Army trailer chains and Perentie attachment points

[Aussie Jeepster]

A recent facebook posting has got me thinking.
In South Australia (and other states as well I believe), a trailer chain has to be attached to the vehicle by a RATED shackle (or 2).
If I attach my 2 Number 5 trailer chains to my Perentie, are the 2 pins used on the vehicle rated?
How can you tell a rated pin, if it's not powder coated yellow?
Should we pint our chain pins to make them "look" rated?????

[Blknight.aus]

if they are the ones fitted by the military they are rated.

The spec is in the fitting emei.

[Mick_Marsh]

A recent facebook posting has got me thinking.
In South Australia (and other states as well I believe), a trailer chain has to be attached to the vehicle by a RATED shackle (or 2).
If I attach my 2 Number 5 trailer chains to my Perentie, are the 2 pins used on the vehicle rated?
How can you tell a rated pin, if it's not powder coated yellow?
Should we pint our chain pins to make them "look" rated?????
Yet another facebook claim. Show me the appropriate legislation or rule.
The rule does not exist. There are various advisory documents around suggesting rated shackles should be used. These documents advise people of the availability. Realy when the appropriate legislation does come in, it will state a date or description of what vehicles these rules are applied to. It will also state the minimum rating for the application. It's no use using a .5t shackle on a 3t caravan.
Should I paint my pigtails yellow to signify they are rated?

You'll probably find the Perentie ones are rated.
Trailer Safety Chain Attachment Kits 10mm System Trailer Side | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Trailer-Safety-Chain-Attachment-Kits-10mm-System-Trailer-Side/110985427249?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%2 6asc%3D20140106155344%26meid%3D5a220935e330415dabd 0896bb19aafc0%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D2%26 sd%3D110985427338)

[Homestar]

Yep, I've never found or been shown legislation that requires rated shackles to be used. At work, we do use rated shackles on all trailers, but our policy states this is for 'best practice' and not a legal requirement.

This is as much as VicRoads has on the subject - there is no mention of what style of shackle is to be used to couple the trailer to the towbar, just some stuff about the safety chains - also worth noting is that the chains are not required to be rated, just capable of withstanding certain loadings which you can find for most chain - even non rated stuff. - https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/~/media/files/documents/safety-and-road-rules/vsi24.ashx?la=en

All,this stuff about rated chains, shackles and vans being weighed all seems to be 'a friend of mine got his van weighed today' or 'a friend of mine got busted for not having rated shackles'. I've never actually heard from someone who have themselves been done for these things. A bit of an urban myth IMO.

[rathgar]

...... also worth noting is that the chains are not required to be rated, just capable of withstanding certain loadings which you can find for most chain - even non rated stuff. - https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/~/media/files/documents/safety-and-road-rules/vsi24.ashx?la=en

....

I think you should go read VSB1 it says differently.

[Homestar]

I think you should go read VSB1 it says differently.

Happy for you to post a link - looks like VicRoads need to read it too.

[Mick_Marsh]

I think you should go read VSB1 it says differently.
Where? It mentions nothing about rated shackles.

[rathgar]

Where? It mentions nothing about rated shackles.

I'm not talking about shackles

[rathgar]

Happy for you to post a link - looks like VicRoads need to read it too.

https://infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/vsb1/

16.2 Drawbar Safety Chains
All pig trailers with rigid drawbars (with or without breakaway brakes?but excluding converter dollies) and, any other trailer without breakaway brakes, must be fitted with safety chains that are marked in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard and (or cables as applicable) complying with the following:

trailers that do not exceed 2.5 tonnes ATM must have at least one safety chain complying with Australian Standard AS 4177.4-1994 or Australian Standard AS 4177.4-2004 ?Caravan and light trailer towing components ?Part 4: Safety chains up to 3500kg capacity?, or be a safety cable with a certified load capacity of the same;
trailers over 2.5 tonnes and not exceed 3.5 tonnes ATM must have two safety chains of designation of 3500 kg complying with Australian Standard AS 4177.4-1994 or Australian Standard AS 4177.42004;
trailers over 3.5 tonnes ATM must have two safety chains made from steel of a minimum 800 MPa breaking stress that conforms to the mechanical properties of Grade T chain as specified in Australian Standard AS 2321-1979 ?Short Link Chain for Lifting Purposes (non calibrated)? or Australian Standard AS 2321-2006 ?Short Link Chain for Lifting Purposes.? Each chain must be sized such that the minimum breaking load exceeds the ATM.
Caution
Safety chains, which have the mechanical T grade property, are not suitable for welding.
(For further information, refer to ADR 62/01 clause 14)

[rathgar]

I'm not talking about shackles

But when you do start searching for shackles it doesn't take long to find documents by state authorities addressing the issue. From Queensland.

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Vehicle-standards-and-modifications/Loads-and-towing/Safe-towing.aspx

Safety Chain Connections (Shackles)
TMR requires that ?D? Shackles, used to connect a trailer safety chain(s) to the towing vehicle, must have
strength that is compatible with the safety chain (fit for purpose). This can be ensured in a couple of ways:
1. Use of ?D? Shackles that comply with AS 2741-2002 ?Shackles? and having the appropriate
markings is one way. TMR recommends this method.
2. Another way of ensuring that the ?D? Shackle used is of appropriate strength is to select a ?D?
Shackle of reputed brand (for example, a towbar manufacturer) so the part has its brand
name/model permanently marked on it.
?D? Shackles that do not have any markings make it difficult to identify there source and strength and may
raise questions during any roadside audit by enforcement officers.

[Mick_Marsh]

Marked in accordance with the relevant Australian standard.
Doesn't mention anything about being rated.
What type of markings are required? What is the relevant Australian standard? What does that standard require?

[rathgar]

.....url]https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/~/media/files/documents/safety-and-road-rules/vsi24.ashx?la=en[/url]

.....

That document is 16 years old. Is there a more recent one?

[Mick_Marsh]

But when you do start searching for shackles it doesnt take long to **** documents by state authorities addressing the issue. From Queensland.

www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/Safety/.../Safe_towing_guide.pdf (http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/Safety/.../Safe_towing_guide.pdf)

Safety Chain Connections (Shackles)
TMR requires that ?D? Shackles, used to connect a trailer safety chain(s) to the towing vehicle, must have
strength that is compatible with the safety chain (fit for purpose). This can be ensured in a couple of ways:
1. Use of ?D? Shackles that comply with AS 2741-2002 ?Shackles? and having the appropriate
markings is one way. TMR recommends this method.
2. Another way of ensuring that the ?D? Shackle used is of appropriate strength is to select a ?D?
Shackle of reputed brand (for example, a towbar manufacturer) so the part has its brand
name/model permanently marked on it.
?D? Shackles that do not have any markings make it difficult to identify there source and strength and may
raise questions during any roadside audit by enforcement officers. Yep. This appeared on a caravaners forum over a year ago. It is a guide. For Queensland.
It advises rated shackles be used but does not state they must be used.
For best practice, it is advised rated shackles be used. To follow best practice, I always loop rated shackles on my pigtails.

[Mick_Marsh]

That document is 16 years old. Is there a more recent one?
No. That is the current one as published on the Vicroads website.

[rathgar]

Marked in accordance with the relevant Australian standard.
Doesn't mention anything about being rated.
What type of markings are required? What is the relevant Australian standard? What does that standard require?

The document states the standard. Without going to my local library and accessing the standard I can't read it.
Life is too short.

[rathgar]

...... always loop rated shackles on my pigtails.

And at about $6 each that is money well spent.

[Mick_Marsh]

Here's another interesting fact about chains.
Rated chains lose their rating when you modify them. Heating them up is enough to make their rating null and void.
How do you attach the chain to the trailer? Usually by welding it to the drawbar. This process then renders the rating of the chain null and void.

also

When attaching the trailer to the vehicle, the whole system must be considered. The system must conform to the ADRs applicable to the vehicle at the time of manufacture.

[rathgar]

Here's another interesting fact about chains.
Rated chains lose their rating when you modify them. Heating them up is enough to make their rating null and void.
How do you attach the chain to the trailer? Usually by welding it to the drawbar. This process then renders the rating of the chain null and void........

The documents I quoted only warn about this for "grade T" I am not a chain expert but I assume that means there are alternatives that are suitable for welding.


One of my trailers is fitted with a rated shackle at each end. But I'm sure I previously found a document saying that this was not legal. Can't find it now.

[roverrescue]

VSB1 states how chains should be attached to the drawbar, once you get to an ATM of 2.5T I think it is the chain must NOT be welded so think hammerlock or permanent bolted connection.

The big argument is as follows.

VSB / Australian standards state that the breaking strain of the safety must exceed the ATM.
"Rated Rigging Equipment" has an applied safety factor. So a 2T WLL rated shackle actually has a breaking strain of 10T.

If your trailer is 2T ATM, you need chain and shackle capable of 2T breaking strain, which would be a "rated shackle" of 400kg.

An aluminium climbing karabiner would fulfil the breaking strain requirements of the legislation... but to keep your head above board throwing on a rated bow shackle that fits your chain links (even if the rating on the shackle is less than ATM) you will be less likely to come acropper with a zealous enforcement officer...

The take home message is a "rated bow shackle" with 8mm pin diameter has a WLL of 500kg (ie breaking strain 2.5T) this covers all small non braked trailers and a lot of braked ones too. You can fit an 8mm pin through most chains/links/attachments.

With regards to pigtails, in VSB1 they are specifically mentioned as being NOT suitable for vehicle attachment.

S

[Mick_Marsh]

The other thing that must be considered, is when these rules apply from.
For example, seat belts. We all know cars must have seat belts, right?
Cars manufactured after 1972 that is.
All but seven of my vehicles were manufactured before 1972 so they don't necessarily require seat belts.
That is why for these "rules" the fine print needs to be read and understood. The terms used are important too as well as what they apply to.
When buying from Minto, the No.5 trailers have a blue slip and VIN. For expediency, Frontline just say they are 2016 trailers, therefore, they must comply with the rules that were gazetted for 2016. Others have been registered as being built in the 1960s and different ADRs apply to those trailers. This may confuse some. How can different rules apply to the same trailer? Stated/registered construction date.


With regards to pigtails, in VSB1 they are specifically mentioned as being NOT suitable for vehicle attachment.
And yet they were when the vehicle was first registered.

[roverrescue]

First a clarification - I had vague recollections that pigtails were mentioned in VSB1 but I was wrong... some govvie document I cannot recall mentions them as being specifically unsuitable - may be Qld specific may be not?

Mick with regards to your manufactur date - VSB1 first section is as follows:

1. Scope

This Vehicle Standards Bulletin applies to road trailers—including new trailers or used, imported trailers—with an aggregate trailer mass (ATM) of 4.5 tonnes (4,500kg) or less.


I read that as it doesn't matter when it was built or where it was built
if its less than 4.5T it must comply with VSB1

s

[rathgar]

VSB1 states how chains should be attached to the drawbar, once you get to an ATM of 2.5T I think it is the chain must NOT be welded so think hammerlock or permanent bolted connection.

.....

No. I just reread VSB1 and I don't think it says how but states the loads that must be complied with and where they must be located.

[rathgar]

....I read that as it doesn't matter when it was built or where it was built
if its less than 4.5T it must comply with VSB1

s

VSB1 is providing "information for Manufacturers and Importers" and therefore does not relate to existing trailers except imported ones being registered.

[roverrescue]

very true VSB does NOT specify hammerlocks but it does say

trailers over 3.5 tonnes ATM must have two safety chains made from steel of a minimum 800 MPa breaking stress that conforms to the mechanical properties of Grade T chain...Caution
Safety chains, which have the mechanical T grade property, are not suitable for welding.


I guess that means if your ATM is over 3500 you wont be welding the links ;) hammerlocks or rated bolted connection is where you will be at.

Anyways I think we are going in circles now... I hear your point about new and imported.

My take is that the VSB1 standards are not all that arduous and easy to comply with so why would you not???

Steve

[rathgar]

....My take is that the VSB1 standards are not all that arduous and easy to comply with so why would you not???

Steve

I agree completely

Likewise using rated shackles (or for the original poster rated fittings on the vehicle)is also easy to do.

[rathgar]

if they are the ones fitted by the military they are rated.

The spec is in the fitting emei.

Dave when you say this which document do you mean. Has a quick look and can't find it.

[Aussie Jeepster]

Wow, that really started a debate didn't it!!!!
Until about 30 mins ago, I honestly believed that we did have to use rated shackles, but I can't find anything to support it.
I'm sitting in San Francisco at the moment, so I can't check much more or make a phone call, but I'll bow to the combined knowledge of the group and say it is no more than a recommendation rather than a law.
That also makes my question about the Perentie null and void!
I might paint the pins on the Landy red just to make it look good!

[rathgar]

Wow, that really started a debate didn't it!!!!
Until about 30 mins ago, I honestly believed that we did have to use rated shackles, but I can't find anything to support it.
I'm sitting in San Francisco at the moment, so I can't check much more or make a phone call, but I'll bow to the combined knowledge of the group and say it is no more than a recommendation rather than a law.
That also makes my question about the Perentie null and void!
I might paint the pins on the Landy red just to make it look good!

I wouldn't paint the pins then they might charge you with fraud aswell ;)

[towe0609]

I'm currently preparing a 1/2 ton workshop trailer for registration in Victoria.

Information Sheet no 9 titled "Registration requirements for light trailers manufactured before July 1991" available here (https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/vehicle-safety/vehicle-standards-information)reads

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=105906&stc=1&d=1455943868

The requirement for safety chains is also included on the 'checklist' provided for for light trailers manufactured before July 1991.

I'll be welding safety chains to the drawbar before presenting it for registration.

A tip sheet for safe caravanning from VicRoads here (https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/vehicle-safety/safe-caravanning) reads

"Do I need a load-rated shackle to connect my safety chain/cable?

Whilst using a load-rated shackle isn't mandatory, it's a good idea to choose a shackle to suit your trailer and towing vehicle.

Suitable shackles include:


shackles supplied as original equipment by the original vehicle manufacturer (e.g. Ford, Holden, Toyota etc.)
shackles supplied by an original equipment tow bar manufacturer
shackles that are rated and compliant with Australian Standard AS 2741 ?Shackles? or other equivalent recognised standards AND the break load limit of the shackle is rated at least 1.5 times greater than the Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) of the trailer (see below for example)."

[Mick_Marsh]

https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/~/media/files/documents/safety-and-road-rules/vsi24.ashx?la=en

[Homestar]

Lots of discussion on this - just to make life easier on you, use rated shackles, whatever your interpretation is, someone will have a different opinion.

[Aussie Jeepster]

I spoke to a rep from a towbar manufacturer at the local caravan and camping show last week as he confirmed that rated shackles are recommended but not mandatory.