The Grey Nomads Forum

Chains 'n' Shackles

Nomad1946 said
12:15 AM May 31, 2015

The safety chain on our 'van is a tad short and we currently use two D shackles to attach each chain to the tug.

All shackles are rated 3.2T.

Are we "legal"?? Or should we have the safety chains removed and longer attached?

Dougwe said
07:05 AM May 31, 2015

I do believe you are NOT "Legal".

My understanding of the law/requirements are ONE correctly rated D Shackle per chain.

Old Col said
07:06 AM May 31, 2015

Nomad1946 wrote:
The safety chain on our 'van is a tad short and we currently use two D shackles to attach each chain to the tug.
All shackles are rated 3.2T.
Are we "legal"?? Or should we have the safety chains removed and longer attached?

a 3.2t rated shackle is a bit of an over kill

extend the chain with a hammerlock coupling

Treecrest14 said
10:36 AM May 31, 2015

I agree with Doug - Only 1 D shackle per chain. Col's remedy is correct/cheapest [hammer lock coupling to add additional chain, or have the existing chain cut off and longer rated chain welded on.

Glen

rockylizard said
10:53 AM May 31, 2015

Gday...

As already stated - only one D shackle per chain (rated is excellent but not mandatory) to attached chain to tow hitch - like this -

Shackle 02.jpg

To extend/lengthen a chain to allow it to be attached by a D shackle, requires one , or more, of these - hammerlock -

Shackle 01.jpg

Apologies if I am telling grannies how to suck eggs cry

Cheers - John

Birdo said
11:25 AM May 31, 2015

Thank you John
I have to extend my chains on my new van.
Where do you purchase the hammer locks and how are they rated?
Cheers
Col.

spida said
12:14 PM May 31, 2015

I have the opposite problem. On the new van my chain is too long AND too thick to put the legal shackle through a link further down. I need to cut a few links off. Have put a cord around under the hitch to hold chains off the ground