With hammerlocks, you can legally extend the security chain. However, only one Dee shackle per security chain is legal. Essentially, going out and buying a shackle without checking that one of these stamps is on it, it means that you are buying an unknown amount and you have confidence that your trailer will be secured in case of a clutch/ball separation. In addition, it must withstand the stresses that towing exerts on components, with enormous forces. He could do the job once, twice, but the third time might not be a charm. In consultation with Victoria Police, VicRoads and the Victorian State Government, the CIAV confirmed that there is no specific policy on chains for towing. Research has shown that although Australian standard channels are not required by law, their use is recommended. This means that if you choose not to follow the guidelines, it is up to you, as the driver, to prove to the relevant national or territorial road authorities, if necessary, that your safety chain (chain) connection device is suitable for the combination you are towing. “We understand that there are currently no regulations requiring the safety chains used on trailer safety chains to meet the Australian standard,” the CIAV reported.
No mention of color. Although we learn two types of shackles: bow and D shackles, which are also tested when used for caravans. These terms refer only to the shape of the curved component, since one shackle is arc-shaped and another is D-shaped. The only technical difference is that the bow shackle has a so-called larger angular displacement (click here). As in , the shape of the bow allows more freedom of movement for your chain and shackle. The Australian Motor Vehicle Certification Board recently issued Circular 0-1-3 on safety chain connection devices for road trailers up to 3500 kg, which covers shackles for towing. The purpose of the circular, which was developed in consultation with state and territory regulators, is to provide a consistent approach to the use of security chain interconnection devices in Australia. Trailers over 2000 kg, required by law, to have a separation system. Learn more about important safety switch cord alerts here. One of the most frequently asked questions is, “Can I legally use a hammer lock or other Dee retainer to extend my safety chain?” Shackles are essentially an emergency connection to the tow hitch that connects your trailer`s safety chains to the towing vehicle.
They are most often used to connect and disconnect vehicle chains, but (fortunately) are very rarely used for their actual use, so most are never charged. However, knowing how shackles are evaluated, how much load they can handle and whether they meet relevant Australian standards is important information for those towing. There is an Australian standard applicable for D and bow shackles (AS: 2741-2002), but it only covers their use in construction and lifting applications. These shackles have a workload limit (WLL) and a higher safety factor, the WLL should be marked on the shackle. The problem is that the load on the shackles used for towing is different from that of lifting and therefore AS 2714-2002 is not directly applicable. We quote: “Since there is no legal obligation to comply with this guide if a person or company decides not to track this material, it is the responsibility of the person or company to prove to the state or territory highway authorities that a particular safety chain connection device is suitable for the station wagon.” We received comments questioning the legality of the security chains required by law. See below for more information: Important: Unstamped bow shackles, Dee shackles and hammers are not compatible with Australian standards. Shackles must bear a mark or stamp; Dee shackles must be adapted to the capacity of the chain.
Both: The chain and the shackle have a stamp with a rating. One of the biggest problems with D shackles is whether the connection point of the towing vehicle has enough space to attach the pin or the “D” part of the shackle to it. Often, people are forced to use a smaller restraint system because that`s all that fits on the vehicle. It is better to modify the vehicle so that the shackle fits the right size, provided that the breaking load of the shackle is greater than the performance of the chain, the use of a smaller shackle may be suitable. The shackle has its diameter in mm and a quality buffer, for example 10 mm and is rated S, and for example a 6 mm is rated M and has a WLL lower than that of the S-Class.
