RATED D SHACKLES

February 21, 2017 | Midland Towbars

RATED D SHACKLE REQUIREMENTS:

Tell me the truth!

There have been rumours circulating about police enforcing specific requirements for D shackles, with reports on social media claiming that police were issuing infringement notices for non-load-rated D shackles being used to tow caravans, boats and trailers.

So, what are the regulations around Rated D Shackles? Good question!

In WA, the Department of Transport will now enforce their new requirement for new trailers. Their new requirements for a suitable shackle is where:

The shackle is rated and complies with Australian Standard AS 2741-2002 “Shackles” or other equivalent recognised standard, and
The break load limit of the shackle is rated at least 1.5 times grater than the ATM of the trailer.

Generally, the break load limit of a rated shackle will be 6 times greater than its working load limit [WLL]. Bow shackles provide for greater angular usage compared with “D” shackles. Rated bolts, chain shackles or other suitable fittings [i.e.: hammerlocks] may be used as devices for connection on safety chains providing the break load limit of the device is at least 1.5 times greater than the ATM of the trailer. In plain English, a trailer with an ATM of 750kgs should have a shackle rated at least 1125kgs.

In summary of all my reading “D” shackles:

Should be stamped and rated to comply with AS2741-2002
Require an “S” grade rating
The pin needs to be “Hi-Vis”

If you are buying a new towbar from us, most of our suppliers are now ‘throwing in’ “rated D shackles”. If you are purchasing a “new trailer” you should make sure that you acquire a “rated D shackle”. If you are pulled over by Department of Transport examiners and Authorised inspectors, they have been advised to “alert the driver of the towing vehicle” on the requirement to have a suitable rated device.

My advice: be pro-active and get yourself some rated D shackles. For your own safety and peace of mind, you’ll be better off anyways!

Thanx to the following for their website contributions to this article:

www.withoutahitch.com.au
Department of Transport [DVS]
Mister Hitches

[this info was the best I could understand at time of publishing this article; if in doubt, always check or just use a rated D shackle].

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