Having read a few threads and talked with few people about this topic I am posting this in an attempt to better understand the whole topic.
The issues that I see are if the safety chains are too long they won't stop the A frame from digging into the road surface. The forces would be enormous and there fore I really don't think they will be able to do their job.
If they are too short then there may be issues in tight turns is allowing the maneuver
without breaking something.
Having given this topic some thought I see another issue that I have not seen reference to.
It's the attachment point on the tow bar that has to cope with all this load during any of the above.
Having looked at my own tug ( 100 series Toyota) I really don't think that it would cope. The chain attachment points are just 12mm rod shaped and welded ( not too well either ) onto the tow bar.
Having put all that together I really would like to here from you with your views on this matter as I think it's an area of where little thought has been given.
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You only live once, but if you live it right, once is enough !!!!!!
Briche, Tow bars including the chain mounting points 'must' comply to Australian Design Rules (ADR) 62/00 Ref: Department of Transport and Infrastructure - Vehicle Safery Standards CI - 116A These standards lay down the design, testing and record keeping procedures required for the manufature of tow bars. Chains must comply to AS4177.4 Ref: VSB1
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.
Thanks for that osjohn, your comments are greatly appreciated. Part of the reason for raising the topic was to get this sort of info out there so I and I think others would be in a better position to understand the subject. Thanks again, but I would like to see what others feel about the subject as well.
Regards
briche
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You only live once, but if you live it right, once is enough !!!!!!
trailers that do not exceed 2.5 tonnes ATM must have at least one safety chain complying with Australian Standard AS 4177.4-1994 or Australian Standard AS 4177.4-2004 'Caravan and light trailer towing components Part 4: Safety chains up to 3500kg capacity', or be a safety cable with a certified load capacity of the same;
trailers over 2.5 tonnes and not exceed 3.5 tonnes ATM must have two safety chains of designation of 3500 kg complying with Australian Standard AS 4177.4-1994 or Australian Standard AS 4177.42004;
Ref: VSB1 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.
My caravan maker, Paramount, have had the drawbar shaped like a 'wedge' so that if the unthinkable happened then there is no way the drawbar would 'dig in' as stated, it would skip along the ground pulled by the safety chain.
Cheers Neil
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Neil & Lynne
Pinjarra
Western Australia
MY23.5 Ford Wildtrak V6 Dual Cab / 21' Silverline 21-65.3
Thanks Neil. I raised the matter as part on an attempt to get a better understanding on the topic and to also get other people's thoughts. Thank you for your input and that idea sounds like a good one.
Trust your travels are good
Regards
Brian Yeoman
briche
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You only live once, but if you live it right, once is enough !!!!!!
With my chains I crossed the chains then lowed my van to sit six inchers above the ground in a saddle to make sure. This helps to give you a chance to slow down under control.
-- Edited by gst on Wednesday 6th of July 2011 10:46:45 AM
