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Post Info TOPIC: Size chains
CC Bear


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Size chains
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Hi we have just bought a '98 Gazal Inspiration 14' and at the moment I am doing a bit of maintenance on it.

There was only one old chain on the front and I need to replace it and add a second, can you pls advise what size chain I would need. Tare 1050, ATM 1350, towing machine is a 2012 Ford Territory RWD diesel. Cheers



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Yuglamron


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This is the latest Qld TMR Regs re chains.

The State Regs are supposed to be uniform throughout Australia so wherever you are should be OK.



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CC Bear


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Thanks mate should hae stated where we were, Glasshouse Mountains, Qld. Cheers

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PeterD


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Just match the existing chain for the second chain. If the first one was sufficient then two would be even better.

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macka17


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And buy PROPER shackles. NOT Stainless.
Galv, "rated" or towing shackles.
Those with pin Dia greater than shackle body the better ones.
ALSO.
When running twin chains.

Cross them.
It Controls the direction of van travel better. if it jumps of ball/pin.

Also gives the tow hitch somewhere to travel on/suspend above road surface and not dig in.
(Possibly flipping the van).till you stop.
That's not nice. I've seen a couple.

Side by side chains do nothing.
Also make sure when set for travel, Chains not too long and dragging on ground. wearing a link.
Stick shackle in link to suit length.
Not necessarily the end one.

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CC Bear


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Hi Peter I had thought of that but if I am going to do the job properly then I might as well do it to the current regulations and I then have the safety factor required. As I am just learning about vans best to do every think the right way. Thank you.

Made a few enquiries and have found the correct chain so hoping to do our first overnight trip next weekend, cheers

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chooknphil


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Hi CCBear Best way to tell rated chain is the size of the chain is the gap between the 2 links that are captive inside the 3rd link. If they gap between the 2 links is greater than the chain diameter it is not lifting chain there should also be a mark or symbol on every 12 or so links cant remember exact number of links. Garden chain has 3 or 4 diameters clearance between the two captive links regards chooknphil

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Bruce and Bev


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It is also a fairly new requirement now in all States that the chain and shackles must be stamped with its weight bearing capacity (yeah - I know that's not quite the right techo term). Don't just go down to Bunnings and buy some chain. You need to be sure that the stamps are on both.

We got road checked by Scaillies in SA and they were dishing out tickets left right and centre to the many vans that sometimes didn't have the rating on the chains, but most often, on the shackles.



-- Edited by Bruce and Bev on Monday 11th of July 2016 12:56:00 PM

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rockylizard


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Bruce and Bev wrote:

SNIP~~~
We got road checked by Scaillies in SA and they were dishing out tickets left right and centre to the many vans that sometimes didn't have the rating on the chains, but most often, on the shackles.

Gday...

That's very interesting Bruce confuse

Are you suggesting they were booking owners for not having rated shackles ?? confuse

Cheers - John



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CC Bear


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Thanks for all the answers and advise, went to Air & Lift in Maroochydore today to buy the chain. Very friendly staff and made sure to show me the chain was stamped to the required regulations. Shackle are tested bow shackles and stamped. Like to do things correctly and higher than required.

The people we bought the van from told us to cross the chains and it is good to know the reason why thank you. Looking forward to when we get to do the first trip, will just be overnighters at first to get the feel. Cheers

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Cadpete


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What's the story for older vans.  Are we required to update the chains to comply with the new sizes? or is it a case of the vehicle being legit for the age of the van?  I reckon that upgrading would use up a fair bit of the small amount of gear weight we have left. confuse



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CC Bear


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Can not answer if you are required to upgrade, I upgraded because the single existing chain was damaged and I wanted to have two chains. Figured if I did get inspected and they noticed new chains better to have the correct chain and maybe save a fine. Cheers

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Life Was Ment To Be Easy If You Have The Ability To Adapt 

 
macka17


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Lifting chains. and towing chains are two different animals.
Ask for towing. But if welding it on. don't waste money on High Tensile.
Welding stuffs up the process of heating.

Normally 10mm, long link rated is fine for the weights we are.
Boss used to smack my fingers for stretching the lifting chains
when dragging dozers and transports out of bad ground.

DLI didn't like us using them anymore.

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