Thread: New Towing Guides

Originally Posted by pop058

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

I know some boars and sows that would take offence at that statement!

Originally Posted by Mick_Marsh

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.

Originally Posted by pop058

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!

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...?

Originally Posted by V8Ian

It's not regulation, only a guide!

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.

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?

What date is on that, Paul?

2007 IIRC

18/7/2007