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Post Info TOPIC: Safety Chains !!!
ozjohn


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Safety Chains !!!
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Over the past few years there have been numerous postings on all the Cavavaning Forums in relation the whether Trailer Safety Chains are required to be crossed when two are fitted.
The general consensus was that it was a legal requirement to cross chains in NSW and only a recommendation in all the other states.
I, like many others went along with this assumption as being factual.
Yestereday after reading another thread it dawned on me that I had never actually seen any legislation or regulation that required chains to be crossed.

I spent a good part of today (Saturday) surfing the web trying to find the appropriate regulation, but to no avail.
The best I could find was a publication from the NSW RTA titled
'Towing Trailers'
  Things you should know.
Ref: RTA/Pub 05.165 August 2005.
This document makes no reference to any Act or Regulation.

Unless any member can post the correct Act or Regulation that requires the two chains to be crossed I must conclude that it is not a legal requirement in NSW, but only a recommedation.
If any member can put their finger on any info, please post the URL.
Cheers, ozjohn.

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jimricho


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According to the book, "The Australian Practical Guide to Towing" published by Getabout 4WD Adventures Pty Ltd trading as Tow-Ed, trailers below 2.5 tonnes (legally) require only one safety chain. I assume this document is well researched and up to date. Surprised me too!

Regardless of the legalities I'm much happier that my rig has two chains. It's my understanding that if the chains are crossed (and I assume nearly everyone does this) they can be set long enough not to foul in the event of a jack-knife but short enough to "catch" the trailer coupling in the event of a towball or Treg pin failure preventing it from dragging on the ground.

I think if someone wishes to argue that one doesn't have to cross the chains it's best to concede the point but to point out that it makes good sense to do so.

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ozjohn


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Thank you for your reply.
My question has now been answered and the query solved.
Thanks to nswoutback ajp - on another forum, his legendary surfing skills have turned up the appropriate legislation in NSW that specifically requires that safety chains MUST be crossed.
http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/subordleg+522+2007+cd+0+N
Clause 166  (4)
(d) if it consists of more than one chain or wire rope, the chains or wire ropes are in a crossed-over position.

Cheers ozjohn.

This should now bring this thread to a close.

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Retired Engineer, Ex Park Owner & Caravan Consultant. 
Holden 2.8 Colorado - Roma Elegance 17'6" Pop Top.
Location: Mornington Peninsula Vic. 
lyn-n-ken


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hi john
so let me get this straight.

1: the law says that the chains must be crossed.

2: has anyone ever been booked on this.

3: to what advantage does it make to cross the chains (is it a safety issue)

4: have any caravaners ever noticed crossed chains.

5: is there an advantage to 1 chain or 2

6: if there is the facility on your towbar for 2 chains must you use 2 chains

i'm not argueing just curious.
lyn

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jimricho


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lyn-n-ken wrote:

hi john
so let me get this straight.

1: the law says that the chains must be crossed.

2: has anyone ever been booked on this.

3: to what advantage does it make to cross the chains (is it a safety issue)

4: have any caravaners ever noticed crossed chains.

5: is there an advantage to 1 chain or 2

6: if there is the facility on your towbar for 2 chains must you use 2 chains

i'm not argueing just curious.
lyn


If I may jump in here...

1.  This is confirmed by OzJohn's post

2.  If "everyone" (whatever that means) is using crossed chains, unlikely but who knows?

3.  See my post above

4.  I can't recall ever seeing chains not crossed.

5.  I don't think anyone would argue against two chains being preferable to one.

6.  I'm unaware of any legal requirement for two chains if trailer less than 2.5 tonnes ATM

 



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lyn-n-ken


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hi
i wasnt asking you jim and thanks for your condescending remarks.cry

i havnt EVER seen crossed chains.

i was only after some info to make it safe and lawful when we travel and i was asking John who seems very knowledgeable in all these things

lyn

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ozjohn


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Hiya Lyn.

Answers to your questions in red.

1: the law says that the chains must be crossed.
At least in NSW & WA, but recommended by the other States
2: has anyone ever been booked on this.
Not to my personal knowledge, but I do know of one case where a driver was pulled over for speeding (Warning only) and the policeman recommeded the chains be crossed.
3: to what advantage does it make to cross the chains (is it a safety issue)
Crossing the chains form a cradle that will support the vans A-frame in the event of a tow bar/ball failure. When not crossed the a-frame can fall between the chains and strike the pavement.
4: have any caravaners ever noticed crossed chains.
I would estimate thaty around 50 - 6o-% of vanners cross the chains.
5: is there an advantage to 1 chain or 2
Probably nor except that 2 crossed chains add more support in the event of a tow bar/ball failure. Lighter vans only need one chain as prescribed by law.
6: if there is the facility on your towbar for 2 chains must you use 2 chains.
No! You only have to attatch the chain that are secured to the trailer. Either one or two depending on the trailer weight.

Hope that answers all your questions.
Cheers, ozjohn.

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Retired Engineer, Ex Park Owner & Caravan Consultant. 
Holden 2.8 Colorado - Roma Elegance 17'6" Pop Top.
Location: Mornington Peninsula Vic. 
lyn-n-ken


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hi john
thank you so much for your answers. #3 makes sense. i have read a few caravan books and came to the conclusion that they leave a lot out. its great to know a knowledgeable person like you who doesn't mind sharing info with the rest of us.
thank you
regards
lyn

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Wombat 280


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Given that the law requires chains with all things that can be towed coming with them attached

Can someone tell me what useful purpose they really serve if the rig becomes detached . Most of the rigs one observes on our highways the chains are far to long to prevent drawbar contact with the road and one can hardly expect the welding ,links or "D" shackles to compete with the massive forces applied at the point of attachment should the rig become disengaged

I have seen a box trailer when the trailer broke lose and the chains never prevented the drawbar making road contact , hell it was like a cluster bomb with metal and trailer bits going in all directions as the trailer simply exploded before my eyes.

Not convinced that chains serve as a preventative measure to anything

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Gerty Dancer


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My partner went to a lot of trouble to ensure that the chains and D shackles were rated for the weight we tow, plus hooks them up so they dont loop down, which would make them useless, as you say Wombat. But I think a lot of people dont bother and their chains are really just for decoration!

This forum is a great place for learning, thank you everybody.


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petengail


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Thanks Ozjohn for starting this thread. It has been something I have always wanted to know and was considering starting a thread.

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BushbabyandGumnut


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Here in WA we have always crossed chains on whatever we tow.We even cross them on our van!Seems funny to think that a couple of little chains can stop a beserk trailer or caravan,or can they?



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