I was not happy with the answers I received yesterday, so I was back into research mode today, and I found that there are regulations applying to shackles, basically the breaking limit of EACH shackle must exceed 1.5 times the ATM of the towed trailer.
This is defined in both ADR62 and AS4177.
It is best described and explained in the Queensland Department Of Transport directive to inspectors (see link):
More to the point, how many of us are aware of all these regulations. Either or as well as, the caravan dealer should be made to have a duty of care to make sure you are legal, and, given that all Dept of Transport have your details, it wouldn't hurt for them to do a mail out with all NEW regs. Lets face it they have your details as they collect your money.
Larry
My caravan chain on every 4th link has a stamp - "PWB 4177-35" so from the previous comments all seems to be okay. However the shackle I use to attach to the vehicle just has a stamp "HAYMAN REESE" and no other information. Will have to make further enquiries as to regulations but also importantly for safety.
I was not happy with the answers I received yesterday, so I was back into research mode today, and I found that there are regulations applying to shackles, basically the breaking limit of EACH shackle must exceed 1.5 times the ATM of the towed trailer.
This is defined in both ADR62 and AS4177.
It is best described and explained in the Queensland Department Of Transport directive to inspectors (see link):
In the past I was searching for rules around shackles used with caravans, but if you replace caravan with trailer, all becomes clear.
BTW, how many vans have rated chains, with the rating stamped on at least every 4th link ?
Plendo - how come a Queensland Department of Transport Directive is a link to the Northern Territory Department of Transport? (mean't in the nicest way)
Unfortunately this makes me doubt the veracity of the thread.
Sorry Dennis that was my mistake, I incorrectly described it as a Queensland document, you are absolutely correct it is an NT document.
Regardless where the document comes from, it describes the requirements set out by a national document the ADR, and to my way of thinking it describes it better than any other document I have seen, hence the reason I posted it.
It is not up to me whether you trust the information or not, I just felt compelled to share what I found so others could make up their own mind how they set themselves up.
Remember it does not matter if you know what the rules are or not, YOU are still responsible for ensuring that you comply.
Thanks Plendo, there has been so much rumour mongering about chains and shackles that now I am always suspect. The way that NT document says to alert the driver and not issue a ticket makes me wonder if it is law/legislation or adviseable. It says it's a requirement which is pretty abiguous.+
Quote:
Transport Inspectors and Authorised Inspectors are to alert the driver of the towing vehicle on the requirement to have a suitably rated device
