Overview – Why This Matters
This article introduces a solution for caravanners struggling with difficult Dee or Bow shackles that cause back pain and are messy to handle.
You will learn about the Austlift G80 Vehicle Chain Safety Hook Set, a government-approved, tool-free alternative designed to make hitching safer and easier.
Best For:
- Caravanners with back or mobility issues
- Solo travellers
- Safety-conscious owners
Words and Photos John Westbury. Diagram supplied
Sore Back When Hitching Up?
Dee or Bow Shackles for hitching up caravans certainly attract controversy. Types of Dee or Bow shackles, their weight allowances, and mainly compliance appear to be misunderstood. The debate goes on, Australia-wide.
Dee or Bow Shackles have always caused problems for elderly folk who endure back and hip pain. They can be hard and time-consuming to unscrew and are messy to handle as you kneel down.
Australian-owned company Austlift developed the innovative Austlift G80 Vehicle Chain Safety Hook Set that is not only easy to use but also complies with the highest standards of safety and quality.
Stephen Boyd, General Manager of Conveying & Hoisting Solutions distributes the Austlift, approved by the Australian Government Component Type Approval (CTA). It has been granted a component type approval under section 177 of the Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019. The component fully complies with the applicable national road vehicle standards.
No Tools Required
The push coupler pin requires no tools for the 8mm kit [which we tested].
[6mm and 10mm kit in orange and black are now also available sharing a common design.]
There is still a metal outer casing Locking collar with a metal helix grip, but Austlift has designed a compression rubber fill to allow easy connection with the safe knowledge that it complies with the older G80 collar Standards with approval after 20,000 cycle tests.
“The product not only meets but exceeds legal standards for strength and use across all states, holding the only Australian Government CTA approval,” said Stephen.
“With meticulous testing and adherence to Australian Government CTA regulations Austlift’s Vehicle & Trailer kits ensure unrivalled security and confidence during your travels.”
Our Experience with the Austlift
So, what are some of the very happy caravanners saying about this great new product?
Peter Savage: “Easy to install. No thought of getting dirt on my knees. Love the satisfaction of knowing I have an extremely weight-resistant safety harness.”
Malcolm Barry: “So easy to hook my caravan chains to my car. No more having to get under the car to hook up. Love these heavy trailer tow hooks with a tow rating of up to 4 tonnes.”
[Since we fitted them] My wife feels much more comfortable simply hooking the chains, and of course, always remembers to cross them.
Anne: “What a great idea and certainly makes hooking up the van in seconds much easier, and saves me a back-breaking problem with Dee or Bow Shackles.”
Happy wife – Happy life!
Visit Austlift for more.
Key Takeaways
Highlights/Practical info:
- Ease of Use: The push coupler pin requires no tools.
- Comfort: Designed to eliminate the need to kneel in the dirt or struggle with seized shackles.
- Safety: Rated to 4 tonnes and tested to 20,000 cycles.
Compliance Details:
- Approval: Holds Australian Government Component Type Approval (CTA).
- Regulation: Approved under section 177 of the Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019.
- Design: Features a compression rubber fill and metal outer casing locking collar.
FAQ
Q. Is the Austlink G80 Vehicle Chain Safety Hook Set legal in Australia?
A. Yes. It holds a Component Type Approval (CTA) under the Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019 and complies with national road vehicle standards.
Q. Do I need tools to install the Austlift G80 Vehicle Chain Safety Hook Kit?
A. No tools are required. it uses a push coupler pin design.
Q. What size push coupler pins are available on the Austlift G80 Vehicle Chain Safety Hook Kit?
A. The kits come in three push couple pin sizes: 6mm, 8mm and 10mm.
Q. Can you use the Austlift G80 Vehicle Chain Safety Hook Kit on setups using Weight Distribution Kits?
A. Yes, a correctly installed Austlist G80 Vehicle Chain Hook Kit should not interfere with a correctly installed Weight Distribution Kit
