Towards the end of 2015, the Victorian Government made some changes to the laws and legislations around the safe towing of caravans. Let’s take a closer look at some of these changes.

The “D” Shackles on Safety Chains

When you’re towing a trailer or caravan, it’s crucial to have measures in place to prevent the towed vehicle separating from your car. The tow coupling is the standard, but you’re also required to have a safety connection device in place to act as a backup if the tow coupling somehow fails and it either breaks or the caravan or trailer detaches from your car. This essential plan B can be anything like a metal chain or a cable and is connected to the towing car with a part called a D shackle.

Safety chains with compliant D shackles are non-negotiable for secure towing, whether using local or European tow bars. These backup systems prevent dangerous separations if couplings fail, requiring D shackles rated to handle specific loads. Unlike older setups, modern standards mandate load-rated shackles compatible with safety chains up to 3500kg capacity, ensuring alignment with both Australian and European safety protocols.

Braked and Unbraked Towing Capacities

If a person intends to tow a caravan or trailer on the back of their vehicle, they must be aware of their vehicle’s towing capacity. They will either have what is called a Braked Towing Capacity, which indicates the weight a vehicle is capable of towing with trailer brakes applied, or an Unbraked Towing Capacity, which is the maximum towing ability of a vehicle towing a trailer without its own braking system. The Braked Towing Capacity is most common for caravan enthusiasts, as the unbraked figure cannot exceed the legal limit of 750kg – a weight that is significantly less than a standard caravan.

Australian law requires that any trailer or caravan that exceeds the 750kg weight must be fitted with electric brakes and therefore require brake controllers. Brake controllers are installed in the towing vehicle and enable the brakes on the trailer or caravan to work. They are connected to the brake lights in your car, and as you slow down or stop suddenly, they communicate to the brakes on the caravan or trailer that it must also slow down or stop as well. Without brake controllers, whatever you are towing can collide with the back of your car.

If you’d like to make sure your brake controllers are connected correctly, or if you have any concerns or queries about your towing capacity, it’s important to get these issues resolved before you take to the open roads. Contact FiveStar Towbars today for expert advice and assistance.