Heavy Duty Coupling Base Plate

Description

Ark have released a new XO Series Coupling Base Plate, that makes mounting of both coupling and trailer safety chains to the trailer quicker, easier and most importantly, safer than ever before.
Safety chain attachment points are the means by which the safety chains are attached to the drawbar. These points must be located as near as practicable to the tow coupling. Where two points of attachment are required, they must be mounted one on either side of the centreline of the drawbar.

The VSB1 states “trailers over 2.5 tonnes and not exceed 3.5 tonnes ATM must have two safety chains of designation of 3500kg complying with Australian Standard AS4177.4-1994 or Australian Standard AS4177.4-2004”.

In our opinion, fitting these chains by hammerlock shackles onto the Ark XO Series Coupling Base Plate is a safer alternative to welding half a link to the drawbar as both the hammerlock shackles and the XO Series Coupling Base Plate are rated and tested accordingly in comparison to a half link weld which could not have proper penetration between two surfaces.