Thursday, Mar 10, 2005 at 14:16
In 1995 I attended a Qld Transport run course to become a licensed inspector to be able to inspect trailers (under 4.5atm) for a roadworthy inspection. We were instructed that hollow axles did not conform. I am still in the industry but have not done a roadworthy for over 5 years so this morning I have done some research into this topic and have come up with some interesting stuff. No one can tell me where to find this particular
Rule/law anywhere. The guy I spoke to this morning actually referred to it as an “open can of worms”, here is why: someone imported a boat/trailer combination from USA and it has hollow square axles. For what ever reason one had to be changed so both parties began to research this rule. Apparently no such rule. The importer is successfully registering the trailer and the axle manufacture is looking at engineering and certifying a hollow axle. All this is quite recent. I also rang 4 major axle manufactures in
Brisbane and could not buy a hollow axle with a 1 tone rating anywhere. Interestingly 2 of the 4 told me they were illegal and the other 2 stated that you got different answers depending on who you spoke to in the transport dept. so it was easier and more accepted to make solid ones.
So as long as that axles are tested and approved with a load rating rego and insurance
should not be an issue
Back to the original question of building your own trailer this exercise only reinforces the fact that you must research as much as possible. The best way to keep up with current ruling is to deal with reputable companies in the industry to supply your components.
I hope I cleared up some of this mess.
David.
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