trailer->car safety chain

[datamile]

Hi, just noticed that this is a requirement in QLD.

Hopefully picking up my new boat this week. Is this chain part of the trailer, or is it something that I need to go out and buy ? Where do I attach it to the car ?

[Hamish73]

Re: trailer->car safety chain

the trailer will have the chain fitted.
There will be a hole or a welded chain link on your towbar for you to connect it to

Here is a link to the Queensland Transport Towing guide

http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/resources/file/eb849042963ccb6/Safe_towing_information_V2.pdf

And a bit more info

http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/resources/file/ebcdcf0f27b53ba/Pdf_veh_stds_ais_codeofpractice_section3b_feb2004.pdf

[Timmy94]

Re: trailer->car safety chain

OMG Where did u come from. Thats BS If its not legal to have a safety chain.
Its probably 8-10inches long and is welded to your boat trailer near the hitch and then a D Shackle to connect to your Towbar. Its simple really. This is the best image i could find. Ours are usually shorter than that.

http://www.tiedown.com/images/81202.jpg

Hope it helps you.

[datamile]

Re: trailer->car safety chain

thanks, first time towing anything !!

I found two shackle points on the tow bar. Just didn't want to turn up at the yard, and finding that I couldn't tow the boat away. Already need an electric adapter for the trailer.

[finga]

Re: trailer->car safety chain

If this is your first time towing then you may need some practice backing the trailer.
Find a quiet carpark on a Sunday and set up a course to go forwards and backwards through it.
Reversing around corners is a skill you'll have to master matey.
PS congrats on the purchase of the boat

[datamile]

Re: trailer->car safety chain

Yup, not even sure how I'm going to get it into the boat port. Sloping drive, bushs and crass one side, electricity box the other, and the road only just wide enough to get the car across. Sure some grass is going to get hammered and its only a rental.

I'll post up the rego when I get it so people will know to help the new guy at the ramp. It'll be one of those rare occasions that you see a santa fe pushing a boat in, and I'll have to learn how far it needs to go in, once I can get it in a straight line.

[Timmy94]

Re: trailer->car safety chain

Shit just make sure you dont bite someones head off if they offer advice. What boat and what motor is it? Practise like finga said find a quiet car park. If their is such a thing. I would suggest a big 4lane ramp on a weekday at about midday for a couple of hours practise launching and retreiving and reversing all in one. Just take it slow while your learning. And before you start reversing make sure the whole rig is straight even if its 50-100 metres away from the ramp. Your boat size will determine how far u back in.

[datamile]

Re: trailer->car safety chain

I'm all for help. It'll be a white 525 stacer bowrider with a 115 evin. Local ramps are wellington point, cleveland VMR, and then I'm moving to thornlands, so I guess vicky point

[cormorant]

Re: trailer->car safety chain

good luck with your new boat. Hopefully someone here on the site will be able to help by meeting you at a ramp. Mate it is not hard once you know what you are doing. Go and watch a few others and find an experienced mate. If he is a decent dealer tell him your new to it all and get him to show you how to do everything and even show what you need to do at the ramp.

[SgBFish]

Re: trailer->car safety chain

Congratulations.
On the depth of the trailer. If you are winding the boat on at the ramp the back bottom roller should be just in the water.
Practice on a quite day as the others have suggested and ask if you need help most people will help.
Scott

[NAGG]

Re: trailer->car safety chain

Shit just make sure you dont bite someones head off if they offer advice. What boat and what motor is it? Practise like finga said find a quiet car park. If their is such a thing. I would suggest a big 4lane ramp on a weekday at about midday for a couple of hours practise launching and retreiving and reversing all in one. Just take it slow while your learning. And before you start reversing make sure the whole rig is straight even if its 50-100 metres away from the ramp. Your boat size will determine how far u back in.

GOOD ADVICE FOR ANY NEW BOAT OWNER! .... Nagg

[chris_s]

Re: trailer->car safety chain

Congrats on the new boat and welcome. It may also pay to get yourself a couple of ausfish stickers and slap em on the side. Atleast other members will see them and will be more than willing to offer a hand. Good luck.