D shackells

Generally ones the same size or rating as the safety chains.

Hi tony&bron, without trying to sound flippant, perhaps the biggest shackles you can get through the chain link. I am a great believer in overkill. It never ceases to amaze me that people will connect their camper/caravan safety chains with the smallest unrated shackles they can find and expect that when their van separates from their tug it will be retained by a couple of mild steel loops.

I would try and find a set of load rated shackles that are at least the same cross section size as you safety chains. Load rated indicates the safe working load of the shackle.

You need shackles that are the same rating as the safety chains. Don't worry about the 'biggest that will fit through the chain' or stainless steel (which are usually a lower SWL rating than steel). The biggest that will fit is useless if it is made out of crap steel (from China)
If your CVN has a GTM of 3000kg then the safety chains should be marked AS4177-35 which means they are made to an Australian Standard, will be 12mm diameter and have a SWL of 3500kg. Use shackles with a marked SWL of 3500kg and you won't go wrong. If they have no markings they are not 'rated' therefore the quality is suspect. You may need to go to a 'lifting gear' store to get them and they may cost you a few bucks but remember it is the shackles that attach the safety chains to your car and you want them to restrain your pride and joy in the unlikely event that it becomes detached.
I shudder every time I see caravans attached using padlocks or those stainless steel yacht 'spring loaded clips'. Should the van come off the hitch they will just pull apart and leave the van sailing down the road unrestrained until it hits something or somebody or the breakaway brakes pull it up (whichever occurs first)

Bullivants is a good place to buy real rated D shackles or Bow shackles.

I am often surprised to see unrated /unstamped shackles provided by caravan manufacturers with new vans! Although I suppose I shouldn't be,considering the many atrocities I hear talking to van owners in parks , like towball weight being 180KG rather than the stated 140Kg, forcing the new van owner to have to buy a new car as well!
Regards Philip A

Gday,
Some of the info your getting might be a bit misleading I think?
Im not sure how you can use any sort of formula to work out SWL without knowing exactly what sort a steel it is?
And the biggest shackle that fits through isnt much help either I would have thought...........you could have high tensile 4 ton chain that will only take a 1 tonne cheapie shackle?

Find something like this on the web, taken from the State its registered in........

•trailers over 2.5 tonnes and not exceed 3.5 tonnes ATM must have two safety chains of designation of 3500 kg complying with Australian Standard AS 4177.4-1994 or Australian Standard AS 4177.42004;

Dont confuse ATM with GVM..........

If your in WA, this might help......LINK

Cheers

The SWL of the shackle must be at least 1.5 times the ATM of the trailer.
State registration authorities may specify GVM in Lieu of ATM. For trailers they're both the same.
Do not confuse with with GTM.
Ref: VSB1- ADR 62/01 & 62/02
Ozjohn.

Good evening T&B,

Hows your head......Spinning?

Simple answer, I would go 3.2T Grade s Bow shackle.

There is some good info and bad info mentioned so i wont get into it.

If you are near Sydney/Newcastle give me a ring 0438886120 and i can fix you up with some.

Cheers Daniel