Drawbars, Safety Chains, Safety Chain Attachments and Couplings, Trailers & Caravans Equipped with Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems, infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/design/adr_online.aspx, AS 2513-1982 Electrical Connectors for Trailer Vehicles, White. Lamps and reflectors complying with certain international regulations, referred to as ECE Regulations, are acceptable as complying with some of the lighting ADRs. Arrangement: At the rear and so that the rear registration plate is illuminated. The brake system must cause immediate application of the trailer brakes in the event of the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle. Trailer Brake Requirements State Equipment and Road Use Law Summaries 1 - Many states do not specifically address surge brakes in their statutes or regulations. Or some of the goods carrying surface is over the towing vehicle. The height of any trailer, except for a livestock trailer (See ADRs for definition) must not exceed 4.3 metres in height. A trailer built to carry one or more horses or other similar livestock. Austrailers Queensland is a premium trailer manufacturing company based in Brisbane. Note: the trailer coupling or safety chain may not be used as an earth return, Trailers less than 3.5 tonnes must have electrical connectors between the trailer and the towing vehicle that comply with the AS 2513-1982 or AS 4177.5-2004 Australian Standard (link). If there is no structure at the front or rear to attach lamps, they may be fitted on each side instead. Trailers must not have internal or external projections that could be hazardous to other road users. 12. (For further information, refer to ADR 13/00 Appendix A clause 8.7 and ADR 47/00). This ag must be at least 300 mm square and clearly visible. Number: Such that the Arrangement below is met. A general-purpose trailer with a load space, which is bounded by vertical sides. Two common coupling types are outlined below: Ball couplings used on trailers with an ATM that does not exceed 3.5 tonnes must comply with Australian Standard AS 4177.3-2004 Caravan and light trailer towing components Part 3: Coupling body for ball couplings. Note Wheel guards should be of sufficient structural strength to retain their function while the trailer is moving. Lighting 14. is equipped with temporary sleeping accommodation only. The requirements specified in the ADRs for the performance and installation of lamps and reflectors are based on the regulations set by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE). Enclosed trailers constructed for the accommodation of people when parked such as workers" amenity trailers, mobile kitchens or mobile offices are also regarded as caravans. endstream endobj startxref Find out the laws and standards relating to towing equipment and attachments, including tow bars, couplings, safety chains and weight distribution hitches. Presence: Must be fitted if a trailer is more than 1600 mm wide and over 4 metres long, or over 1800 mm wide. the size, D-value and the plate thickness (for weld in kingpins) e.g. One pair of side repeating indicators may also be fitted approximately halfway along semi trailers if they are over 7.5m long. The laws dictating boat trailer brakes may differ from state to state, but the majority of the states are in agreement and require you to have brakes on your trailer. %PDF-1.6 % This is either through having either a Component Registration Number (CRN ) listed on the Road Vehicle Certification System (RVCS) at rvcs.infrastructure.gov.au . Rear overhang must not exceed the lesser of 3.7 metres or 60% of the wheelbase. See Figure 1. See Figure 1. A breakaway system automatically applies the trailer brakes if the coupling becomes detached from the towing vehicle, and must stay energised for at least 15 minutes after being activated. Two, non triangular, front retro reflectors must be fitted at the front. Reciprocally incorporated lamps have a separate bulb but a common or partly common lens and lamp body (e.g. rear position/registration plate lamp). There must be two white or amber clearance lamps at the front and two red clearance lamps at the rear. Or the safety cable must have a certified load capacity of the same. See Figure 2(b). This corresponds to. No brakes are required for single axle trailers that do not exceed 0.75 tonnes. All other trailer configurations and dimensions not specified in this VSB must comply with ADR 43. Refer to text. see ADR Applicability Summary TCategory VehiclesTrailer. Electrical Connections: Must operate with front position (if fitted), rear position, end-outline (if fitted) and side-marker (if fitted) lamps. All trailer wiring must be insulated at joints. These safety chains must have designation of 3500kg and comply with Australian Standard AS 4177.4-2003 or AS 4177.4-1994. Caution The Australian Standard and ECE standard contain 50mm ball coupling articulation limits. All wheels of a trailer must be fitted with wheel guards that are designed to protect other road users against thrown-up stones, mud, ice, snow and water and to help prevent people contacting the moving wheels. Where the laws regarding braking systems are controlled by the state and may differ, most of the laws are the same across Australia. Alongside our trailer manufacturing service, we also repair trailers and stock trailer parts Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast wide. Tare Mass is the total mass of the trailer when not carrying any load, but when ready for service, unoccupied (if relevant) and with all fluid reservoirs (if fitted) filled to nominal capacity except for fuel, which shall be 10 litres only, and with all standard equipment and any options fitted. These are permitted when the GTM is under 2000kg. Electrical Connections: Must operate with rear position, end-outline (if fitted), side-marker (if fitted) and rear registration lamps. See Figure 1. Trailers with an ATM of greater than 3,500kg must have two safety chains made from T grade chain that meets the requirements of AS 2321 and have a break load limit exceeding the trailer's ATM. GTM is the mass transmitted to the ground by the tyres of the trailer when coupled to a towing vehicle and carrying the maximum load recommended by the manufacturer or importer, approximately uniformly distributed over the load bearing area. No Brakes If your trailer weights less than 750kg, when loaded, you do not need any brakes. * May be increased to as close as possible to the front and/or rear respectively if the structure makes it impractical to keep within 300 mm (for example a boat trailer). Note: Grouped lamps have separate bulbs and lenses (or LED elements) but a common lamp body (e.g. This safety chain must comply with relevant Australian Standards (AS 4177.4-1994 or AS 4177.4-2004). (relaxed in some states and territories.) Complete pig trailer inspection sheet (F3123). (For further information, refer to ADR 13/00). The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts has established specific requirements about vehicles equipped with an air conditioner. Each chain must be sized such that the minimum breaking load exceeds the ATM. Two, non triangular, front retro reflectors must be fitted at the front. Trailers that do not exceed 3.5 tonnes ATM must have electrical connectors between the trailer and towing vehicle that comply with Australian Standard AS 2513-1982 Electrical Connectors for Trailer Vehicles or Australian Standard AS 4177.5-2004 Caravan and light trailer components, Part 5: Electrical connectors. All trailers with rigid draw bars and any other trailer without breakaway brakes installed must be fitted with safety chains. Trailers must not be designed or used for the carriage of passengers. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. Trailers exceeding 2.5 tonnes that are still less than 3.5 tonnes must be fitted with two safety chains. Number: 2 towards the rear if a trailer is more than 2100 mm wide. Drawbars must be attached securely to the trailer. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectivesand needs. Trailer wiring must be supported at intervals less than 600mm along its length. two axles must not be more than 2 metres apart; three axles must not be more than 3.2 metres apart overall. (No unnecessarily sharp edges) Trailers must be safe and fit for purpose. Arrangement: At the front. trailers that do not exceed 2.5 tonnes ATM 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: Safety chains up to 3500kg capacity, or be a safety cable with a certified load capacity of the same; trailers over 2.5 tonnes and not exceed 3.5 tonnes ATM must have two safety chains of designation of 3500 kg complying with Australian Standard AS 4177.4-1994 or Australian Standard AS 4177.42004; trailers over 3.5 tonnes ATM must have two safety chains made from steel of a minimum 800 MPa breaking stress that conforms to the mechanical properties of Grade T chain as specified in. This may be affixed to or incorporated in to the vehicle plate referred to in Section 3. An efficient brake system must apply the brakes immediately if the trailer becomes detached from the towing vehicle. MEDIUM TRAILER (TC)A trailer with a GTM exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 10 tonnes. Note: Drawbar safety chain attachment points should not come into contact with the road when disconnected from the trailer. When this occurs, the brakes must remain in operation for a minimum of 15 minutes. Rear position (side) lamps, stop lamps, direction indicator lamps, registration plate lamps and retro-reflectors may be grouped into the same units, as long as their individual requirements are met. Both ECE approved lamps and lamps with a CRN should be accompanied by fitting instructions, to ensure correct orientation and alignment. These must operate with front and rear position lamps as well as side marker and rear registration lamps if fitted. Note It is suggested as a minimum that the Manufacturer should be able to demonstrate that the structure is capable of supporting the designed payload with a safety factor of at least 3 for highway use and a safety factor of 5 for off road use. A trailer must meet the dimensional limits in order to take advantage of the arrangements under this bulletin. Electrical Connections: Must operate with service brake on towing vehicle and (if fitted) service brake on trailer. (Fluid reservoirs do not include water tanks and waste water tanks fitted to caravans). A complete list of definitions is available via infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/design/adr_online.aspx. All direction indicator lamps must operate simultaneously with the hazard warning lamps of the towing vehicle. Refer to ADR 42 for more information on the fitment of lavatory closets, urinals, basins and sinks. An efficient brake system must apply the brakes immediately if the trailer becomes detached from the towing vehicle. Technical RequirementsTypes of trailer covered under VSB1. Particular care should be taken to ensure that electric brake wiring is adequately shielded from road debris. Austrailers began as a small trailer manufacturing business and rapidly built up a reputation amongst home owners and tradesmen alike through the production of high quality box trailers with many practical uses. A trailer with 2 axle groups of which the front axle group is steered by connection to the drawing Vehicle. 0 Additional pairs of side marker lamps, equally spaced between the front and the rear lamps, may also be fitted, as long as the distances between the centres of adjacent lamps is not more than 5000 mm. the mark U, followed by the permissible static vertical load in kg. Regulations say that trailers that have a gross trailer mass (GTM) of 750kg or less and a single axle will not require a braking system. %%EOF Caution Tyres marked NHS are not for highway service and should not be used. If front, end outline, or side marker lamps are fitted, the tail lamps must operate with them. Detailed information is available from:Department of the Environment, Alternatively, you should contact the Department on: Ozone and Synthetic Gas Team Department of the Environment GPO Box 787 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Phone: 02 6274 1373 Email: ozone@environment.gov.au. Trailers more than 3500kg ATM must have two safety chains made from steel of a minimum 800MPa breaking stress. Copyright 2020. Amber, except for the rearmost side retro-reflector can be red if it is grouped or has part of the light emitting surface in common with the rear position lamp, the rear end-outline marker lamp, the stop lamp or the red rearmost side-marker lamp. CRNs can be checked by entering the number given by the component manufacturer into the approval number field on the Vehicle / RVD search page or through an internationally based ECE approval (see below); or by having the lamps and reflectors tested to the ADR requirements and obtaining from the laboratory conducting the tests, a test report including the conclusion that the item complies with the ADR applicable to its intended use when fitted according to the instructions supplied with the report; and in either case, fitting the lamps and reflectors according to the instructions provided, making sure that no part of the trailer or its equipment obstructs the lamp output. Note Seven and twelve pin connectors should be of a robust design to reduce the risk of short circuits developing. Or the safety cable must have a certified load capacity of the same. Trailers between 751 -2000 kg (1655 - 4400 lb) GTM - braking on both wheels on at least one axle. No part of a trailer shall be hazardous to other road users; there must be no unduly sharp edges or projections. There must be displayed by painting or otherwise across the full width of the rearmost portion of the tray, a clearly visible white or silver coloured horizontal band having a uniform depth of at least 75mm. Wheels and Tyres 21. Ball couplings on towbars are required to be installed so that the height of the centre of the body of the ball coupling is between 350mm and 420mm from the ground when laden (Refer to ADR 62/01). It will usually provide fixed sleeping accommodation and/or facilities for the preparation of food. You can also tow on your green P-plates in Victoria. To ensure that the brakes of your trailer will pass a safety inspection, check that: All brake components are securely mounted and not leaking. Safety chains must be comply with the following: Trailers under 2.5 tonnes must have at least one safety chain. Triangular or non-triangular. (b) in force at the commencement of this Standard. 17 Huntington Street Clontarf QLD, 4019. Given that most caravans exceed this limit, it is likely a braking system is required for you to tow a van. You may tow on your green P-plates in NSW. This is the simultaneous operation of all the trailer's direction indicator lamps to show that the trailer temporarily presents a special danger to other road users. Trailers between 0.75 tonnes and 4.5 tonnes must be fitted with an efficient brake system. Here are the regulations in each state and territory: New South Wales: Yes. Learn the rules and conditions to keep your towing vehicle and trailer safe and reliable. Each safety chain attachment point must be capable of withstanding the following minimum forces without incurring either any residual deformation that would interfere or degrade the function of the assembly, or any breaks, cracks or separation of components: Longitudinal tension and compression (N) 1.5 x 9.81 x ATM (in kg). Only purchase them from a supplier with adequate control over the galvanising process. If the trailer has 2 axle groups, the forward most axle group must be steerable by the drawbar. South Australia . Electrical Connections: The lamps light up when reverse gear is engaged on the towing vehicle. Electronic brakes are most commonly used on caravans and trailers over 750kg and are legally required on all caravans and trailers where the GTM is more than 2000kg. These lamps indicate to the rear of the trailer that the driver is applying the service brakes. These angular limits are not intended to cover off road operation. A trailer permanently equipped with a folding and stowable roof (such as a camper trailer) is a caravan. Rear overhang must not exceed the lesser of 3.7 metres or the front load space. The load capacity of the towbar must be at least equal the manufacturer's recommended tyre size; either the statement: The tyres fitted to this vehicle shall have a speed category not less than L (120km/h); or. End outline markers or clearance lamps must be fitted if the trailer is more than 2.1 m wide. Call 07 3040 5192 today. The guidelines in this section relate to Queensland regulations. Note Because of interchangeability problems that may arise, it is recommended that pin 5 in the 7 pin connectors be used only for service brakes. # May be increased to 4000 mm if the structure makes it impractical to keep within 3000 mm. Otherwise, an approval under sections 10(A) or 16 of the Act must be obtained from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government as well as a letter of authority from the relevant registration authority that confirms that the trailer will be permitted to be used on a public road. In the case of steerable wheels, the requirements only apply when the wheels are in the straight-ahead position. Use tab and cursor keys to move around the page (more information), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. General Caravans Requirements 23. Remember that if you are considering electronic brakes, you will need to install a control unit in the tow vehicle. 765 0 obj <> endobj Semi trailers must have a rear bumper no more than 600mm from the ground when unloaded. End outline markers or clearance lamps must be fitted if the trailer is more than 2.1 m wide. All lamps on trailers must operate with the corresponding lamps on the towing vehicle. Electrical Connections: Must operate with front position (if fitted), end-outline (if fitted), side-marker (if fitted) and rear registration lamps. Can a P2 driver tow a trailer? @ May be increased to 1500 mm if the structure makes it impractical to keep within 900 mm. Note SM1 and SM2 lamps have different visibility limits and are not interchangeable. All states require that caravans and trailers with a GTM of more than 2000kg to have this system. Technical RequirementsTypes of trailer covered under VSB1. (Designed to be engaged or disengaged without tools). These trailers must be fitted with an efficient brake system that complies with ADR 38/-. You may tow only 1 trailer (caravan, box or boat) at a time. Dimensions 22. On 1 July 2021, the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 and its regulations replaced the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989. Drawbars must withstand the following forces applied at the centre of the intended coupling without detachment or any distortion or failure, which will affect the safe drawing of the towed trailer: (For further information, refer to ADR 62/01 clause 14). Authorities suggest that the manufacturer demonstrate the trailers ability to support the designed load with a safety factor of at least 3 for highway use. Trailers over 3.5 tonnes ATM may use electrical connectors complying with ISO 1185-2003 or SAE J560-1998 Standards for electrical connectors between towing vehicles and trailers as alternative standards. Over-run brakes or power brakes fitted (air, vacuum or electric) Brakes (air, vacuum only) operated from driver's compartment and operating on all wheels, plus a breakaway system which will cause automatic application of trailer brakes, plus effective parking brake system. Austrailers Queensland is a premium trailer manufacturing company based in Brisbane. Caution Load levelling bars should only be used with towbars designed for load levelling. (For further information, refer to ADR 13/00 Appendix A clause 6.9 and ADR 49/00). In cases where the local state and territory does not mandate a minimum requirement. In width, the outermost surface of the lamp must not be more than 150 mm inboard of the extreme outer edge of the trailer. The weight of your caravan will also determine the number and type of safety chains required while towing: The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Note: Trailers exceeding 3.5 tonnes should request written verification that the coupling complies with the regulations mentioned above. 6R00217identifies the ECE approval number; in this case incorporating the ECE Regulation number 6. All brakes must be operable from the drivers seat of the towing vehicle, excluding over-run brakes. Fifth Wheel Assemblies and Kingpins with a D-Value rating of 40 kN or less, must comply with Australian Standard AS 4968.1-2003 Heavy road vehiclesMechanical coupling between articulated vehicle combinations, Part 1 Design criteria and selection requirements for fifth wheel, kingpin and associated equipment, or to other requirements as listed in ADR 62/02. Drawbars must be able to withstand certain forces to the centre of the coupling without detaching or failure. the distance from the POA to the rear end must not exceed 12.3 metres. A summary of the requirements for each type of lamp and reflector are given in the table below and in the diagrams in the sections that follow. (No unnecessarily sharp edges), Trailers must be safe and fit for purpose. Trailers must not show red light to the front or white light to the rear with exception of reverse lamps. Trailers less than 3.5 tonnes must have electrical connectors between the trailer and the towing vehicle that comply with the AS 2513-1982 or AS 4177.5-2004 Australian Standard (link). This category includes a box trailer fitted with a canopy but which is not equipped as a caravan, e.g. A trailer having one axle group near the middle of the length of its goods carrying surface. ;x@j@`h ::2:c (&%@@acn11H:p^Cq7.,0= No brakes are required for single axle trailers that do not exceed 0.75 tonnes. # May be increased to 4000 mm if the structure makes it impractical to keep within 3000 mm. Trailers that are not more than 6000 mm long may have one lamp fitted each side within the first third and/or one within the last third of the length.Electrical Connections: No requirement. Trailers that do not exceed an aggregate trailer mass (ATM) of 2500kg must have at least one safety chain fitted. Visibility of Tray 19. Every trailer over 2 tonnes GTM must have brakes operating on all wheels. Alternatively, ball couplings may instead comply with ECE R55/- as Class B coupling heads. Combined lamps have separate lenses but a common bulb (or LED element) and lamp body (e.g. (For further information, refer to ADR 13/00 Appendix A clause 6.10 and ADR 49/00). The number of side retro reflectors that must be fitted depends on the size and specifications of the trailer. Austrailers build high quality trailers that always meet or exceed all Queensland trailer regulations outlined below. Trailers of any kind must not be designed or used for the carriage of passengers. They are automatically applied by the brake controller and can be manually operated by a manual control which is installed within reach of the driver. Between 750kg-2000kg GTM, trailer brakes are necessary, but they can be override brakes and only need to activate on one axle. These lamps indicate the presence and width of a trailer when viewed from the front. if the recommended maximum vehicle operating speed is less than 120km/h, The tyres fitted to this vehicle shall have a speed category at least equal to the recommended maximum vehicle operating speed,km/h., where is the vehicle manufacturer's recommended maximum vehicle operating speed. Towbars : A properly designed and fitted towbar is essential for safe towing. For more information on what is required to pass a trailer safety inspection visithttps://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Vehicle-standards-and-modifications/Vehicle-modifications/Vehicle-Inspection-Guidelines. Towing vehicles and trailers Learn the rules and conditions to keep your towing vehicle and trailer safe and reliable. @ May be increased to 1500 mm if the structure makes it impractical to keep within 900 mm. 50/D40/10; the mark G50 or G50-X or H50 or H50-X; the mark D, followed by the D-Value rating for the coupling; and. Heavier trailers additionally need breakaway brakes. Flashing must be within a range of 60 to 120 flashes per minute. For example, the fitting of equipment near a lamp may effect visibility requirements of the lamp. Help us improve the content on our website or tell us what is working really well. If there is a service brake fitted on the trailer, it must also operate with the brake lamps. Note Wiring and wiring connections should also be designed to withstand the vibration that they will be subject to during use of the trailer, be of suitable size, and be located in a position where they will not be crushed. The aforementioned coupling must be of a positive locking type and allow for a second independent device. Number: At least 1 (note that some lamps may only have been approved for fitment as a pair). Safety chain attachment points must be located as near as practicable to the tow coupling. Each steel safety chain must have a minimum of 800 MPa breaking stress. When this occurs, the brakes must remain in operation for a minimum of 15 minutes. Two rear retro reflectors must be fitted at the rear either triangular or non triangular. At least one such door must be located on the left-hand side or at the rear. @ May be increased to 2100 mm if the structure makes it impractical to keep within 1500 mm.