GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #40 | Page 4

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 If you have an opinion or thought about the RV lifestyle, or about this digital magazine, we’d like to hear it! Email your feedback to info@gorv.com.au