Brake Away Safety
Ensure the safety of your caravan while towing by implementing effective security measures. In the event of a failure in the tow ball or coupling, it is crucial to prevent the caravan from freely moving down the road, which could lead to severe consequences. The primary safety feature to address this concern is the use of safety chains. When properly installed, these chains cradle the caravan drawbar, preventing it from making contact with the road surface and potentially causing hazardous situations.
The regulations in Australia stipulate that safety chains are mandatory for all caravans. For vans weighing less than 2500kg ATM, at least one safety chain is required, while trailers weighing between 2500kg and 3500kg ATM must have two safety chains. It is essential to ensure that the chains comply with AS4177-4, a recognized Australian Standard that governs safety chain specifications. However, it's worth noting that Western Australia has a unique requirement of two safety chains for vans under 2500kg ATM.
To maximize the effectiveness of the safety chains, it is recommended to criss-cross them. This means that the chain on the right side of the drawbar should attach to the left side of the towbar, and vice versa. This arrangement ensures that in the event of a coupling failure, the drawbar will fall onto the criss-crossed chains rather than directly onto the road.
When fitting the safety chains, it is important to tighten them as much as possible while allowing enough slack to facilitate tight turns. Additionally, the chains must bear specific markings, including the manufacturer's identification number, the numbers "4177" (referring to the Australian Standard), and the chain's safe working load. These markings indicate the chain's capacity and help ensure its suitability for the intended purpose.
Regarding the use of D-shackles to secure the safety chains to the towbar, there is some controversy. While the Australian Standard AS 2741-2002 does not explicitly address D-shackles for towing purposes, some states have issued guidelines recommending their use. The Caravan Industry Association of Australia also advises adhering to these guidelines. Ideally, each shackle should be grade 'S' or '6' and have a safe working load of 1000kg, with a steel diameter of at least 10mm.
Another crucial security system is the implementation of breakaway brakes. These brakes are mandatory for caravans with a Gross Trailer Mass of 2000kg or more. They must remain activated for a minimum of 15 minutes after the vehicle and the van have separated. In New South Wales, it is necessary to have a specialized monitor in the driver's cab that displays the battery's state of charge, which powers the emergency braking system. This requirement is essential for registering a van in New South Wales.