Tuesday, Jun 28, 2016 at 17:12
I copied that out of a Safe Towing Guide.
It has been thrashed endlessly on Caravan Forums and the requirement of "Rated Shackles" has been debunked as an urban myth, even by the Police.
The shackles should comply with the relevant standard but there is nothing to say what size you should use. As I said, one with a pin diameter of 10mm is more than adequate in both single and double configuration.
I would take issue with welding anything to a towbar because when I bought
mine it had the holes for the shackles underneath and was awkward to get under and attach them. I asked the
shop I bought it off to weld a plate across the top like the Toyota model and was told in no uncetain terms that a Towbar is certified as sold and it is illegal to alter it IN ANY WAY. Either by drilling welding or anything.
Yes I know we all weld little brackets for Anderson plugs etc and drill little hole for screws BUT!!!
I was a little enthusiastic in my original post I meant and should have said there is no requirement for RATED SHACKLES.
Chains should be as stated but as observed arent always even from the factory.
A stamped shackle of suitable size costs about $8 at Supercheap so why not use them.
Have seen van chains attached with a shackle I wouldnt use on my garden trailer.
Would you tie a bulls nose chain to a fence with a bit of string. Same analogy.
I cant find it atm but it is also said you should not use Stainless steel shackles because of their tendency to shatter rather than bend nor should you use Carabiners or padlocks for obvious reasons.
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