Trailer Chains

Spoke to somebody today who said crossing your trailer chains was illegal and he knew someone who was fined.

I personally thought it was the other way and always cross them.

 

What do others do?

 


Alan James's picture

Posts: 2227

Date Joined: 30/06/09

I always cross them

Sat, 2010-06-19 13:20

thinking that was the right thing to do.  I remember hearing someone say that if the chains are crossed and the tow ball fitting does uncouple the chains will act as a cradle.  No sure if that's right?? 

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mako magic's picture

Posts: 5785

Date Joined: 03/08/05

yes thats why i always

Sat, 2010-06-19 13:22

yes thats why i always crossed them for that particular reason.

carnarvonite's picture

Posts: 8673

Date Joined: 24/07/07

Chains

Sat, 2010-06-19 13:21

If you went back a few years thats what you were expected to do, it was supposed to support the weight of the drawbar if it came off the ball. Never heard of anyone getting pinged for doing it or not doing it.
I think its one of those surburban myths, a mate of a mate etc but never them personally.

Now you can licence a trailer with only one chain so two is a bonus.

milsey's picture

Posts: 1462

Date Joined: 22/08/07

I thought it was recommended

Sat, 2010-06-19 13:22

I thought it was recommended because if the trailer hitch comes off crossed chains will catch the trailer and stop it from taking out the undercarriage. I find it hand to think either would be illegal tho.

kempy's picture

Posts: 810

Date Joined: 28/05/09

pretty sure the person is

Sat, 2010-06-19 15:13

pretty sure the person is wrong they say its alwyas beta to cross but u dont have to either way u cant get fined

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wadetolley's picture

Posts: 2258

Date Joined: 27/06/08

I

Sat, 2010-06-19 15:26

I cross my chains, but i just do it, as its how my dad taught me! If i get a fine, i will send it to my old boy.

Posts: 563

Date Joined: 27/08/09

Looky

Sat, 2010-06-19 15:44

Looky here

 

http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/mediafiles/lic_safetow.pdf

 

Towards the end of the document it recomends to cross your chains.