Are Towing Shackles Now Regulated?

isuzuswag · Veteran Member

Are Towing Shackles Now Regulated?

oldbobsbus · Guru

It's a new one on me but that doesn't mean much..

I am interested to see what others have to say

Cruising Cruze · Guru

see this link from Pat Callinan's

http://www.mr4x4.com.au/index.php/component/kunena/8-camper-trailer-chat/1594-rated-bow-shackle-now-a-legal

I Hope this makes sence

John

Plendo · Guru

Looking on good old Google, there has been a fair bit of discussion about the topic, and there is a publication from Queensland (Safe Towing Guide from Department of Main Roads), that looks to be a few years old that defines what shackes should be used, and then goes on to recommend using specific grades of shackle.

There is also mention of SA police enforcing a standard, but again no mention as to the source of the standard.

The Safe Towing Guide, although old has some good common sense advice on shackles.

Phil C · Guru

Greetings

I saw this as well on facebook, For the life of me I cant understand why the D shaped shackle is worse than the horseshoe shape, as long as it has the 5 ton spec (yellow pin)? Then again Im not an engineer...

Safe travels

ozjohn · Guru

Ask the inspector under what legislation they're enforcing the regulation.
Love to hear their answer, because there is no Federal or State legislation that makes it a legal requirement.

While some states recommend rated shackles the only legal requirement is that the driver must be able to confirm that the shackle, fencing wire, Karibiner. or whatever can support 1.5 times the ATM of the trailer.
Ozjohn.

Cruising Cruze · Guru

I had a look today for them load rated Shackles

Boy o boy you can tow a truck with them

They are huge there is no way I can fit them to my caravan chains

an to the tow bar the hole in there is only 8 mm or

So what is the right answer to solve this problem

There was an rush for them this morning in Hervey Bay, only BCF had a few left

John

KevKim37 · Senior Member

Our van was fitted with the correct sized/stamped shackles from new the same as in photo. Some only use the non rated - non stamped type which if put to the test in a disconnection Scenario could cause devastating results.!!.

I have also seen quite a lot of vans with the CHAINS too long and/or connected incorrectly to the HITCH Assy and not to the main TOW BAR attachment positions.!!

Cheers Kev.

elliemike · Guru

Permalink Reply Quote

Greetings

I saw this as well on facebook, For the life of me I cant understand why the D shaped shackle is worse than the horseshoe shape, as long as it has the 5 ton spec (yellow pin)? Then again Im not an engineer...

Safe travels

__________________

P B Crockart

Ex RAAF Electrical Fitter

Retired trade trainer (Electrical and Electronics)

Lives in a 2013 20-62-2 Jayco Starcraft

Drives a fabulous 2012 FORD Ranger XL diesel dual cab

Grey Nomad now, and loving it!

As an apprentice I worked in a firm that made shackles, in our Blacksmiths Shop. These were usually special orders for large shackles of various types. I had to spend part of my apprenticeship in the smithy. I also have seen the testing of lifting and rigging gear before it was stamped with it's Safe Working Load.

But we did make some runs of small sizes like 12mm or (1/2" inch) shackles. 12mm or half an inch, being the diameter of material in the "Bow" or "D" of the shackle.

Lets say we are talking about both a "D" and a "Bow" made from 12mm (1/2"inch) material cross section diameter.

The pin by the way (the yellow part in the picture ) is always bigger in dia. the next size up in steel diameter from the bow part of the shackle. This would be 13mm (9/16ths)

The "D" shackle always had a higher SWL ( safe working load) rating, than the equivalent same size material "Bow" shackle. The D shape can carry more load before deforming.

The Bow shackle being slightly weaker due to it's Bow shape, will usually deform under Destructive Test Loading at a lower force than a D shackle.

The shackles have different applications in rigging, on ships or in industry. The "D" used more for "standing" rigging.

The Bow used in running rigging, where the loading can come from different directions. Therefore being a bit more versatile in it's application, but could carry slightly less load.

4x4 drivers like Bow shackles because the bulky snatch strap eyes can be accommodated by the extra clearance in the Bow shackle "Clear". The open space in a shackle used to be called "the clear"

-- Edited by elliemike on Thursday 7th of August 2014 07:10:09 PM

-- Edited by elliemike on Thursday 7th of August 2014 07:40:03 PM

-- Edited by elliemike on Friday 8th of August 2014 10:08:53 AM

-- Edited by elliemike on Friday 8th of August 2014 10:11:03 AM

-- Edited by elliemike on Friday 8th of August 2014 06:48:21 PM

Wombat 280 · Guru

I am always waiting for someone to tell me what length the safety chain should be. On most vehicles including 4WD's if the chain is short enough to stop the draw bar hitting the road should the trailer disengage from the tug then you may have trouble trying to turn of reverse the vehicle under normal operating conditions . The forces applied to the shackles and chains in the event of disengagement at speed would more than likely exceed that of the shackles , pins, chains and the bolts holding the towbar to the vehicle. If someone out there could confirm the forces applied during a disengagement say for 1400 kgs at 80kph and what would size chain would be required to suspend the draw bar at a height sufficient to prevent it hitting the road Please Speak Up before this topic goes into circular debate

hako · Guru

Fair dinkum! - this is all heresay. Find someone who actually received a fine from a government inspector - scan the document and post it.
Then I'll believe it otherwise it's a lot of bull. Next we'll hear the sky is falling in.
Good Luck.

KeenTravellers · Veteran Member

I agee with Wombat280 & hako.... there is so much talk and hearsay ... but no real facts.
I have searched so called official records etc .. and there are plenty of "Recommended"
To that point I sent off an email to CIL insurance requesting

"Can they email me the official ruling as they read it" in writing regarding
Rated Shackle connections for a caravan to vehicle in ALL states.
Is the use of Rated shakles LAW - or - recommendation only.

As yet heard nothing.... so we will see...

By the way I use rated shakles and crossover chains - but thats just me.

Cheers

KT

-- Edited by KeenTravellers on Thursday 7th of August 2014 08:59:29 PM

Legendts · Senior Member

See what happens when you try to bring something up Isuzuswag. Don't let it deter you though some must be having a bad day and take it out on you

and.....the topic was posed as a QUESTION.

-- Edited by Legendts on Thursday 7th of August 2014 09:07:46 PM

Baz421 · Guru

Wombat 280 wrote:
I am always waiting for someone to tell me what length the safety chain should be. On most vehicles including 4WD's if the chain is short enough to stop the draw bar hitting the road should the trailer disengage from the tug then you may have trouble trying to turn of reverse the vehicle under normal operating conditions . The forces applied to the shackles and chains in the event of disengagement at speed would more than likely exceed that of the shackles , pins, chains and the bolts holding the towbar to the vehicle. If someone out there could confirm the forces applied during a disengagement say for 1400 kgs at 80kph and what would size chain would be required to suspend the draw bar at a height sufficient to prevent it hitting the road Please Speak Up before this topic goes into circular debate

Is this extract from VSB1 any use,, it has the formulae

6.3 Drawbar Safety Chain Attachment Points

Safety chain attachment points are the means by which the safety chains are attached to the drawbar. These points must be located as near as practicable to the tow coupling. Where two points of attachment are required, they must be mounted one on either side of the centreline of the drawbar.

Each safety chain attachment point must be capable of withstanding the following minimum forces without incurring either any residual deformation that would interfere or degrade the function of the assembly, or any breaks, cracks or separation of components:

Longitudinal tension and compression (N) 1.5 x 9.81 x ATM (in kg)

Vertical tension and compression (N) 0.5 x 9.81 x ATM (in kg).

Caution

Load levelling bars should only be used with towbars designed for load levelling. Very high forces can be generated when the vehicle and trailer combination travels through dips in the roadway. These high forces may exceed the design limits of the towbar and or its mountings.

Caution

Drawbar safety chain attachment points should not come into contact with the road surface when the trailer is disconnected.

ozjohn · Guru

Cruising Cruze wrote:
I had a look today for them load rated Shackles
Boy o boy you can tow a truck with themThey are huge there is no way I can fit them to my caravan chains an to the tow bar the hole in there is only 8 mm or So what is the right answer to solve this problem There was an rush for them this morning in Hervey Bay, only BCF had a few left
John

Use the correct size rated shackle which in most cases will have a body size the same size at the vans chain.
Example: an 8mm chain is rated to 1.6 tonne. A suitable shackle at 8mm has a Rated WLL around 1.5 Tonne X 6 which equals a Rating of 9 tonne before it may exhibit any sign of distortion. But with a hole in your tow bar of only 8mm why not something a bit smaller at say a 1 tonne WLL rating. Total 6 tonne.
Ozjohn.

rockylizard · Guru

isuzuswag wrote:
Got this in this morning

Legendts wrote:
See what happens when you try to bring something up Isuzuswag. Don't let it deter you though some must be having a bad day and take it out on you
and.....the topic was posed as a QUESTION.

Gday...

Sorry Jeff - I do believe the thread is attempting to determine the validity of the photo posted - no-one appears to be giving Isuzuswag a hard time hmm

I am not sure it was actually posted as a question ... just passing on information that had come Isuzuswag's way. If a question was asked I could perhaps suggest it may have been "I got this in this morning ..... what do others think?"

I am certainly patiently waiting to see the veracity of the posted pic of an anonymous poster that has been photographed after it was posted on a post/wall somewhere anonymously - perhaps in Gympie it could be suggested. We all live in different states - and this wonderful country has differing standards/regulations/rules/laws on so many things.

Let's just let the thread work its way through and see what we may learn.

cheers - John

Baz421 · Guru

ozjohn wrote:
Ask the inspector under what legislation they're enforcing the regulation.
Love to hear their answer, because there is no Federal or State legislation that makes it a legal requirement.
While some states recommend rated shackles the only legal requirement is that the driver must be able to confirm that the shackle, fencing wire, Karibiner. or whatever can support 1.5 times the ATM of the trailer.
Ozjohn.

Agree. A quick view of NSW vehicles standards info doesn't call up/mandate rated shackles.

However, "quote"

In New South Wales, the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2007 requires that vehicles

manufactured after particular dates meet the requirements of relevant ADR's.

So if ADR 62 specifies rated shackles then it is enforceable.

snapper49 · Senior Member

It is not an offence to have a non-rated D shackle connecting the safety chains of a caravan, trailer or horse float to the tow vehicle, South Australian police said today

www.goseeaustralia.com.au/article/901/National_rules_short_on_specifics_but_South_Australian_police_urge_rated_shackles_for_towing_safety/

KeenTravellers · Veteran Member

Hey Guys
After searching through all the Gov sites the only 2 - I have come up with so far in depth is Qld & NT
If you care to copy & paste this attached link you can read for yourselves.
The answer in Qld is YES
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Vehicle-standards-and-modifications/Loads-and-towing/Safe-towing.aspx

The answer on Page7 under COUPLINGS - with a table of the sizes on page 8

Also the top of page 9 - Answers one of my previous questions re Rear - Van - Signage
"Are Caravans required to have a Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle Signs -
In Qld - YES

I have also read the same for NT - not sure yet about other states

Cheers

KT

KeenTravellers · Veteran Member

Hey Snapper49

We were trying to find out what is Legal or legislated.... so I would hate to throw a spanner in your works
but the site refered to is not in any way legal and can make any statement it likes..

If you read AFTER the first line "quote"

"Nor is there truth in an 'urban myth' that SA Police are targetting those who tow for using unrated shackles, SA police said."
But police strongly urge the public to make the change to a rated D shackle for peace of mind when towing and as
part of a positive outlook on road safety, Senior Constable First Class Paul Bryant South Australia Police Road Safety Centre said.

Whilst I agree we should all use the rated shackles ... I think the thread was looking at ...is this enforcable... or can you receive a fine...

Cheers

KT

rockylizard · Guru

Gday..

KT - my reading of the reference you provided for QLD does not say rated shackles are mandatory - they are only "recommended" ...

Shackles 01.JPG

And the use of signs regarding turning vehicles is also not mandatory it seems .... BUT if you and your vehicle (tug AND van) wish to utilise more than one lane when turning, then you MUST have signs to allow you to do that ...

Sign 01.JPG

Regarding the info posted concerning SA - I see nothing there that also mandates rated shackles, but rather advice of the wisdom of using them.

Cheers - John

-- Edited by rockylizard on Friday 8th of August 2014 08:53:41 AM

Glenelg · Guru

very well explained John. i have my signs ready to put on when i pick up my new rig.

KeenTravellers · Veteran Member

Hey Rocklizard
I agree...John ....What I was really searching for was ..
Will anyone be legally fined or will insurance not cover them as per the original posted thread displaying ... $235 fines in Gympie

I agree we all "should" comply for the safety of all .. use the rated shackles... and yes it does not say Mandatory ...the emphassis
is on "should" use them.. or recommended. So how could anyone be fined.

I wanted to see if anyone could be legally fined...if not using them...
The original post displayed picture of "Fines in Gympie" Maybe by someone with a big sale on D Shackles.?

As for the rear turning signs... well I read that as it is... MUST HAVE.... "IF" you the driver ever the use an additional lane when turning.
Just trying to get the right info ....for all ...and knock out all the hearsay...
Cheers
KT

Legendts · Senior Member

No offence taken John and want the thread to run it's course but what I was getting at was the thread topic reads quote: are towing shackles now regulated? Unquote. Yes I know sometimes the written word can be interpreted differently to what was meant

I was referring to Hakos post.

Olley46 · Guru

I asked a QLD police officer today about these d shackles he said he has been asked this question a hundred times this week ,to his knowledge there has been no policing of such,to find out more he said get in touch with the department of transport.the only thing they will book you for is driving around with towing mirrors still on and no caravan, i asked him about speed limit in QLD towing a van the answer was posted speed limits.

Lance C

Phil C · Guru

Hi

Just saw this on facebook, may be worth a read

Camper Trailer Touring
There's been a lot of talk about trailer owners getting fined for using the wrong shackles, especially in QLD. We've just got off the phone to QLD Transport and Main Roads, and they have informed us there has been NO CHANGE IN REGULATIONS OR LAW.

The downloadable towing guide states they 'recommend 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.'

So as long as you're running RATED BOW OR D SHACKLES (which we recommend you do for safety anyway), you should be fine in all states.

For more information, head to: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Vehicle-standards-and-modifications.aspx

Cheers

elliemike · Guru

rockylizard wrote:

This picture above is a good example of how not to have the shackle fitted.
In this application the Yellow Shackle Pin should be through the chain end link. Not as shown.
In the sudden shock loading of the shackle, as when the trailer detaches. The possibility of the lug being ripped off by the shackle acting like a lever and breaking the welds is a possibility.

-- Edited by elliemike on Friday 8th of August 2014 07:04:58 PM

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Well spotted elliemike ... and spot on. But the problem is that the "rated" bow shackle is TOO big to go through the hole provided in the towbar. A not uncommon problem.

The only solution would be to put the yellow 'rated' pin through the hole in the towbar and thread the 'bow' and 'eye' of the shackle through the chain link and then close with the 'rated' yellow pin.

This shackle, on the pictured towbar, will never be able to be fitted as you suggest. cry

Cheers - John

elliemike · Guru

rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
Well spotted elliemike ... and spot on. But the problem is that the "rated" bow shackle is TOO big to go through the hole provided in the towbar. A not uncommon problem.
The only solution would be to put the yellow 'rated' pin through the hole in the towbar and thread the 'bow' and 'eye' of the shackle through the chain link and then close with the 'rated' yellow pin.
This shackle, on the pictured towbar, will never be able to be fitted as you suggest.
Cheers - John

Surely it has already been put through the hole in the Lug? all it needs now is turning it over 180 deg. so the pin is through the last link !

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

OOPS ..... past my bedtime cry ... that's my story and I'm stickin' to it

cheers - John