LETTERS FROM THE ROAD
D-SHACKLE DILEMMA
Thanks for always trying to explain the
different weight classifications on caravans. It
can do everyone's head in! As someone who
is reasonably new to the lifestyle, I have
recently uncovered another issue with
weights! Sorry!
We recently picked up our new 21ft van, rated
at no more than 3.2 tonnes. Then I realised I
had shackles on my towbar, which were rated
for the small boat and box trailer I also have. I
thought at 3.2 tonnes fully loaded, I'd get 3.2-
tonne-rated shackles. How naive was I? (Is
everyone currently laughing?)
The hole sizes in my very popular towbar
would never allow a shackle that large, so I
requested some information from multiple
sources. (Really? Again with the laughter?)
I contacted the towbar rep, a business
responsible for supplying links, chains and
shackles, and the state government
representative in control of the rules and
regulations. I even tried social media.
The government department provided me
with many answers but none in regards to
shackle size. Plenty on links and chains and
welds and the formulas to use, but not about
shackles! Big shackles don't fit towbars, and
dividing the weight between the two shackles
isn't correct. Has anyone ever had insurance
rejected due to shackle size? Does anyone
have an answer?
Rod O’Sullivan Via email
Welcome to the controversial world of
D-shackles, Rod. The relevant Australian
standard, 2741-2002, doesn’t specify that
rated D-shackles must be used when towing;
however, various state-government
departments have issued guidelines, and the
Caravan Industry Association of Australia has
conducted research with shackle manufacturers
to develop the following checklist to refer to
when buying/using D-shackles for safety
chains up to 3500kg capacity.
1. The shackle should meet the requirements
of AS 2741-2002.
2. The shackle grade should be ‘S’ or ‘6’.
3. It should have a minimum working load
limit of 1000kg.
4. The diameter of the shackle steel should
be 10mm.
5. Either a ‘bow’ or ‘dee’ design is deemed
suitable; however, a bow shackle design
provides a greater angular displacement.
This is, to my knowledge, the best guidance/
advice that the RV industry and government
have to offer on the topic of D-shackles. – Ed
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