Trailer Death

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Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

Actually ADR 62/00 specifically allows welded chains for trailers under 2.5T.

8.4.4. the provisions of Australian Standard 1872-1976 “Safety Chains for Trailers and Caravans” . Where attachment is by welding, the weld must
extend around 50% of the circumference of the link and the adjoining link must have free movement Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 62/00 - Mechanical Connections Between Vehicles) 2006

Only when you go over 3.5T do you need rated chain (which can't be welded).
AS 4177.4-2004 specifies the specifications for the links. AS 4177.4-2004 Caravan and light trailer towing components - Safety chains up to 3500 kg capacity

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Thanks for that. That is good to see the standards, as work weld on rated chain to our trailers. They are all under 2000kg though. Should they be using rated chain if they are welding it? Or am I missing something?

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Originally Posted by bacicat2000

Thanks for that. That is good to see the standards, as work weld on rated chain to our trailers. They are all under 2000kg though. Should they be using rated chain if they are welding it? Or am I missing something?

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No for light trailers below 3.5T rated chain is not required, it has been about 2 years since I re-built my trailer and I investigated the documents then, but as far as I can remember the only requirement was the size of the material in the link and I seem to have 6mm in my head. It is why Camec can sell gal chain.

When you get to rated chain, it is lifting chain and is not to be welded. You cant weld rated chain on a less than 3.5T trailer either.

I made the mistake of replacing the worn looking old 6mm chain on a small trailer in NSW.
I had some 8mm chain around so welded that on. When I went to get a slip to sell it I found my rover chain mounts wouldnt fit a 8mm shackle, so on went the original one.
Of course they wouldn't pass the trailer because the rated shackle was smaller than the non-rated chain.
It didnt help that I tried to explain that I was only getting the inspection because I had sold it and wouldn't be on my car again.
I had to leave the trailer there, go and borrow my fathers toyota to put it on and it was fine.
On the trailers coming adrift; a mate was towing his caravan, as he when around a corner the van didnt and passed him.
He had the square hitch come out the reciever and the chains were atached the the hitch!:eek:

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Originally Posted by slug_burner

I sthere another way that the chain needs to be attached to the trailer? I thought that welding was the standard way of doing this.

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yep, I carry a length of chain and some shackles that I use when Im recovering trailers with damage or ****weak chainage that doesnt meet the requirements. I wrap the chain around both sides of the A frame and then shackle the ends to the tow vehicle.