For caravans registered in NSW a remote battery monitor MUST be fitted in view of the driver of the tow vehicle. If not fitted, the tow vehicle will be defected. The caravan must be wired to accept the remote battery monitor in the vehicle and a label MUST be attached to the A frame of the caravan advising anyone that the tow vehicle must be fitted with a charging circuit and remote battery monitor.
for information on the above please see vehicle inspection bulletin VIB6 effective April 2007 published by the NSW RMS.
Without the label fitted to the van and the monitor fitted to the tow vehicle your rig is defective and cannot be used on NSW roads, police are currently checking for these defects.
In addition, there is currently NO law in NSW requiring rated D shackles to be used on caravans.
ken thomas said
02:56 PM Oct 15, 2014
Is that only caravans registered in NSW ??
ken
KFT said
03:02 PM Oct 15, 2014
Yes Ken those rules only apply to caravans registered in NSW.
Re the rated D shackles, as I understand it there is a vehicle standards bulletin that does give a specification that must be met. ADR 62 covers this subject
. frank
EDIT: found this post by Brickies after a search of GN's
This is taken from RACQ website on Towing
All States and Territories require the use of safety chains. Safety chains must be strong enough to hold the trailer should the trailer coupling accidentally disconnect, and comply with the appropriate Australian Standard. Trailers up to 2500 kg ATM are required to have one safety chain while trailers from 2,500kg to 3,500kg must be fitted with two safety chains. The D shackle used to connect the safety chain to the vehicles tow bar must have a load rating equivalent to that of the safety chain.
-- Edited by KFT on Wednesday 15th of October 2014 03:10:41 PM
-- Edited by KFT on Wednesday 15th of October 2014 03:18:32 PM
Plendo said
03:45 PM Oct 15, 2014
Regarding D Shackles, there does not need to be a specific law in NSW, as it is a national requirement.
I beleive it is covered under ADR62, but just refer to teh prior post on D Shackles, it was all spelled out in there, about seven weeks ago.
If You wish to google the topic, look for D Shackle requirements for Trailers, as the ADR relates to trailers not just caravans.
migra said
04:25 PM Oct 15, 2014
Currently it only applies to caravans registered in NSW. This is not an ADR only a NSW regulation.
These defects could cause an issue with your insurance company if you are non compliant.
The manufacturer of the Breakaway system (R V Electronics in Adelaide Ph:08 8261 3500) state in their Owners Operating Manual that a RM6000 Remote Battery Monitor is required for registration in NSW.
JohnR said
03:11 PM Oct 16, 2014
Extracts from "The Nomad" (Give Us A Break):- (both snippets/briefs only)
RV's registered interstate but travelling through NSW are not subject to breakaway brake battery monitoring requirements under current NSW Road Transport regulations.
A NSW registered caravan over 2 t GTM with electric brakes must have a battery powered system capable of operating the van brakes automatically for 15 minutes if it breaks away from the tug. Such a caravan must have a remote warning light/readout/speaker device in the tow vehicle. Rule was implemented August 2013.
AND
From Caravan & Motorhome (Staying Connected);-
Most people use either "D" or "bow" shackles for the purpose being attachment safety chains.
Shackles need to be rated to the strength or at least as high as the rating of the safety chain. Understanding that 3.5t rated shackle connected to 3.5t safety chain does not work (fit)
So, the answer may be to use the largest shackle that fit both but will it be safe and legal???
Some help from Dept of Transport & Main Roads in QLD;- the shackle is rated and complies with AS As 2741 -2002 Shackles and the Break Load Limit of the shackle is rated at least 1.5 times greater than the ATM of the trailer. Understanding that Break Load Limit is not Work Load Limit or Safe Working Load which is how shackles are rated. Generally th Break Load Limit of a rated shackle will be 6 times greater than its Working Load Limit. Shackles may be used for connection on safety chains providing BLL of the device is at least 1.5 times greater than the ATM of the trailer.
Understanding this a 3.5t trailer requires shackles to be rated 5.25t BLL. Since shackles rated to 1.5t WWL have a BLL of around 9t they are more than sufficient for the purpose. Remember the BLL of rated shackle will be 6 times greater than its Work Load Limit.
NOTE this does not apply to other Australian states and territories.
For Information only (I use 1.5t shackles for a Outback which is over 2 t GTM)
JohnR
justcruisin01 said
08:16 PM Oct 16, 2014
So many grey areas with all these regulations.
Two weeks back I contacted the RTA/RMS NSW to provide info reguarding the new sighage displayed in all the designated rest areas;;No Camping.
My question was how do you define camping verses resting, considering these areas are available 24 hrs p/day.
My second request was to supply info reguarding the requirements of D-shackles.
I waited 20 mins on the ph while two people searched for the answer, they could not find any info reguarding this.
She took my email add , was taking it to a higher level & was to send me the info.
You guessed it, no reply. Seems they are good at putting up sighns with no documentation to follow. Nothing on the shackles as well.
If I was to ever get questioned in a rest area I'll be asking them to show me to printed regulations. Looks like we can have a good rest while they are searching for the documents.
Like said earlier if you have a 3+ t van you can not get a 3+T rated shackle to fit through the chain, let alone fit the shackle through the tow bar with the pin through the chain as was suggested to be the correct way to fit a shackle.
It was also stated here earlier that all vans have a special battery for the break away system, untrue as I have checked two vans & they run from the house batteries. Makes more sence to me as this has a much higher amp capacity & only needs a volt mtr to monitor them & we do know when they are failing.
Time they cut the crap, one country one law & get on with it. This is getting dragged out like browns cows.
JC.
migra said
10:01 PM Oct 16, 2014
JC
Thanks for your comment.
I cannot comment on the "rest area V/s no camping" but what I can tell you is the following.
There is a battery in the breakaway unit mounted inside the caravan.....if you need information contact R V Electrics direct (ph: 08 8261 3500) and they can confirm the information or visit their website www.rvelectronics.com.au
If you purchase the remote battery monitor direct from them they will include the label which must be attached to the A frame of the caravan.
You can also purchase the remote battery monitor from Camac.
Regarding the D shackle, I have spoken direct to the compliance officer at the RMS, if you want to contact the Technical Department direct, their Phone number is 1300 302 402. This number was given to me by our local highway patrol.
I would suggest you get a copy of Vehicle Inspectors Bulletin No. 06 effective 1998 and replaces AIS Bulletin No. 20. you may want to view the following link (www.rta.nsw.gov.au/dvpr/vss.htm). If you read the "test procedures for electric brakes systems", item 4 refers to the battery condition indicator device and item 7 refers to the label, if these are not fitted or displayed the rig is DEFECTIVE and will not pass inspection for registration.
There are bluetooth devices available but to my knowledge they do not comply with the test requirements for electric brake operation.
PeterD said
12:09 PM Oct 17, 2014
Plendo wrote:
Regarding D Shackles, there does not need to be a specific law in NSW, as it is a national requirement.
I beleive it is covered under ADR62, but just refer to teh prior post on D Shackles, it was all spelled out in there, about seven weeks ago.
If You wish to google the topic, look for D Shackle requirements for Trailers, as the ADR relates to trailers not just caravans.
I have just been through ADR 62-02 and there is no mention of shackles in it. The older ADR 62-01 only mentions:
"14.3. Drawbars Safety Chain Attachment Requirements. 14.3.1. Safety chains must be permanently attached to the trailer. 14.3.1.1. Shackles are not permitted. 14.3.2. For trailer up to 3.5 tonnes ATM, the safety chain attachment can be by welding. 14.3.2.1. the weld must extend around 50% of the circumference of the link and the adjoining link must have free movement. "
For caravans registered in NSW a remote battery monitor MUST be fitted in view of the driver of the tow vehicle. If not fitted, the tow vehicle will be defected. The caravan must be wired to accept the remote battery monitor in the vehicle and a label MUST be attached to the A frame of the caravan advising anyone that the tow vehicle must be fitted with a charging circuit and remote battery monitor.
for information on the above please see vehicle inspection bulletin VIB6 effective April 2007 published by the NSW RMS.
Without the label fitted to the van and the monitor fitted to the tow vehicle your rig is defective and cannot be used on NSW roads, police are currently checking for these defects.
In addition, there is currently NO law in NSW requiring rated D shackles to be used on caravans.
ken
Yes Ken those rules only apply to caravans registered in NSW.
Re the rated D shackles, as I understand it there is a vehicle standards bulletin that does give a specification that must be met.
ADR 62 covers this subject
.
frank
EDIT: found this post by Brickies after a search of GN's
All States and Territories require the use of safety chains. Safety chains must be strong enough to hold the trailer should the trailer coupling accidentally disconnect, and comply with the appropriate Australian Standard. Trailers up to 2500 kg ATM are required to have one safety chain while trailers from 2,500kg to 3,500kg must be fitted with two safety chains. The D shackle used to connect the safety chain to the vehicles tow bar must have a load rating equivalent to that of the safety chain.
-- Edited by KFT on Wednesday 15th of October 2014 03:10:41 PM
-- Edited by KFT on Wednesday 15th of October 2014 03:18:32 PM
Regarding D Shackles, there does not need to be a specific law in NSW, as it is a national requirement.
I beleive it is covered under ADR62, but just refer to teh prior post on D Shackles, it was all spelled out in there, about seven weeks ago.
If You wish to google the topic, look for D Shackle requirements for Trailers, as the ADR relates to trailers not just caravans.
Currently it only applies to caravans registered in NSW. This is not an ADR only a NSW regulation.
These defects could cause an issue with your insurance company if you are non compliant.
The manufacturer of the Breakaway system (R V Electronics in Adelaide Ph:08 8261 3500) state in their Owners Operating Manual that a RM6000 Remote Battery Monitor is required for registration in NSW.
Extracts from "The Nomad" (Give Us A Break):- (both snippets/briefs only)
RV's registered interstate but travelling through NSW are not subject to breakaway brake battery monitoring requirements under current NSW Road Transport regulations.
A NSW registered caravan over 2 t GTM with electric brakes must have a battery powered system capable of operating the van brakes automatically for 15 minutes if it breaks away from the tug. Such a caravan must have a remote warning light/readout/speaker device in the tow vehicle. Rule was implemented August 2013.
AND
From Caravan & Motorhome (Staying Connected);-
Most people use either "D" or "bow" shackles for the purpose being attachment safety chains.
Shackles need to be rated to the strength or at least as high as the rating of the safety chain. Understanding that 3.5t rated shackle connected to 3.5t safety chain does not work (fit)
So, the answer may be to use the largest shackle that fit both but will it be safe and legal???
Some help from Dept of Transport & Main Roads in QLD;- the shackle is rated and complies with AS As 2741 -2002 Shackles and the Break Load Limit of the shackle is rated at least 1.5 times greater than the ATM of the trailer. Understanding that Break Load Limit is not Work Load Limit or Safe Working Load which is how shackles are rated. Generally th Break Load Limit of a rated shackle will be 6 times greater than its Working Load Limit. Shackles may be used for connection on safety chains providing BLL of the device is at least 1.5 times greater than the ATM of the trailer.
Understanding this a 3.5t trailer requires shackles to be rated 5.25t BLL. Since shackles rated to 1.5t WWL have a BLL of around 9t they are more than sufficient for the purpose. Remember the BLL of rated shackle will be 6 times greater than its Work Load Limit.
NOTE this does not apply to other Australian states and territories.
For Information only (I use 1.5t shackles for a Outback which is over 2 t GTM)
JohnR
So many grey areas with all these regulations.
Two weeks back I contacted the RTA/RMS NSW to provide info reguarding the new sighage displayed in all the designated rest areas;;No Camping.
My question was how do you define camping verses resting, considering these areas are available 24 hrs p/day.
My second request was to supply info reguarding the requirements of D-shackles.
I waited 20 mins on the ph while two people searched for the answer, they could not find any info reguarding this.
She took my email add , was taking it to a higher level & was to send me the info.
You guessed it, no reply. Seems they are good at putting up sighns with no documentation to follow. Nothing on the shackles as well.
If I was to ever get questioned in a rest area I'll be asking them to show me to printed regulations. Looks like we can have a good rest while they are searching for the documents.
Like said earlier if you have a 3+ t van you can not get a 3+T rated shackle to fit through the chain, let alone fit the shackle through the tow bar with the pin through the chain as was suggested to be the correct way to fit a shackle.
It was also stated here earlier that all vans have a special battery for the break away system, untrue as I have checked two vans & they run from the house batteries. Makes more sence to me as this has a much higher amp capacity & only needs a volt mtr to monitor them & we do know when they are failing.
Time they cut the crap, one country one law & get on with it. This is getting dragged out like browns cows.
JC.
JC
Thanks for your comment.
I cannot comment on the "rest area V/s no camping" but what I can tell you is the following.
There is a battery in the breakaway unit mounted inside the caravan.....if you need information contact R V Electrics direct (ph: 08 8261 3500) and they can confirm the information or visit their website www.rvelectronics.com.au
If you purchase the remote battery monitor direct from them they will include the label which must be attached to the A frame of the caravan.
You can also purchase the remote battery monitor from Camac.
Regarding the D shackle, I have spoken direct to the compliance officer at the RMS, if you want to contact the Technical Department direct, their Phone number is 1300 302 402. This number was given to me by our local highway patrol.
I would suggest you get a copy of Vehicle Inspectors Bulletin No. 06 effective 1998 and replaces AIS Bulletin No. 20. you may want to view the following link (www.rta.nsw.gov.au/dvpr/vss.htm). If you read the "test procedures for electric brakes systems", item 4 refers to the battery condition indicator device and item 7 refers to the label, if these are not fitted or displayed the rig is DEFECTIVE and will not pass inspection for registration.
There are bluetooth devices available but to my knowledge they do not comply with the test requirements for electric brake operation.
I have just been through ADR 62-02 and there is no mention of shackles in it. The older ADR 62-01 only mentions:
"14.3. Drawbars Safety Chain Attachment Requirements.
14.3.1. Safety chains must be permanently attached to the trailer.
14.3.1.1. Shackles are not permitted.
14.3.2. For trailer up to 3.5 tonnes ATM, the safety chain attachment can be by
welding.
14.3.2.1. the weld must extend around 50% of the circumference of the link and the
adjoining link must have free movement. "