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Post Info TOPIC: Extending the "A" Frame (Draw bar)
Branchie


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Extending the "A" Frame (Draw bar)
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Hi all, can anyone advise if its legal to extend the "A" frame of the van by 300-400mm.. If it was done by a professional workshop, would be legal in the sense for Insurance etc..  I would go back to the manufacturer but they are in Vic, I am in Qld..  Any feed back would help..  Its just that i find out "A" frame is very cluttered what with Stone Guard, Tool Box, Jockey Wheel, gas bottles etc..



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yobarr


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Branchie wrote:

Hi all, can anyone advise if its legal to extend the "A" frame of the van by 300-400mm.. If it was done by a professional workshop, would be legal in the sense for Insurance etc..  I would go back to the manufacturer but they are in Vic, I am in Qld..  Any feed back would help..  Its just that i find out "A" frame is very cluttered what with Stone Guard, Tool Box, Jockey Wheel, gas bottles etc..

 Whilst it is legal,a consideration is that vans sometimes have short drawbars in order to keep them overall length under 7.5 metres. PM sent.



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Whenarewethere


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Is the cluttered area difficult to access. Can you get the toolbox & other brackets & holders custom made to work better. It's not that expensive & thoroughly thought through you can pack in a lot of efficiency & save weight.

I completely custom made all the brackets on my roof rack to use every last mm, works brilliantly, & got rid of a useless overweight roof platform. Net weight saving 16.4kg which can now be used for useful stuff.

IMG_2269.jpg

 

Even drilling the bracket to bolt down the second spare wheel.

MG_8611.jpg



-- Edited by Whenarewethere on Friday 14th of February 2020 10:45:40 AM

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Peter_n_Margaret


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Extending the
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Extending the drawbar is a simple engineering task, but you will need to have it inspected and approved by an engineer approved by your State RTA.
There will be fees for both the engineer and for the work to be done. Talk to your selected engineer before getting the work done.
Longer drawbars have distinct benefits for both manoeuvring and towing stability.
Cheers,
Peter

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WindyHill


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RE: Extending the "A" Frame (Draw bar)
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What are the implications if the overall length exceeds 7.5m?  I have never heard of anything relevant.

Cheers

Windy



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yobarr


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WindyHill wrote:

What are the implications if the overall length exceeds 7.5m?  I have never heard of anything relevant.

Cheers

Windy

 Without getting too specific,in parts of Victoria and Queensland,at least,you are not allowed to park a vehicle for more than one hour at a time if its length exceeds 7.5 metres.This means that you cant just drop the van somewhere convenient while you use your car to see the sights or go shopping etc. Might not affect many people,and may be of little interest to those that are affected,but "them's the rules" that I thought Kevin may not be aware of.If he would like to extend the drawbar,I gave contacts close to his home for both the engineering and the compliance components of the exercise.Cheers



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boab


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Your spot on Peter it also lightens the down load on the tow ball so maybe the magic 10% may depend on the length of the drawbar

 



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Radar


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yobarr wrote:
WindyHill wrote:

What are the implications if the overall length exceeds 7.5m?  I have never heard of anything relevant.

Cheers

Windy

 Without getting too specific,in parts of Victoria and Queensland,at least,you are not allowed to park a vehicle for more than one hour at a time if its length exceeds 7.5 metres.This means that you cant just drop the van somewhere convenient while you use your car to see the sights or go shopping etc. Might not affect many people,and may be of little interest to those that are affected,but "them's the rules" that I thought Kevin may not be aware of.If he would like to extend the drawbar,I gave contacts close to his home for both the engineering and the compliance components of the exercise.Cheers

It has been pointed out that parking a trailer on the street can become illegal  and fines do apply.

without quoting legals, you can park a semi trailer just about anywhere its legal to park a car providing you don't block driveways or to close to a intersection but hook the prime mover up and your gone. But do not do it in Brisbane

one night at home for tea break and clean up before heading away for week, I was just over  the hour in my 17 metre transport, the fat feckle kid from school now a policeman took great delight in writing me up, thank you smart fat kid.

And I really don't know what this has to do with Extending the "A"Frame on a Caravan. Really.

 



-- Edited by Radar on Sunday 16th of February 2020 03:10:01 PM



-- Edited by Radar on Sunday 16th of February 2020 05:29:48 PM

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Jason F


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An an engineer I can see no issue with simply welding or bolting on a length of tube to the end where the ball coupler was, its just a matter of the right strength tube, and the right engineering. Simple as anything in practice. But the real cost will be in getting it certified with a new compliance plate. I've had two compliance plates done so far, and its expensive. One solution for lightweight trailers or vans, where a short extension is required, is to simply buy a plug-and-play receiver extender for the Hayman Reece style receiver. However, there is risk in this also, if the caravan or trailer is heavy. I'm not sure how legal they are, but if its an off-the-shelf product sold by a reputable mob, and not a home made affair, then maybe its ok for some applications. They are commonly up to 450mm extension length for box trailers, campers and the like. But my tug has 800mm rear overhang, so in theory I would need an 800mm extension to clear the rear of the vehicle, sadly I don't like my chances of finding something plug and play.



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Jason F


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In NSW its illegal to park a HV in a public area for more than 1 hr even if its a motorhome (passenger bus's exempt).



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Peter_n_Margaret


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You are about 5 years too late with your bad advice Jason F.
Cheers,
Peter

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Dick0


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In NSW, heavy vehicles (GVM of 4.5 tonnes or more) and long vehicles (7.5m or longer) are generally restricted to parking in residential areas for no longer than one hour, unless engaged in loading/unloading or other lawful activities. Penalties can be issued for illegal parking, with a maximum penalty of $2,200. 
 
Elaboration:
  • Restrictions:
    Heavy and long vehicles are generally prohibited from parking in residential areas for extended periods, except when actively loading or unloading goods, complying with police directions, or engaged in filming activities. 
     
  • One-Hour Limit:
    Unless engaged in the exceptions mentioned above, these vehicles can only stop for a maximum of one hour in a built-up area or where a 50km/h speed limit applies. 
     
  • Enforcement:
    Council officers and police can issue infringement notices to drivers who violate the rules. 
     
  • Penalties:
    Illegal parking can result in fines, with a maximum penalty of $2,200 for heavy vehicle parking violations. 
     
  • Exceptions:
    Exceptions to the one-hour rule include loading/unloading, following police instructions, activities related to filming, and when the vehicle is a bus. 
     
  • Access Permits:
    Heavy vehicles entering local traffic areas may also require access permits, according to Chris Shilling Transport Training. 


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Cheers, Richard (Dick0)

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