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Towing All Vehicles Alert


zeebie
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An update to anyone who tows any type of vehicle, especially those in the dog world with dog trailers. Law was passed 2 years ago which seems many people are unaware of and recently social media has been having varying stories regarding police infringements etc (untrue) however the need for total safty when towing is paramount!

"Vehicle Standards can advise that under the current legislation, while the safety chains that are used to connect a trailer to a towing vehicle are required to comply with Australian Standard AS 4177.4 Caravan and light trailer towing components, there is no legal requirement for shackles to comply with a particular Australian Standard.

However, in the interest of road safety, the Department of Transport and Main Roads strongly recommends that vehicle operators use shackles that are either certified to AS 2741-2002 Shackles or are identifiable as having a suitable design for the trailer and towing vehicle combination.

These requirements are not new and have been consistent across most States and Territories for many years."

As penned by someone who is in the trailer world

"Tvans have a Gross Trailer Mass of 1500kgs, and a Topaz has a GTM of 1990kgs, so make sure that when you buy rated

shackles you find ones with a maximum Safe Working Load (SWL) or Working Load Limit (WLL) greater than the gross

weight of the trailer. Generally this will mean and 11mm rated D shackle or Bow shackle for the Tvan and a 13mm

rated D shackle or bow shackle for the Topaz, but check the SWL or WLL before making your purchase.

Rated shackles are available from most 4wd stores, automotive stores, hardware stores, and specialty lifting and rigging stores."

Safe travels everyone :)

Edited by zeebie
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