CM001 The Marriage Saver Reversing Guide.

Caravan & trailer Reversing Guide

The Couplemate Caravan Reversing Guide (Marriage Saver®) makes hitching up your caravan, boat or camper easier than ever! Reversing cameras are great, but they do not stop accidents as efficiently as this trailer guide.

Australian Made and Owned.

COUPLEMATE IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE AUSTRALIAN MADE PROGRAM.

We support local suppliers and help bring business back to Australian shores. There is strong demand for Australian Made caravan and trailer parts across the market.

The facts are simple; Australian Made goods create employment in Australia.

Latest Post
5 Things to Know: Mounting Springs Above Your Axle

5 Things to Know: Mounting Springs Above Your Axle

Traditional trailers, caravans, and campers usually have springs mounted below the axle (often called "overslung" axles). There are trailers in Australia that are supplied with the springs on top of axle by default. For example, if you own a Jayco Off-Road caravan or...

read more

Rated Shackles

Showing all 3 results

  • 2T RATED BOW SHACKLE

    Rated Bow Shackles – 4WD

    $3.50$12.00
    Options
  • Hammerlock | Galvanised Safety Chain

    G80 Hammerlock Safety Chain Connector

    $14.50$27.00
    Options
  • dee shackle caravan trailer

    Rated Dee Shackle for Caravans and Trailers

    $2.80$12.00
    Options

Rated Shackles and Bow Shackles caravans, campers, and trailers

Rated shackles are a requirement for all caravans and trailers under 3.5t. Trailers over 3.5t require Grade 80 chain and chain holders.

When selecting dee or bow shackles buyer need to be aware of the two calculations available for their purchase.

The towing ATM rating is determined by calculation.

The Breaking capacity of the chain shackle is a different calculation,

Standard chain shackles cannot be proved to be compatible therefore rated shackles fulfil the requirement of chain compatibility.

Towing Calculations

The marking on a Rated Chain Shackle is the Safe Working Load Limit (WLL)

The Breaking load limit (BLL) for rated shackle is WLL x 6, Example, a 1 tonne rated Dee Shackle has a BLL of 1t x 6 = 6t (Breaking Load Limit)

Calculate the ATM as follows, BLL / 1.5 = 6t / 1.5 = 4t

Therefore, a 1t Dee Shackle can be used on trailers up to 4t. Please see the following table for more ratings

0.75t Dee Shackle = 3t ATM Caravan
1t Dee Shackle = 4t ATM Caravan
1.5t Dee Shackle = 6t ATM Caravan
2t Dee Shackle = 8t ATM Caravan

Note: The design of the attachment to the drawbar must have sufficient load capacity to match the rating of the required chain.

However, a dee shackle must be compatible with the safety chain, and the safety chain must be identified with at least the same capacity as the ATM.

Rated shackles are tested and rated according to AS2321 Short Link Chain for Lifting Purposes. 

WA CI-W119C is the document that contains the Dee rated and Safety Chain information from the Western Australian Government. Also, see the NT Document on safety chains.

Bow Shackles Breaking Capacity Calculations

When bow shackles are attached to a towbar the BLL (brake load limit} is 6 x the stamped WLL (weight load limit). They are as follows:

0.75t Dee Shackle = 4.5t
1t Dee Shackle = 6t 
1.5t Dee Shackle = 9t
2t Dee Shackle = 12t 

Safety Chains

Trailers over 2.5t must have two safety chains. Further, each chain must be of the same capacity or exceed the loading of the ATM.

Australian Standards require safety chains on trailers over 3.5t to be connected to the trailer via safety chain holders or approved high tensile links. Dee shackles are not an authorised device and therefore not permitted.

Trailers Under 2.5t

If the trailer does not exceed 2.5 tonnes ATM, it must have at least one safety chain complying with Australian Standard AS 4177.4-1994, or Australian Standard AS 4177.4-2004 ‘Caravan and light trailer towing components – Part 4.

Trailers 2.5 To 3.5t

Two safety chains of a designation of 3500 kg or higher for each chain.
Trailers Over 3.5t

According to Standard AS 4177.4-1994 and Australian Standard AS 4177.4–2004, trailers over 3.5 tonnes ATM must have two safety chains made from steel of a minimum 800 MPa breaking stress.

Chains also conform to the mechanical properties of Grade-T chain as specified in Australian Standard AS 2321-1979 ‘Short Link Chain for Lifting.

Purposes (non-calibrated), or Australian Standard AS 2321–2006 Short Link Chain for Lifting Purposes.

Ultimately, you’ll need to go in for a chain sized such that the minimum breaking load exceeds the ATM.

Further, Couplemate sells only the best quality dee shackles and safety chains.

Rated Shackles and Bow Shackles caravans, campers, and trailers

Australian Made and Owned.

COUPLEMATE IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE AUSTRALIAN MADE PROGRAM.

We support local suppliers and help bring business back to Australian shores. There is strong demand for Australian Made caravan and trailer parts across the market.

The facts are simple; Australian Made goods create employment in Australia.

You may be interested in …
5 Things to Know: Mounting Springs Above Your Axle

5 Things to Know: Mounting Springs Above Your Axle

Traditional trailers, caravans, and campers usually have springs mounted below the axle (often called "overslung" axles). There are trailers in Australia that are supplied with the springs on top of axle by default. For example, if you own a Jayco Off-Road caravan or...

read more

Need help now?

Call 07 3348 3822

Available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.