AS 4177.3

Submitted: Thursday, Apr 07, 2011 at 15:23
ThreadID: 85487 Views:3514 Replies:2 FollowUps:3
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Hi folks, i've done a bit of a search with no luck so i thought i'd ask.
Does anyone know the compliance and/or testing requirements for a tow coupling to meet AS 4177.3

The reason i ask is there seems to be a lot of confusion and misrepresentation (often from Aussie coupling importers/manaufacturers) and a lot of people changing couplings that MAY comply with our regs or can easily be made to comply.

a couple of things have prompted me to look in to this, 1 is the amount of OS manaufactured (often for USA market 2" balls) that are now available here AND i came across one the other day being sold by a large retailer that did NOT have the AS number stamped on it but was assured that it met all our regs.

I guess if some one had a copy of AS 4177.3 kicking around that would help.

TIA

Richard
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Reply By: Shaker - Thursday, Apr 07, 2011 at 15:27

Thursday, Apr 07, 2011 at 15:27
The information that you are looking for is as close as your nearest Google.
Just put "AS 4177.3" in to the search window.
AnswerID: 450589

Follow Up By: Shaker - Thursday, Apr 07, 2011 at 15:32

Thursday, Apr 07, 2011 at 15:32
Sorry, but I mave have given you a bum steer, although it links to VSB-1, the link to AS 4177.3 appears that you have to pay for the priviledge of finding out the specs.
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FollowupID: 723051

Follow Up By: Shaker - Thursday, Apr 07, 2011 at 15:40

Thursday, Apr 07, 2011 at 15:40
It appears that AS 4177.3 is for the coupling body, the relevant ADR for the ball is:

9. 50 mm ‘BALL COUPLINGS’

9.1. 50 mm ‘Ball Couplings’ intended for towing trailers with an ‘ATM’ of up to 3.5 tonnes must comply with the requirements of AS 4177.2 – 2004 50mm Towballs.

9.1.1. The marking requirements at clause 12.4 may be used instead of those in AS 4177.2 – 2004.

AS FOLLOWS:

12.4. Marking

12.4.1. Up to 3.5 tonnes ‘ATM’

Both parts of a ‘Coupling’ specifically designed for use between LA, LB, LC, LD category and sub category LEM towing vehicles and trailers up to 750kg ‘ATM’, or specifically designed for use between towing vehicles and trailers up to 3.5 tonnes ‘ATM’ must be marked with the following information:

12.4.1.1. The ‘Coupling’ manufacturer’s name or trademark; and

12.4.1.2. the maximum allowable trailer ‘ATM’ and its units of measurement, kg for an ‘ATM’ up to 750 kg and tonnes otherwise), at which the ‘Coupling’ is rated; and

12.4.1.3. the words “use with model (identified model)”.

12.4.2. Over 3.5 tonnes ‘ATM’

Both parts of the ‘Coupling’ specially designed for use between towing vehicles and trailers over 3.5 tonnes ‘ATM’ must be marked with the following information:

12.4.2.1. The ‘Coupling’ manufacturer’s name or trademark; and

12.4.2.2. the words “use with model (identified model)”; and

12.4.2.3. either the rated ‘D-value’, or the rated ‘D-value’ and ‘V-value’ (kN).

12.4.3. All markings must be stamped, moulded or printed with letters not less than 2.5mm high and must be visible when the ‘Coupling’ is installed and connected. The markings may be on a metal plate that is permanently affixed to the ‘Coupling’ or to the vehicle adjacent to the ‘Coupling’.



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FollowupID: 723055

Follow Up By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Thursday, Apr 07, 2011 at 16:09

Thursday, Apr 07, 2011 at 16:09
The AS 4177.3 is locked and I am unable to access it at the moment but the Scope of the AS 4177.3 is

Scope
This Standard specifies requirements for coupling bodies for ball couplings suitable for use with 50 mm towballs complying with AS 4177.2, for trailers and caravans up to 3.5 t aggregate trailer mass, for use on public roads.

The method of determining the static strength of a coupling body and its attachments to the trailer drawbar and towball is given in Appendix A and the dynamic strength is given in Appendix B.

NOTES:
1 Towbars and towballs are specified in AS 4177.1 and AS 4177.2 respectively.

2 The requirements for off-road applications are beyond the scope of this Standard.

3 Three rating classes are specified in this Standard, i.e. Type 750 kg, Type 2000 kg, and Type 3500 kg.


HTH

Cheers Kev
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Reply By: Woodsyau - Thursday, Apr 07, 2011 at 16:52

Thursday, Apr 07, 2011 at 16:52
OK, so now i need a copy of apendix A and B to see how to determin the static and dynamic stregth.

AnswerID: 450596

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