Safety Chain Compliance

Towing a trailer for the first time or a seasoned tower? You may have some questions or doubts on the requirements to having compliant trailer safety chains. The team at Sunrise are here to help make sure you have the right answers to meet legal requirements.

Safety chains are mandatory throughout Australia. They serve to maintain connection between a trailer and its towing vehicle should there be any coupling failure. The first step in finding the right chain is to understand the term Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM). The ATM is the total weight of a trailer and its maximum (or full) load when NOT coupled to a vehicle. This figure is commonly stamped onto the trailer VIN plate. Safety chains must be marked in accordance to the relevant Australian Standard and your trailer ATM.

Your trailer ATM will help to determine which safety chain you will need. See the guide below to help you find your suitable safety chain:

ATM ≤ 2.5T

• If your trailer ATM does not exceed 2.5 tonnes, you must have at least one safety chain complying and stamped with
  Australian Standard AS 4177.4-1994 or Australian Standard AS 4177.4-2004 “Caravan and light trailer towing components, Part 4: Safety chains up to 3500 kg capacity”.

2.5T < ATM ≤ 3.5T

• If your trailer ATM is over 2.5 tonnes but does NOT exceed 3.5 tonnes, you must have two safety chains of designation of 3500kg complying with
  Australian Standard AS 4177.4-1994 or Australian Standard AS 4177.4-2004 “Caravan and light trailer towing components, Part 4: Safety chains up to 3500 kg capacity”.

ATM > 3.5T

• If your trailer ATM is over 3.5 tonnes the safety chain must be permanently attached to the trailer; shackles are not permitted. The safety chain must not be welded to the draw bar. Alternatively  a plate welded to the draw bar, or an appropriate device like the Hammerlock Hook may be used. You must have two safety chains made of steel. They must have a minimum 800 MPa breaking stress that conforms to the mechanical properties of Grade T chain. This is specified in Australian Standards AS 2321-1979 “Short Link Chain for Lifting Purposes (Non Calibrated)“.
  Alternatively, safety cables with equal capacity to the relevant safety chains may be used on towing vehicles with ATM up to 3500kg.

Note: Any trailer without breakaway brakes must be fitted with safety chains that are marked in accordance with relevant Australian standards depending on your trailer ATM.

Contact your local Sunrise Trailer Parts store for more information on your trailer safety chains and trailer ATM. We are always happy to help our customers, walk-ins are welcome with help given on the spot!