheels - LB - L2 - 1 March 1992 - Nil
Motor cycle - LC - L3 - 1 March 1992 - Nil
Motor cycle and sidecar -LD - L4 - 1 March 1992 - Nil
Motor tricycle - LE - L5 - 1 March 1992 - Nil
Passenger car - MA - M1 - 1 Jan 1992 - Nil
Forward-control passenger vehicle - MB - M1 - 1 Jan 1992 - Nil
Off-road passenger vehicle - MC - M1 - 1 Jan 1992 - Nil
Very light trailer - TA - O1 - 1 July 1991 - Nil
Light trailer - TB - O2 - 1 July 1991 - Nil
Medium trailer - TC - O3 - 1 July 1991 - Nil
Heavy trailer - TD - O4 - 1 July 1991 - Nil
ADRs 62-01 and 62-02 apply to vehicles and trailers manufactured after later dates. I can post them up if required.

[crash]

I have been doing some reading about the laws regarding using rated shackles to attach the safety chains to the tow vehicle. Vic roads (2000) but on current website only states that you should have 1 safety chain attached but 2 is recommended.

NT, Qld and SA say that you should have a shackle rated 1.5 times the ATM of the trailer. I read the QLD rules as a recommendation to have rated shackles, not by law.

The RACQ on their website just say rated to "at least" of the safety chain.

2 problems I have with this is 1) a 1500 Kg trailer requires a shackle rated at 2.25T, the problem is I do not think a 2.25T rated shackle would fit into the safety chain. What about towing a trailer at max towing capacity (3.5T) would require a rating of 5.25T. Now is this for a single safety chain or if you are using 2 safety chains can it be half / chain?

2) The other problem I have is that where is the safety chain marked for its WLL or SWL? Both my box trailer and Pop top trailer do not have anything marked on the chains.

I do use the largest rated shackle I can fit into the chain, by the way.

Their has been a rumour going around that people were getting booked in QLD for not having rated shackles but the police have put out a statement saying that it is untrue.

[George130]

I have seen some extremely small rated shackles. If you forget the recovery shackles and look at climbing and rigging equipment then you will be amazed at how small they can be.

The big ones are to make it easy to attach the straps.

Most people don't think about it so just fit the small ones that bend / break under load and won't keep the trailer attached when needed.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

I've seen an awful lot of chains welded on,, how can this "link" be rated?

as to the rest,, rated shackles are cheap as chips.

[weeds]

Pretty sure you have the 1.5 x ATM part wrong.....it's not in relation to SWL of the shackle but the maximum breaking load of the shackle (cannot quit think of the right terminology)....this mean means you only require a much lower SWL shackle.

[FeatherWeightDriver]

Have a look at maillion rapides - the pear shaped ones will probably work best for what you are after, 10mm or larger.

[crash]

I have seen some extremely small rated shackles. If you forget the recovery shackles and look at climbing and rigging equipment then you will be amazed at how small they can be.

The big ones are to make it easy to attach the straps.

Most people don't think about it so just fit the small ones that bend / break under load and won't keep the trailer attached when needed.

Unfortunately the general public will be heading to their local hardware or auto store for their "rated" shackle and will not consider a rigging equipment place, and not everyone lives in a city that has a rigging shop. My local rigging shop only has D shackles.

[weeds]

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread.php't=203658

Plenty of discussion here

[robbotd5]

Use 1.5 tonne bow shackles as a minimum requirement and you will be fine. I use 2 tonne bow shackles on my van. It's ATM is 2581kg.
Regards
Robbo

[crash]

Pretty sure you have the 1.5 x ATM part wrong.....it's not in relation to SWL of the shackle but the maximum breaking load of the shackle (cannot quit think of the right terminology)....this mean means you only require a much lower SWL shackle.
You are correct it is Break load - is that the same as WLL?
I know that SWL is different and I think the actual "breaking" limit is 6X the rating.
Part Of QLD Rules
The Safe Towing Guide states, under Safety Chain Connections (Shackles, Pins or Bolts), that the Department of Transport and Main Roads “recommends that the shackles used should meet Australian Standard AS 2741-2002 “Shackles”, or another equivalent recognised standard, and have a break-load limit of the shackle is rated at least 1.5 times greater than the ATM of the trailer.

You can easily identify a shackle that meets AS 2741-2002 “Shackles” because they will be permanently marked with the following information:
<< The manufacturer’s name or trademark
<< Quality grade of the shackle, e.g. (“M” or “4”, “S” or “6”)
<< Working Load Limit (WLL) or Rating; and
<< Identification marking in order to correlate shackle to test certificate

Some additional points to note regarding shackle regulations in QLD:
<< Rated bolts, chain shackles or other suitable fittings (i.e. hammerlocks) may be used as devices for connection on safety chains providing the break load limit of the device is at least 1.5 times greater than the ATM of the trailer.
<< Generally, the break-load limit of a rated shackle will be six times greater than its work-load limit.
<< Pin diameter of shackle will be greater than the diameter of the main shackle body.
<< Same size shackles of different quality grades will have a different WLL (i.e. 6mm “S” grade shackle has a greater WLL than a 6mm “M” grade shackle).
<< Stainless steel shackles are unsuitable for trailer use due to the material’s general low resistance to bending stresses.
<< S” or “6” grade “D” Shackles bear similar characteristics to “S” or “6” grade Bow Shackles
<< Bow shackles provide for greater angular usage compared with “D” shackles.

And a link to the http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/19646/vib13i-Light-Trailer-Safety-Chain-Shackles-Jan-2013.pdf explaining the different grades and Break Load:

The confusing thing is how the shackles are rated and the different grades. I will have to check my shackles to see how they are marked, but from memory I have never seen a shackle with the Break load on them - either WLL or SWL.
The point I am trying to make is for the uninitiated they will not know what to look for and will probably choose the shackle that will fit the chain which may not necessarily be the correct rating - depending on the grade of the shackle as listed on the NT website.

If I am looking for the correct shackle for my trailer I need to look at the grading of the shackle and the WLL? According to the NT website a 5mm Grade S or 6 shackle with a 330kg WL and a 1987kg BL rating would be more than suitable for a 750kg trailer?

[Don 130]

A definition of terms:
ProffessionalDiary: SWL or WWL (Rigging Terminology) (http://fadibandakcareer.blogspot.com.au/2007/07/swl-or-wwl-rigging-terminology.html)

A test to destruction of a 4.7 tonne rated bow shackle by a commonly available 4x4 magazine a few years ago, showed the shackle actually failed (let go) at about 30 tonnes. So using SWL/WLL, would be an adequate guide. Most, but not all trailer makers only use hardware shop unrated chain. That would probably be your next weak spot.

[weeds]

SWL and WLL are the same........break load is listed on some site, you just have to do a bit of digging. You are on the mark it's around the 5-6 times the SWL

[landrover dave]

Hayman Reese supply 8mm mild steel shackles even with a HD towbar!
Trailers are manufactured with mild steel safety chains, there is nothing in the Victorian roadworthy regulations about what grade chain is used, just that there is chains.