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Post Info TOPIC: Rated "D" shackles - the facts.
Ontos45


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Rated "D" shackles - the facts.
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I was sent this by a reputable company specialising in trailers Have been a few forums on this in the past, so thought I'd contribute.

 

There have been rumours circulating about police enforcing specific requirements for D shackles, with reports on social media claiming that police were issuing infringement notices for non-load-rated D shackles being used to tow caravans, boats and trailers. In this article, we take a look at the current Australian Standards and their official application, so you know exactly what the regulations around Rated D Shackles are.

 

How are D & bow shackles used?

Australia-wide, safety chains are required as part of the towing mechanism on your trailer. They connect the trailers A-frame, or drawbar, to the main tow-bar framework of the towing vehicle using D or bow shackles. As a safety device, the chains, and consequently the shackles, must be strong enough to keep the trailer connected to the towing vehicle and prevent the drawbar from touching the ground if the coupling should break or become disconnected from the tow ball. The only instance in which safety chains are not required is if you have a breakaway system controlling the brakes on your trailer or caravan.

 

What are the regulations?

According to the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA), police and state departments have denied the rumours and have advised that there arent any specific requirements for D shackles. In a recent media release, the CIAA stated that the current standard for shackles is AS 2741-2002, but noted that the standard doesnt specifically cover the use of rated shackles in attaching a trailer to a tow bar. Instead, this standard covers the use of shackles for the purpose of lifting items.

 Our understanding is that there is currently no regulations requiring shackles used on trailer safety chains to comply with the Australian Standard. However, some state authorities provide guidelines or advice for selecting suitable shackles, the statement said.

 

Whats the conclusion?

Although there do not appear to be any specific requirements for shackles, the CIAA recommends shackles meeting the AS 2741-2002 standard be used to secure rated safety chains up to 3500kg capacity. In addition, they recommend that shackles should also have the following characteristics:

  • The shackle grade is S or 6.
  • The working load limit is 1000kg.
  • The shackle diameter is 10mm.
  • Either a bow or D shackle may be used.

So there you have it. Although there arent any specific requirements for the use of a rated D shackle when towing your trailer, boat or caravan, its still advisable to adhere to guidelines. After all, you want to make sure the components are up to the task.

 

source: Without A Hitch, ALKO, http://withoutahitch.com.au/trailer/rated-d-shackle-requirements/?utm_source=Without+A+Hitch+News&utm_campaign=71d4f31fe7-RSS_Weekly_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_af02b6ea62-71d4f31fe7-175892637

 

The post Rated D-shackles: The Facts appeared first on Trailer Plans.



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aussie_paul


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Thanks, Peter..

Aussie Paul. smile



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PeterD


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VSB-1 makes mention of rated shackles and suggests they are preferred. It then goes on to say that the shackles should have a breaking strength of 1.5 times the weight of the van. The advantage of using rated shackles is that it is easy to prove the breaking strength of them.

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Brenda and Alan


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Peter VSB-1 makes no mention of shackles at all just the safety chains, however various state authorities do regulate shackle requirements to an Aust. Std. Note must be taken that these requirements talk of breaking strength whereas the shackles are rated by their working load limit (WLL) which is about 1/6 th of the breaking strength.

In the original post it stated that the chains must prevent the draw bar contacting the road in the event of disconnection (damm near impossible) but this is not the requirement. The requirement is to prevent the chain attachment points from contacting the road not the whole drawbar.

Alan



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Cupie


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Last time I tried to get the truth on this issue I just wasted a lot of time & ended up with a headache.

In the end I decided to just go with the shackles that Jayco provided with the new van 15 years ago.

BTW - I tend to favor Ontos45's conclusions.  That is not to say that the other points raised are invalid.

It's just all too hard.



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PeterD


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Brenda and Alan wrote:

Peter VSB-1 makes no mention of shackles at all just the safety chains, however various state authorities do regulate shackle requirements to an Aust. Std.

 Depends upon which version of it you read.



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Baz421


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previous info here

http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t58258333/are-towing-shackles-now-regulated/



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tonyd


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Is this a good time and place to start a discussion on 6B&S wiring and 15 amp caravan park power leads?

Cheers, Tony

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Dougwe


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Tony, you will need to start your own topic as this thread is really discussing D Shackles. You will get a much better response too I think as many people probably aren't reading this thread cos it was discussed in detail a few moons back. Always good to be reminded though.



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wasn_me


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This topic has come up a few times. It's hard to sift through the posts & get the facts, I guess everybody likes to think their right. I only use rated shackles as you haven't got a clue as to the quality of unrated shackles. 

I was recently sent a coast to coast catalog with some goods I purchased. There was a page on shackles, I thought it was interesting they have stated unrated shackles are not to be used with safety chains.

I will attempt to attach the page, hope it happens.

Cheers Pete

IMG.jpg



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Brenda and Alan


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Please note there is only one version of VSB1 that is the one issued and published by the Dept. of infrastructure Canberra. Google VSB1 and read and you will find no reference to shackles.

Also in the OP under the heading (how are d @ bow shackles used ) it states that chains are not required if break away brake systems are fitted. THIS IS NOT CORRECT. If the drawbar is RIGID which is the case on all caravans then safety chains MUST be fitted to the requirements of VSB1.

I am currently waiting for clarification from Vicroads regarding any legal requirements on the connection of the safety chains to the tow vehicle. I have no interest in the requirements in other States as my van and tug are registered in Victoria.

I will add that what is published on other forums is NOT the law just somebody's interpretation of it. If you want facts go to the source and get them from the horses mouth.

 

Alan



-- Edited by Brenda and Alan on Sunday 2nd of November 2014 09:50:42 AM



-- Edited by Brenda and Alan on Sunday 2nd of November 2014 09:55:54 AM

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jules47


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Dougwe wrote:

Tony, you will need to start your own topic as this thread is really discussing D Shackles. You will get a much better response too I think as many people probably aren't reading this thread cos it was discussed in detail a few moons back. Always good to be reminded though.

 Doug - I think Tonyd was being a bit facetious!!!!!!!



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jules
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SnowT


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Brenda and Alan wrote:

Please note there is only one version of VSB1 that is the one issued and published by the Dept. of infrastructure Canberra. Google VSB1 and read and you will find no reference to shackles.

Also in the OP under the heading (how are d @ bow shackles used ) it states that chains are not required if break away brake systems are fitted. THIS IS NOT CORRECT. If the drawbar is RIGID which is the case on all caravans then safety chains MUST be fitted to the requirements of VSB1.

I am currently waiting for clarification from Vicroads regarding any legal requirements on the connection of the safety chains to the tow vehicle. I have no interest in the requirements in other States as my van and tug are registered in Victoria.

I will add that what is published on other forums is NOT the law just somebody's interpretation of it. If you want facts go to the source and get them from the horses mouth.

 

Alan



-- Edited by Brenda and Alan on Sunday 2nd of November 2014 09:50:42 AM



-- Edited by Brenda and Alan on Sunday 2nd of November 2014 09:55:54 AM

 Alan, Please once you get the information could you Please Post it, Plus a link to all source material as it will help out all Vic registered vehicle's..

 

Juergen



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Treecrest14


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Well, I can understand the reason for the guidelines, so I just went and purchased rated D shackles for a few dollars. Who cares if it is a requirement or not.
Glen

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Aus-Kiwi


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I just added another chain on my car trailer.. With the larger D shackles.. To be sure , to be sure ..
All my trailers have the same chains on now!
Even the 6X4 ...

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Dougwe


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jules47 wrote:
Dougwe wrote:

Tony, you will need to start your own topic as this thread is really discussing D Shackles. You will get a much better response too I think as many people probably aren't reading this thread cos it was discussed in detail a few moons back. Always good to be reminded though.

 Doug - I think Tonyd was being a bit facetious!!!!!!!

 

It's Uncle Al's fault Jules.



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Treecrest14


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BTW - not only use Rated D Shackles, but also check that you have rated chain welded/attached to your van/trailer. I had a 2009 Jayco Expanda van which did not have rated chains (rated chains have their rating stamped on the links)

Glen

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D and D


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Treecrest14 wrote:

Well, I can understand the reason for the guidelines, so I just went and purchased rated D shackles for a few dollars. Who cares if it is a requirement or not.
Glen

 Makes sense to me - cost me $7.50 for 2 rated shackles to replace the HR non-marked shackles supplied with the van. That's about 2 cups of coffee, don't know what all the fuss is about. The peace of mind is worth the cost of the shackles.

 

Dave



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TAJ


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november 2014 CARAVAN WORLD page 23 on legal shackles

by the qld police 

                          taj



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