A tow bar question

JP147 · Post by **JP147** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 6:06 pm

I got a new tow bar from u-pull-it for $11 and it is longer and lower than the old one so the trailer should clear the electrical socket. The problem is that it doesn't have a place for shackles like the old one, just a hole which you can see in the pictures.

What would be the best option? Screw something into the hole to hold the shackles? Weld something on? Something else?

Thanks

Post by **TOONGA** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 7:47 pm

A chain link welded to either side of the bar is normal practice. you could use a piece of flat bar with 2 chain links welded to it and bolted through the hole, but remember what ever you use the chain is the "safety" if the tow ball fails.

TOONGA

Nubaru · Post by **Nubaru** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 9:00 pm

yes, what TOONGA says - safety - there are some new laws about safety chains on towbars in some states at least - the chain needs to be the particular safety chain grade, stamped every few links. Your best advice would surely come from a trailer/caravan joint rather than a forum where anyone almost can make a mistake advising.

I don't have current safety chain on my trailer, but considering to cover my safety duties. I also have a hole drilled in my towbar tongue, but more to one side. I use a trailer rated D bolt to hook my trailer draw bar chain to tongue.

Depending on how deep the the D bolts U shape is, determines how far a hole it will reach

Subydoug · Post by **Subydoug** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 9:26 pm

Mine has chain links welded onto the sides. Welded on properly and you wont have a problem.

Regards

Doug

Brumby Kid · Post by **Brumby Kid** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 10:24 pm

The shackles you use now have to be rated... I know that much

Which U-Pull-it did you go to? I'm assuming Gillman. Anything interesting there? Lonsdale is kinda boring at the moment.

Cheers Cam

Nubaru · Post by **Nubaru** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 6:37 am

just reading BrumbysKid sign ature - a race engine ? and truck tyres ?

JP147 · Post by **JP147** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 9:32 pm

Thanks guys, I will go to a trailer shop and see what they recommend. I don't have trailers of my own, but I will tow other people's and rented ones so I am not worried about the chain.

dfoyl · Post by **dfoyl** » Wed Jan 07, 2015 11:30 am

Interestingly enough, welded chain is seen as weaker than d-shackles: http://www.transport.tas.gov.au/__data/ ... r_VSB1.pdf

Brumby Kid · Post by **Brumby Kid** » Fri Jan 09, 2015 4:35 pm

Nubaru wrote:just reading BrumbysKid sign ature - a race engine ? and truck tyres ?

Race engine? Lol I wish. The only thing that's race about it is the way I thrash it.
Well almost. What's been done to it and continuing to be done could be considered a race engine. Probably the most race like EA81 out there except for Silver Bullet's twin carb thats been rebuilt and sitting in the shed.
When Tony built mine he knew what it was going to be used for. Open country roasds/ 4wding etc. I will upload dyno pics Monday after the Weber is rejetted/ tuned and dynoed. Where I originally took it managed to fail but it still made decent power from them.

Cheers Cam

MudLark · Post by **MudLark** » Sun Jan 11, 2015 12:35 pm

I believe any welding on this type of structure needs a certified welder! A hole with shackle is safer and easer than welded on link anyway.

JP147 · Post by **JP147** » Sun Jan 11, 2015 1:27 pm

That's good because I didn't really want to do any welding on it anyway.