New Government advice aims to set the record straight and stop the confusion about adequate shackle ratings for towing.
I offer the following link as information and/or advice to members regarding the use of shackles for attaching caravan safety chains to the tow vehicle.
This concludes the advice within the link -
Its important to note, however, that this circular is providing guidelines and advice only, and there is no legal obligation to comply with it. This is spelled out in the circular itself: Since there is no legal obligation to comply with this guidance material, if an individual or a company chooses not to follow this material, it is the responsibility of the person or the company to demonstrate to state or territory road authorities that a particular safety chain connection device is appropriate for the combination vehicle.
I've seen some vehicles with HUGE yellow carabiners dangling i.l.o D-Shackles. Looked up what is required but cannot determine what I require. Even waited for a driver to return recently but I think he/she was off Xmas shopping. Looking for a quick release as I have limited movement in my wrists, fingers, and knees (from a mis-spent youth) and the D-Shackle is becoming a little arduous.
LLD said
04:23 PM Dec 13, 2018
I think what I'm actually after is called a "Clevis Sling Hook with Latch". Is anyone using such an item?
Greg 1 said
05:20 PM Dec 13, 2018
I believe that any of the quick release style of links are not considered acceptable for towing. Caribiners are definitely a no no.
Desert Dweller said
05:23 PM Dec 13, 2018
Pretty simple really, went up the road to this place & bought some genuine load rated D-shackles.
https://www.peninsulatruckparts.com.au/
Easy as taking wheat off blind chooks.
Yuglamron said
06:22 PM Dec 13, 2018
This is very much a Tongue in Cheek reply.
These "Soft Shackles" are easy to use and undo without tools. This particular version has a huge breaking strain at 9.5 T
Way bigger load rating than a D Shackle. of 1/2 inch steel at 2.5 T
I wonder what the Industry would say about using them. Especially after reading the attachment from Rocky Lizard, which states that they are very rarely needed and are just a safeguard.
Soft Shackles - Quick release probably because they break away quickly
PeterD said
12:06 AM Dec 14, 2018
LLD wrote:
I've seen some vehicles with HUGE yellow carabiners dangling i.l.o D-Shackles.
What you may have been looking at was a - Hammer Lock- They are often locked on to the tow bars when the chains are too short. They also extend the chain hooking points out where you can easily reach them.
Thats exactly what I have.Quick,easy,and no need to worry about shackle-pins getting lost or borrowed? Cheers.
Yuglamron said
12:17 PM Dec 14, 2018
One alternative is to get a Long handled Tee Key and Cut a slot to fit the pin on the D Shackle.
Personally I would be as wary as hell to use those clevis hooks. The pin to attach to either your towbar or chain does not give you the articulation you need for the application, and the clip is as weak as. That's why you can buy the replacement clips by the bag full.
I use a Chain link connector semi permanent.( Also Known as a Hammer Lock)
I have mine permanently attached to the Tow Hitch and just use D shackles.
However there is nothing to stop you having the chain connected at the towbar with the Hammer Locks and the chain itself connected from the tug end.Then you can cut the chain off the trailer and only leave one link to use your D Shackles. Much easier to connect up. I also have a Shackle Key on my keyring to make it easier to open and tighten the pins. They can be bought at BCF and other boating stores.
I did have difficulty attaching the Hammer Locks to the towbar. You need to hammer the pin in with quite a bit of force. I got around that by using a G Clamp and using that to push the pin into place.
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Friday 14th of December 2018 12:19:59 PM
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Friday 14th of December 2018 12:49:24 PM
I do not think I would trust that hook stayin on, 100% rattling around on the towbar. The strength is OK but the spring loaded flap is not reliable enough for me. I have seen so many of them bent and un-usable in my working life.
Sailing boat people carry around a shackle tool or a universal tool with a shackle 'key' on it for helping to undo shackles. Look at boat shops for assistance with your hands, perhaps.
Jaahn
PS I see Yuglamron has also put a picture of one type.
-- Edited by Jaahn on Friday 14th of December 2018 12:29:24 PM
yobarr said
04:22 PM Dec 14, 2018
Jaahn wrote:
Hi
I do not think I would trust that hook stayin on, 100% rattling around on the towbar. The strength is OK but the spring loaded flap is not reliable enough for me. I have seen so many of them bent and un-usable in my working life.
Sailing boat people carry around a shackle tool or a universal tool with a shackle 'key' on it for helping to undo shackles. Look at boat shops for assistance with your hands, perhaps.
Jaahn
PS I see Yuglamron has also WAYput a picture of one type.
-- Edited by Jaahn on Friday 14th of December 2018 12:29:24 PM
There is NO WAY known that the spring loaded flap could get bent in this situation.The hooks simply hang off the connection point,with the only force on them being their own weight,and the weight of the safety chain. Talk about making a simple process difficult.For towing other trailers,I also have shackles attached to the car with hammerlocks,and the shackle pins in my toolbox,but the clevis hooks I use are SO simple to connect,will NEVER become disconnected,and there is absolutely NO chance of anybody helping themselves to my shackle pins.Also,I do not have to carry any special tool to unhook my chains.....I cant see the point in making a 5 second job last 5 minutes? Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Friday 14th of December 2018 05:18:16 PM
aussie_paul said
05:25 PM Dec 14, 2018
yobarr wrote
There is NO WAY known that the spring loaded flap could get bent in this situation.The hooks simply hang off the connection point,with the only force on them being their own weight,and the weight of the safety chain. Talk about making a simple process difficult.For towing other trailers,I also have shackles attached to the car with hammerlocks,and the shackle pins in my toolbox,but the clevis hooks I use are SO simple to connect,will NEVER become disconnected,and there is absolutely NO chance of anybody helping themselves to my shackle pins.Also,I do not have to carry any special tool to unhook my chains.....I cant see the point in making a 5 second job last 5 minutes? Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Friday 14th of December 2018 05:18:16 PM
Strange how sometimes people just seem to go looking for complications. I just love KISS, not the band.
Aussie Paul.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Friday 14th of December 2018 05:26:23 PM
Possum3 said
09:14 PM Dec 14, 2018
I carry a small six inch shifter in pocket of rear in Patrol specifically for tightening/loosening D Shackles, I think it cost $2.00 in Silly Solly's . AP is correct KISS.
Any equipment designed specifically for lifting is normally not compliant for trailer chain attachment.
yobarr said
09:31 PM Dec 14, 2018
Possum3 wrote:
Any equipment designed specifically for lifting is normally not compliant for trailer chain attachment.
The Nobles site says that trailer safety chains are NOT suitable for lifting......
rockylizard said
10:07 PM Dec 14, 2018
yobarr wrote:
Possum3 wrote:
Any equipment designed specifically for lifting is normally not compliant for trailer chain attachment.
The Nobles site says that trailer safety chains are NOT suitable for lifting......
Gday...
I think Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan is referring to D-Shackles that might be designed for lifting rather than that caravan safety chains are designed/suitable for lifting.
cheers - John
Possum3 said
10:10 AM Dec 15, 2018
Yep thanks John; Bow shackles, sling hooks, Safety hooks, Snap hooks, Carabiners, etc. Non compliant to regs for trailer attachment.
No unrated and untested chain is suitable for lifting WorkSafe Regs.
Aus-Kiwi said
12:52 PM Dec 15, 2018
One of my my tow cars has a U with bolt through chain . No need for any shackle etc .. The encapsulated hook is fine . Mainly used on heavier vehicles .
Gday...
New Government advice aims to set the record straight and stop the confusion about adequate shackle ratings for towing.
I offer the following link as information and/or advice to members regarding the use of shackles for attaching caravan safety chains to the tow vehicle.
This concludes the advice within the link -
Its important to note, however, that this circular is providing guidelines and advice only, and there is no legal obligation to comply with it. This is spelled out in the circular itself: Since there is no legal obligation to comply with this guidance material, if an individual or a company chooses not to follow this material, it is the responsibility of the person or the company to demonstrate to state or territory road authorities that a particular safety chain connection device is appropriate for the combination vehicle.
Read the advice here
Cheers - John
I've seen some vehicles with HUGE yellow carabiners dangling i.l.o D-Shackles. Looked up what is required but cannot determine what I require. Even waited for a driver to return recently but I think he/she was off Xmas shopping. Looking for a quick release as I have limited movement in my wrists, fingers, and knees (from a mis-spent youth) and the D-Shackle is becoming a little arduous.
Pretty simple really, went up the road to this place & bought some genuine load rated D-shackles.
https://www.peninsulatruckparts.com.au/
Easy as taking wheat off blind chooks.
This is very much a Tongue in Cheek reply.
These "Soft Shackles" are easy to use and undo without tools. This particular version has a huge breaking strain at 9.5 T
Way bigger load rating than a D Shackle. of 1/2 inch steel at 2.5 T
I wonder what the Industry would say about using them. Especially after reading the attachment from Rocky Lizard, which states that they are very rarely needed and are just a safeguard.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-8mm-80mm-Quick-Release-Soft-Shackle-for-Offroad-Parts-Synthetic-Rope-with-/281854429084
What you may have been looking at was a - Hammer Lock - They are often locked on to the tow bars when the chains are too short. They also extend the chain hooking points out where you can easily reach them.
PeterD. I think it was something more like this.
Thats exactly what I have.Quick,easy,and no need to worry about shackle-pins getting lost or borrowed? Cheers.
One alternative is to get a Long handled Tee Key and Cut a slot to fit the pin on the D Shackle.
Personally I would be as wary as hell to use those clevis hooks. The pin to attach to either your towbar or chain does not give you the articulation you need for the application, and the clip is as weak as. That's why you can buy the replacement clips by the bag full.
I use a Chain link connector semi permanent.( Also Known as a Hammer Lock)
I have mine permanently attached to the Tow Hitch and just use D shackles.
However there is nothing to stop you having the chain connected at the towbar with the Hammer Locks and the chain itself connected from the tug end.Then you can cut the chain off the trailer and only leave one link to use your D Shackles. Much easier to connect up. I also have a Shackle Key on my keyring to make it easier to open and tighten the pins. They can be bought at BCF and other boating stores.
I did have difficulty attaching the Hammer Locks to the towbar. You need to hammer the pin in with quite a bit of force. I got around that by using a G Clamp and using that to push the pin into place.
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Friday 14th of December 2018 12:19:59 PM
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Friday 14th of December 2018 12:49:24 PM
Hi
I do not think I would trust that hook stayin on, 100% rattling around on the towbar. The strength is OK but the spring loaded flap is not reliable enough for me. I have seen so many of them bent and un-usable in my working life.
Sailing boat people carry around a shackle tool or a universal tool with a shackle 'key' on it for helping to undo shackles. Look at boat shops for assistance with your hands, perhaps.
Jaahn
PS I see Yuglamron has also put a picture of one type.
-- Edited by Jaahn on Friday 14th of December 2018 12:29:24 PM
There is NO WAY known that the spring loaded flap could get bent in this situation.The hooks simply hang off the connection point,with the only force on them being their own weight,and the weight of the safety chain. Talk about making a simple process difficult.For towing other trailers,I also have shackles attached to the car with hammerlocks,and the shackle pins in my toolbox,but the clevis hooks I use are SO simple to connect,will NEVER become disconnected,and there is absolutely NO chance of anybody helping themselves to my shackle pins.Also,I do not have to carry any special tool to unhook my chains.....I cant see the point in making a 5 second job last 5 minutes? Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Friday 14th of December 2018 05:18:16 PM
Strange how sometimes people just seem to go looking for complications.
I just love KISS, not the band. 
Aussie Paul.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Friday 14th of December 2018 05:26:23 PM
Any equipment designed specifically for lifting is normally not compliant for trailer chain attachment.
The Nobles site says that trailer safety chains are NOT suitable for lifting......
Gday...
I think Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan is referring to D-Shackles that might be designed for lifting rather than that caravan safety chains are designed/suitable for lifting.
cheers - John
No unrated and untested chain is suitable for lifting WorkSafe Regs.