7/21/2023 0 Comments Trailer breakaway cable lawsEach chain must be sized such that the minimum breaking load exceeds the ATM. Trailers more than 3500kg ATM must have two safety chains made from steel of a minimum 800MPa breaking stress.Trailers more than 2500kg and not exceeding 3500kg ATM must have two safety chains of 3500kg designation fitted.This applies to all caravans, trailers and similar structures which were manufactured after 1982. Trailers that do not exceed an aggregate trailer mass (ATM) of 2500kg must have at least one safety chain fitted. It is a legal requirement for a breakaway cable to be correctly fitted to all caravans with a maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM) of between 750kg and 3500kg.The weight of your caravan will also determine the number and type of safety chains required while towing: All states require that caravans and trailers with a GTM of more than 2000kg to have this system. If you caravan was to become uncoupled from the tow vehicle, a battery will keep the system operable on the caravan for at least 15 minutes. These systems provide a way of automatically turning your caravan’s electronic brakes on in an emergency. Remember that if you are considering electronic brakes, you will need to install a control unit in the tow vehicle. Electronic brakes are most commonly used on caravans and trailers over 750kg and are legally required on all caravans and trailers where the GTM is more than 2000kg. They are automatically applied by the brake controller and can be manually operated by a manual control which is installed within reach of the driver. These are permitted when the GTM is under 2000kg. Mechanical override brakes use the tow coupling to manually pull a cable connected to the trailer’s brake drums. Those braking systems include: Override brakes The type of braking system required is determined by a caravan's weight. Trailers that are less than 2000kg GTM must have brakes that operate on at least one axle, and brakes other than override systems must be operated from the driver’s seat. Given that most caravans exceed this limit, it is likely a braking system is required for you to tow a van. Regulations say that trailers that have a gross trailer mass (GTM) of 750kg or less and a single axle will not require a braking system. Get in touch with the expert team at Hall Towbars for advice on your towing setup.Where the laws regarding braking systems are controlled by the state and may differ, most of the laws are the same across Australia. It’s a good idea to review your local towing laws, before your next towing trip, to ensure you avoid a costly mistake. Though there are similarities, towing laws differ in each state. Passengers must not travel in a trailer (including a caravan) that is being towed.įor more information and a full list of towing regulations in South Australia, please visit the South Australian Driver’s Handbook section on Towing and Loads.All trailers must have two indicators and those built since July 1973, must have two brake lights and two rear (tail) lights.It must be connected to the towing vehicle, which should not be on the weighbridge. To determine the GTM, a loaded trailer must be placed on a weighbridge.
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