TonyH

I visited the 'factory' today, to get a new stone bra fitted and also to get my number plate moved. I was having second thoughts about the mounting of the number plate between the spare wheels, mainly because it would/could impede (slightly) the removal and refitting of the spare wheels......so I pulled out a tape measure and measured the distance between the lower edge of the O/S tail light and the ground on my van the distance was approx 1.45m bearing in mind the transport rules (my interpretation) state the plate shouldn't be higher than 1.3m. So I asked the service guys to mount a number plate light under the tail assembly (picking up the wiring for the number plate light from the tail light assembly) & then of course the plate below that. Pulled the tape out & measured again 1.3m came in at 1cm UP from the lower edge of the plate, My interpretation/understanding of the transport rules state the plate shouldn't be higher than 1.3m BUT it doesn't state 1.3 at the top or bottom of the plate. So I fell it should be OK ( I'll plead 'senior' ignorance if I get pulled up) and I'm going to leave the plate where it is now....I reckon it looks a lot neater there (my opinion). Four rivets were fitted to the original mounting holes and a dab of suitable white paint applied, then a red rectangular reflector with suitable silicon and screws was fitted over the original wiring hole....all up a very neat 'mod'!! In closing the service and attention given by Robyn and the boys in service was great. ? Also the communications with Robyn (email & phone) before the visit to the factory were friendly and professional. CU down the road ........

Work your magic Karen.......

To members of the Kedron Owners Group, I trust this finds you all in good health and spirits! Yesterday, (24th April) I received notification from Vice President Cathy Brown that she wont be standing for re-election at this years AGM. Cathy cited in her notification on going health problems with Greg (her husband) as the reason for not standing again. Greg has been in severe debilitating pain for many years following a bad (aren't they all) motor bike accident. The pain is so bad that Cathy & Greg are reluctantly putting their van and 'tug' up for sale, as travelling this great country is something that they just cannot do in reasonable comfort now. I, along with you I'm sure wish Greg & Cathy all the best with his ongoing treatment regime! At the upcoming AGM (around early October) I also will be standing down as President as my three year tenure will expire. I ASK all members to consider standing for either Vice President or President when notice of nominations is called in a couple of months. These positions, really will only call for minimal input in your busy schedules, the remaining committee I hope/believe will be re nominating for their current positions.....they are a pleasure to work with, I can assure you of that! In a group like ours it is very important to have new blood (so to speak) to keep the group fresh with new ideas & ventures. In closing, I again ask you again to seriously consider nominating for a position on the 'new' committee when nominations are called! If we....... as a group can't form a new committee ....what happens then? My phone is alway on if anyone wishes to call and discuss whats involved in either or ANY position....zero four one two 415466 Travel safe & CU down the road Tony H

Sweet,............... you must be relieved that this episode is finally over!

Yes.....that would work.....great thinking!

Thought you'd like that one.....

Hi John, Trusting this finds you in good health & spirits. Trying to fully understand/decifer your post........ I appreciate your in WA and that each state in this great country has different rules & regulations. I know for a fact that in NSW & Qld, you cannot mount/secure safety chains to the underside of the draw bar (if the van did come away from the tow vehicle the mounts would be ground off dragging on the road) IN NSW & Qld.....THIS setup.....chain mounts under the draw bar is illegal !!!! OR are you suggesting modifying the near vertical plate directly under the hitch where the draw bars come together? (which would be 'above' the lowest edge of the draw bar)....if this is what your implying, can I respectively suggest you go back a few posts have a look at my photos (print them off) and take to your engineer for his opinion/feedback. By welding an 8mm plate to the side of the draw bar, then attaching a chain mounting block to that plate, It would be stronger and a LOT cheaper (cost always has to be considered, but never on the point of safety) & possibly more aesthetically pleasing to look at! The mount that has been suggested you use (Bartlet Saftey chain system SC62-10F trailer set) I looked up, it has a smaller/less mounting surface area than say the Couplemate CM549 https://www.couplemate.com.au/trailer-parts-shop-caravan-parts-shop/safety-chain-holder/10mm-80g-safety-chain-holder/ so if the 'same' welding process was carried out on the Bartlet & Couplemate blocks the Couplemate would be a lot stronger...more surface area .....more weld. The Couplemate is machined from billet as opposed to the Bartlet which is a casting. If you do decide to go with the Bartlet mounts, I see that Couplemate sell them cheaper than Transparts, you can also get them on eBay http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Trailer-Safety-Chain-Attachment-Kits-10mm-System-Trailer-Side-/110985427249 It is a mine field out there, I wish you all the best and a speedy & happy conclusion in your GVM upgrade! CU down the road PS.....I know this is Qld reg's.....but it may assist or even heaven forbid, confuse! Description 10mm 80G Safety Chain Holder suit trailers from 3.5t to 7.2t. All caravans and trailers over 2.5t require two chains. 10mm 80G Safety Chain Holder – 80cm Long. Price is for a pair. 2 x Safety chain holders are required on caravan and trailers and be permanently attached. Chains must terminate in chain holders on the tow bar. Galvanised Chain and shackles are illegal on all trailers over 3.5t. Introduction All new trailers that are presented for licensing must comply with the requirements of Vehicle Standard Bulletin – Building Small Trailers (VSB1). VSB1 summarises the construction requirements for caravans and trailers necessary to meet the Australian Design Rules (ADRs), and trailers built to meet the requirements in this bulletin are accepted as meeting the ADRs. The chain requirements are specified in ADR 62. VSB1 stipulates that marked safety chain must be used. This particular requirement had been relaxed to some extent when it was difficult to source chain that met the required standards. As a result, suitable chain is now widely available and this requirement will be enforced for new trailers. Trailers under 2500 kg ATM must be fitted with at least one chain. Trailers over 2500 kg ATM must be fitted with at least two chains. For trailers up to 3500 kgs ATM (steel chain to AS4177) must comply with Australian Standard.AS4177 Caravan and light trailer towing components – Part 4 Safety chains up to 3500 kg capacity. Trailers over 3.5t Grade 80 safety chain must be used and connected directly onto the chassis via a safety chain holder. Welding is not permitted. 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 in accordance with 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; • 2.5 tonnes, 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 in accordance with the following: • up to 3.5 tonnes, 13mm Safety Chain and Holder. However, trailers of and in excess of 3.5 tonnes ATM, all medium and heavy category pig trailers with rigid drawbars. Trailers without breakaway brakes and all fixed and rigid pig trailers with a GTM greater than 2.5 tonnes and fitted with automatic pin type couplings, must be fitted with safety chains in accordance with the information contained in AIS Information Sheet 12(b) – Safety Chain Requirements.”

Thanks Chris, Yes, I am happy with the end result. I had a visit from a Qld registered motor vehicle inspector who duly inspected the van and modification and issued an additional compliance plate showing an increased GVM of just shy of 4 tonne. He only charged me $200 which I thought was cheap, considering the 'factory' wanted $300, (plus the trip to Brisbane) Cheers and beers

What I did with my Couplemate couplings after I had them installed the incorrect way...... 6mm plate welded over can/could be 'easily' removed if chain had to be serviced/replaced

I made the mistake of asking the Siri App on my iPhone "What do Women want?"The bloody thing hasn't stopped talking for three days!!!

Ha ha its a funny world. There is a new listing in the Items for sale...... Topender & 200 series for sale....possible bargain there...... but read the description 'just had 4 tonne up grade'.....have a look at the photos....whats wrong? Truly wish there was consistency, with the engineering/licencing authority's I wish Chris & Lynne a speedy sale.

Hi Stu & Jean, Very nice installation on the draw bar. I believe gal plated D shackles cannot be used (legally) when the rating is in excess of 3.5 tonne. And just a query those yellow Hammerloks arent they Beaver C10's ? Yes they are Grade T (80) but only have a WLL of 3.15t. Again a nice neat install on the van Cheers

Hi all, From my inquiries with Mike @ Couplemate (Brisbane) You are going to need something like this on the draw bar OR something like the drawing I put up on the 'chains' thread https://www.couplemate.com.au/trailer-parts-shop-caravan-parts-shop/safety-chain-holder/10mm-80g-safety-chain-holder/ Van and then something like this on the tow vehicle https://www.couplemate.com.au/trailer-parts-shop-caravan-parts-shop/safety-chain-holder/10mm-x-8000-kg-safety-chain/ vehicle WOW what a can of worms this is......NOT a cheap exercise.....but to be safe.....its worth it

Cheers!

Dismart, would/could you share your photos, please?

Hi guys, EACH chain MUST be rated to at least 4 tonnes....having 2 x 2.5t rated chain does not give you a 5 tonne rating. A 13mm rated chain similar in size/diameter to the original chain should be fitted. Have a look at the drawing below for an idea on mounting the chain, using 8 x 10mm grade 8 (or better) bolts and nuts also 2 x 13mm grade 8 (or better) bolts and nuts.

With my moderators hat on....this 'thread' could have the potential to become a 'slanging match'! I would like to thank ALL the contributors (so far) for their input & restraint! I honestly believe that we ALL have the best thoughts and intentions for all our fellow Kedron owner's! Due to different state regulations and interpretation of those regulations there is potentially going to be misunderstanding & conjecture over these regulations. This forum is a great asset to the Kedron 'experience' being able to share each others knowledge & lessons learnt in the real world. Please .....let us share this knowledge & experiences for all! Cheers and beers Tony

VERY valid points Steve!

Hi John & Lisa, Welcome to the KOG. I bet you are like a kid on chrissy eve waiting for the delivery of your new van. Hand over can be a bit of a brain swelling experiance, take a note pad & write down what you need to remember. There is lots of info on these pages, dont be afraid to ask as many questions as you wish on this forum. Enjoy your new van! C U down the road. Tony

Hi Goodo, A slightly belated welcome to KOG. Its sounds like youre having a good time in your Kedron, and you will have MANY more Im sure. There is lots of info on these pages, have a browse when you can.....any questions, dont be afraid to ask. C U down the road! Tony

Airbags & 'Air Hitch' on my rig....works for me.

Great to see and hear about companies supporting and honouring warranties!

Hi John & Jo, I will stand corrected if I'm wrong here.... You can have your suspension/brakes upgraded (at any time) and have the vehicle 'replated accordingly. If you have the vehicle upgrade BEFORE the FIRST registration, you will get national compliance... recognised in all states and territories of Oz. For the life of the vehicle. BUT........ If you have the upgrade down AFTER the first registration, it will only be compliant in the state that the upgrade was done. This is not necessarily a problem, if you plan to keep the vehicle registered in that particular state/territory. If you want to have the vehicle registered in another state, at a later date the vehicle will have to be re engineered and certified to comply in the 'new' state or territory. There has been debate on other forums about a vehicle being certified in one state and then possibly being non/not compliant in another. As I say this is debate......if you are considering getting an upgrade before OR after the initial rego, strongly suggest you check with the relevant state authorities. The joys of motoring....(in Oz)

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