GORV - Digital Magazine Special Tests Issue | Page 35

RV FEATURE |
The only exception is in
Western Australia, which
requires two safety chains for
vans under 2500kg ATM.
The safety chains should
criss-cross each other, so the
chain on the right side of the
drawbar attaches to the left
side of the towbar, and vice
versa. The reason: should the
coupling fail, the drawbar
will fall onto the criss-crossed
chains rather than the
bitumen.
The chains should be fitted
as tightly as possible, leaving
only enough slack to permit
tight turns.
Safety chains must
be stamped with the
manufacturer’s identification
number, the numbers 4177
(which refers to the relevant
Australian Standard), and
the chain’s safe working
load. This rating will often
be identified by the following
markings:
• 4177-10 (up to 1000kg ATM);
• 4177-16 (up to 1600kg ATM);
• 4177-25 (up to 2500kg ATM);
and
• 4177-35 (up to 3500kg ATM).
3. D-SHACKLES DON’T
HAVE TO BE LOAD-RATED
This one is controversial.
For many years, it has been
said that the D-shackles that
secure the safety chains to
the towbar ‘should’ be load-
rated and stamped with the
maximum load rating. But the
word ‘should’ is quite different
to the word ‘must’.
The standard that applies to
D-shackles is AS 2741-2002;
however, it doesn’t specify the
use of D-shackles for towing
purposes. However, some
states have issued guidelines
in relation to D-shackles
used for towing and the
national caravan body, the
Caravan Industry Association
of Australia, recommends
vanners follow them.
We do too, for that matter.
It is highly advisable that:
• Each shackle is grade ‘S’ or ‘6’;
• Has a safe working load of
1000kg; and
• The diameter of the shackle
steel is at least 10mm.
4. MY REAR-VIEW CAMERA
IS A SUBSTITUTE FOR
TOW MIRRORS
No. It’s not. As far as the law
is concerned, the driver must
have a clear, unobstructed
view along both sides of the
caravan. A rear-view camera
may assist to fill in ‘blind
spots’ but it does not satisfy
this legal requirement.
There is a wide r ange of
tow mirrors available, from
the simple clip-on variety to
the Clearview mirrors, which
are specifically designed to
replace the factory mirrors of
certain 4WD models. The law
doesn’t care which type you
use, so long as it allows you
to see clearly along both sides
of the van.
Having said that, some tow
mirrors are vastly superior
to others. Cheap, flat mirrors
that simply clip or strap to
your existing mirrors are likely
to be blown in by passing road
trains, while mirrors that strap
to the door of the vehicle are
likely to scratch your duco.
When choosing tow mirrors,
it often pays to spend a little
more up front to avoid future
frustration.
5. I SHOULD FILL MY
WATER TANKS BEFORE
TRAVELLING
Yes, you should. Not only is
it a good idea to travel with
as much water as possible,
especially in remote areas,
the extra weight will lower
the van’s centre of gravity,
thereby increasing its stability
under tow.
Most caravan water tanks
are not fitted with baffles,
which means in a half-full
tank, the water is free to slosh
around. In a towing situation,
this movement has the
potential to increase side-to-
side movement of the van.
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