Aluminium Boat Trailer Safety Chain Kits

Aluminium boat trailer safety chain, hammerlock and holder kit include:

• One set to suit trailers up to 2.5t.
• Trailers over 2.5t require two sets.

Galvanised chains and shackles are illegal on all trailers over 3.5t.

Marine kits are suitable for bolting to Aluminium Chassis rails as steel holders and galvanised chains cannot be welded to the chassis rails.

It is essential to remember

• No chain welding over 2.5t
• No chain welding below the chassis rails.

Trailers up to 2.5 tonnes ATM must have at least one safety chain complying with AS 4177.4 - 1994 (Trailer and light trailer towing components – Safety chains up to 3.5 tonnes capacity), or as amended from time to time.

This standard allows for steel safety chains by the following

• up to 1.0 tonne, a chain size of 6.3 mm
• up to 1.6 tonnes, a chain size of 8 mm
• from 1.6t to 2.5t, a chain size of 10 mm

Trailers over 2.5 and up to 3.5 tonnes ATM must have two safety chains complying with AS 4177.4 - 1994 or as amended from time to time. This standard allows for steel safety chains by the following:

• up to 3.5 tonnes, with a chain size of 13 mm.

However, boat trailers

• more than 3.5 tonnes ATM,
• all medium and heavy category pig trailers with rigid drawbars,
• any other trailers without breakaway brakes
• and all fixed and rigid pig trailers with a GTM higher than 2.5 tonnes and fitted with automatic pin-type couplings,

Must be equipped with safety chains.

Safety Chain Information and Alerts

• An excellent article on Dee Shackles and Safety Chain
• RV Breakaway Switch Safety Alert
• Ref: StandardsQueensland – Safety Chain Requirements

Purchase attachments for Dee Shackles

• Rated Bow Shackles – 4WD
• Rated Dee Shackle
• Dee Shackles and Safety Chains
• Safety Chain Holder for Aluminium Chassis
• Safety Chain Holder to 3.5t
• Hammerlock to suit Galvanised Safety Chain
• Galvanised Safety Chain – 64cm Long

Finally, Key Points

• 10mm Chain Holders can be welded to trailers up to 2.5t
• Safety Chain must be affixed to holders via a Hammerlock or Cam Lock
• Dee Shackles are prohibited for use when securing a safety chain to a trailer