Steps wrote: Even if a Stainless shackle is rated, chances are the WoF inspector will fail it. |
Steps wrote: Yep, the standard (and application of it) is a bit of a mess The standard as to bearings, hitch, lights, chains, shackles etc is quite simple, laid out very clear in the WoF manual (now on line) and bulletins. |
1. A trailer with a laden weight (Note 2) of 2000kg or less without a compliant breakaway brake, except for the following trailers, does not have a safety chain or cable:
2. A trailer with a laden weight (Note 2) between 2001kg and 2500kg (where the vehicle inspector is able to determine the laden weight) that does not have a compliant breakaway brake:
a) is not fitted with two safety chains that cross each other when connected, or
b) has chain links with a material cross-section less than 7.1mm, or there is no evidence that each chain has a breaking strength of at least twice the laden weight of the trailer (Note 3).
3. The drawbar or drawbar mounting (or kingpin or kingpin mounting):
a) is not securely attached, or
b) has a bolt, nut or pin that is missing or significantly corroded or damaged, or
c) has corrosion damage (Note 1) within 150mm of a mounting point, or
d) is cracked or distorted.
4. The drawbar coupling (or kingpin):
a) is not securely attached, or
b) is not mounted in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, or
c) is worn beyond the manufacturer’s specifications, or
d) is significantly corroded, distorted or cracked, or
e) has a nut or locking pin that is missing or significantly corroded.
5. A safety chain or cable (including any welded joint, securing bolt or shackle):
a) is not securely attached to the drawbar, or
b) is welded to the drawbar, and
i. there is no clear evidence of weld penetration, or
ii. the weld metal has not been applied in accordance with good trade practice, or
iii. there is no evidence that the chain can be welded without reducing its strength, or
iv. the weld is significantly corroded, has deteriorated or is cracked.
c) is significantly corroded, distorted or cracked, or
d) has a bolt or shackle that is missing, significantly corroded, distorted or cracked, or
e) appears to be too weak to withstand a load of about twice the likely maximum laden weight (as far as can be reasonably estimated by the inspector) (Note 3).
Corrosion damage is where the metal has been eaten away, which is evident by pitting. The outward signs of such corrosion damage is typically displayed by the lifting or bubbling of paint. In extreme cases, the area affected by the corrosion damage will fall out and leave a hole.
Laden weight means the weight of the trailer and its load, if any, for the time being carried. A vehicle inspector may be presented with a trailer (usually unladen, such as a boat, car or horse trailer) that has a laden weight below 2000kg, but that is likely to have a laden weight exceeding 2000kg when it carries its normal load. In such a case, the vehicle inspector should make the vehicle operator aware, for example by putting a note on the checksheet, that the trailer may not comply with safety chain or shackle requirements when the trailer carries its normal load.
A safety chain or shackle may be marked as complying with a standard and with a chain designation size that equals the maximum laden weight of the trailer, for example, with 25 or 2500 which denotes 2500kg. This means the chain is suitable for a trailer with a laden weight of up to 2500kg as the standard has already taken into account the required breaking strength.
Tasman and Golden Bay snapper still running hot We are not far away from daylight... Read More >
Variety is the spice of life On one recent trip, the plan was to spend a... Read More >
Fish where the fish are! Catching fish or just going fishing? I tackle this issue... Read More >
Thoughtful tactics required for better fish Over the course of each year the fishing varies,... Read More >