Army trailer chains and Perentie attachment points

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by roverrescue

....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

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by roverrescue

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

Steve

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I agree completely

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

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

The spec is in the fitting emei.

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

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!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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!

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

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 reads

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment...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 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)."

https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/~/me...i24.ashx?la=en