Coupling Security

Not sure where you live but if you try someone like CAMEC they might be able to help you as they specialise in spares and assessories for caravans, motorhomes etc. I know they are in Sydney and Perth and you can order online from them.

I think their website is www.camec.com.au

Hope this helps.

Karl

Thanks Karl, will investigate and advise outcome.

You state that you don't want to rely on chains. You do understand that you are required by law to have chains fitted (in accordance with any State Laws and/or relevant ADR) and they must be correctly and securely connected - to prevent the towed vehicle from (a) breaking free from the tow vehicle in the event the coupling dis-engaged (b) to prevent the front of the 'A' frame from contacting the road surface in the event of the above (a) occurring.

We relied on chains and they worked when they were needed. I haven't seen anything additional on any trailers.

My understanding- may be wrong here - is that all trailers/ caravans etc over the weight of 2000kg have to have a system that applies the brakes of the towed trailer etc automatically if the situation you have described happens. Check with your local transport authority they will put you on the right track. Regards G.T.

Was it a Highland hitch that was involved? If not why bring that hitch into doubt? From what you said the hitch came off the ball, how many other incidents have you heard of? Was the caravan properly put onto the ball? Are you asking how to stop the ball coming loose? Check, check and check again, walk around the van before moving off, do it again every time you stop, buy a quality spanner big enough to tighten the ball correctly, buy the right size and rating of ball, grease the coupling as required. Also buy rated D shackles for the safety chains, make sure the chains are as short as possible without limiting turning. AFIK there is a locking device that fits under and over the coupling but it is not supposed to be used when in motion, only stopped and it is too narrow for the Highland anyway.

Hi Bobjg

Just from my limited experience -

Our AT35 is a full swivel type - so as to not take the tow vehicle over should the caravan roll, and i would not be without this. We also do not use a ball hitch because of lack of articulation on steep dips and crests. Chains need to be high tensile and of sufficient strength to do their job according to the weight of the laden van.

We had the tow hitch break away from the tow vehicle when travelling at normal highway speed (90 - 100 kms/hr). The breakaway brakes did not engage as the cable broke. The crossed chains did drag on the road, and did not hold the a-frame up as per regulations, but if they were short enough to hold the a-frame up off the road, they would not have given us sufficient turning circle. The links that dragged under the a-frame got worn, but not enough to break. We were lucky that we were on a slight upward slope, so the caravan could not come forward into the tow vehicle without the emergency braking.

We once had friends visit with a farm trailer, and when his wife got out to open our gate, she discovered the trailer missing. The ball had snapped off, and the trailer was some way back, firmly wedged between two trees. Apparently no safety chains! No other harm done than the man's pride for not having noticed his load went missing.

In the incident you outlined, the chains shouldn't have snapped; maybe insufficient for the job, or links worn. Should the whole tow bar assembly break away from the tow vehicle (i have read of this happening once), then all the chains in the world would not help - unless otherwise hitched to the vehicle somewhere else. All overkill, and Murphy's law would ensure that something quite different would go wrong if anything did.

With chains and breakaway brakes as per the legal requirements, have faith that you will not have such a freak accident - more likely you will be struck down by lightening.