WTB - AU approved boat trailer couplers [Archive] - Ausfish fishing Australia, Australian Angling Forums

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WRM

13-05-2011, 12:08 AM

We are a US builder of boat trailers. We are looking for a new supplier of 2000kg/override and 3500kg electric/hyd brake couplers for use with our trailers intended for export. We are also looking for a new supplier of lights that conform to the ADRs. I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks

Rob Marsh
wyerivermarine.com

lethal098

13-05-2011, 02:02 PM

try these guys
http://www.vehiclecomponents.com.au/content/contentDetails.asp?ContentID=456

Cheers Lee

scottishguy

13-05-2011, 02:47 PM

Can't help you with your enquiry Rob but I am interested in importing a US trailer. Can you send me a PM with some prices for an AU spec alluminium trailer? It's for a Seaswirl Striper 2101DC.

Moonlighter

13-05-2011, 02:50 PM

Hi Rob

In case you haven't seen it yet, here's a link to the Australian Government's "Vehicle Standards Bulletin VSB1" that sets out the requirements re trailers - covers lights, couplings, VIN numbers and manufacturer plates etc etc - everything you need to cover to get a trailer registered by the Transport authorities here in Aus.

Couple of things to note for trailers you build for the Australian market that are mentioned in the standard:

On your VIN plate you'll need to include a statement that the trailer was manufactured to comply with the Australian reg's.

Also, the full VIN number has to be stamped or otherwise marked permanently into the trailer frame.

http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/vsb1/index.aspx

Hope this helps.

As to suppliers of Aus standard couplings, lights, brake components, jockey wheels etc etc etc, I'd also recommend that you have a look at Trojan Trailer Parts - they are good quality gear, most of which is made in New Zealand rather than some of the rubbish made in China. See:

http://www.trojanparts.com.au/index.asp?PageID=2145830312

Also, ALKO are big suppliers of the sort of gear you atr looking for too:

http://www.alko.com.au/vehicle-technology/

Cheers

ML

Chimo

13-05-2011, 04:10 PM

Hi Rob

If you going to fit elec / hyd brakes just keep it simple and effective and use these
http://www.carlislebrake.com/products/trailer-brake-actuators/#hydrastarsupregsupactuator

Cheers
Chimo

wrxhoon

13-05-2011, 10:25 PM

Rob ,
This mob have the couplings you are after and they will ship to USA, they have the overide ( surge ) for up to 2000, solid 50mm up to 3.5 t and 70mm up to 4.5 t.
http://www.etrailerparts.com.au/index1.html?c297.html&1
From experiance, the other stuff that doesn't comply with ADR is: clearance lights, one dual coloured on each side ( showing amber from the front and red from rear), reflectors, amber on the sides, white on the front of the guard ( fender) and red at the rear, you don't need the rear one if the light has a reflector. You must use a wire for earth from the tow vehicle to the trailer, not allowed to use the towball. so you need a minumum of 5 stands to the trailer without electric brakes. the fenders on USA built trailers need mudflaps as they are not close enough to the ground. You can use mechanical brakes for trailers up to 2000 kg ATM on one axle only. Anything above 2000 kg you need brakes on all wheels and a brakeaway system that will hold on for a minimum of 15 minutes ( 9 ah battery is fine but not 5 ah) .
Stuff you use in USA and don't need here: You don't need front indicators, the only lights you need are the rear combo and a rear number plate light for the right side ( you can use a combo light that has lear light pointing the road . You don't need the rear centre red lights you use there either. Of course you would know the trailer max width is 2.5 mtrs (98 1/4" ). fender to fender.
You can use Hydrastar, Dexter or Brakerite, they all comply , even Sensa-brake.

ADr complient lights can be bought here :http://led-catalogue.ledautolamps.com/Olive/ODE/ledtech/

I use the 200 BRP , not the cheapest around but very good lights and toataly waterproof . If you contact the company I'm sure they will supply you .

You need a builders plate but all USA built trailers I have seen have them , then we put an Aussie plate here with the details copied from of your plate , the only thing the USA plates don't have on them is the trailer tareweight . I know you have the GVWR and the load but we have to have the tareweight and the GVWR or ATM.

cormorant

14-05-2011, 12:39 AM

Rob - check with the USA distributers and the Aussie distributers of the electric over hydraulic braking systems as a couple of brands keep serial numbers of the ones sold locally for warranty purposes and they only certify them as being to the Aussie standard and suitable. I think they are identical in 1 case but not sure in others but it isn't only to stop parallel importing as they have had to have local engineers certify them or a USA engineer do so.

You not going to like the Aussie prices - just not enough competition and often only a east and west coast master distribution so no competition.

Only commenting as I wouldn't want to see a client have a warranty/ service issue or a insurance hassle for a brake controller not complianced or whatever. If the USA will sell direct to you the exact version and offer international support or warranty etc etc go for it.

Tyres must have the correct markings and ratings as well.
Safety chain/s must be rated and corectly attached.

http://www.hydrastar.com.au/
http://www.titanbrakes.com.au/hydraulic_brake_actuators.php
http://www.trailerbrakes.com.au/index1.html?2445.html&1
http://www.alko.com.au/al-ko-australia/locations/
http://www.camec.com.au/
http://www.arkcorporation.com/Products/View-all-products.html

Happy reading

PS

Are your prices alloy or gal prices ?

WRM

14-05-2011, 01:14 AM

White Pointer

17-05-2011, 10:11 PM

Thanks everyone for your help. I will contact these maufacturers and see what deals can be made.

PS: Anyone know of any good freight deals coming our way? I need to get a pallat load of couplers shipped from SA to Baltimore, MD, USA.

Rob Marsh
rm@wyerivermarine.com

G'day,

You have probably got buckleys chance of buying anything out of OZ at prices you want to pay. The A$ is so strong against the US$ these days that our manufacturers can't compete anymore. You might suggest to any Australian exporter that they apply to the Government for an export assistance grant. That might reduce your price and keep a couple of Australians in a job.

Regards,

White Pointer

WRM

19-05-2011, 07:43 AM

White Pointer,

Thank you for your suggestions. We have spoke to a few suppliers and pricing is high but within budget. I will mention the export assistance program to them also. That could be a great help. Our biggest problem is paying to freight a container load of couplers over to the States.

Rob Marsh
rm@wyerivermarine.com

tunaticer

19-05-2011, 08:30 PM

You may also need to include a selection of hubs to fit common Australian trailer wheels as well.
Holden stud patterns are very common here, I do not know if they match anything over there.

wrxhoon

19-05-2011, 10:13 PM

I wouldn't worry about Holden , most trailers use Ford in Au and same in USA, stick to Ford . they have bigger bearings than Holden as well , US ford bearings are bigger than Aussie Ford. Ford have 1/2 " studs Holden have 7/16".

20-05-2011, 04:27 PM

if you where smart about it you wouldn't be buying components from AU you would buy them from NZ. Same stuff same major AU companies. NZ dollar not as strong against the US. Freaight would also be cheaper.

cormorant

20-05-2011, 10:37 PM

Here is a link that references the AS ( australian standard) that the fittings must meet. Always worth checking if it is the latest version as well or documents stating that. Always worth checking relevant standards have been made law as they keep updating them but many take forever to actually go into law. We are a weird little big country with far too many rules..

I have seen some american fittings certified by Aussie engineers that they meet AS YYY to get them through blue slip and rego. Like everything it doesn't matter till there is a failure and insurers go looking to appoint blame so not sure I want to be that enginner . I am not sure of the formal process but some USA tow gear is great quality and well made on the surface exceeding the standards.. Perhaps ask your USA supplier of USA hitches if he can confirm their engineering complies document have it tested if required and stamp a batch accordingly for you for export- no currency risk , local supplier etc etc etc.

http://www.cyberhorse.net.au/safetowing/couplings.htm

ADR - aussie design Rules

6.
Tow Couplings – 50mm Ball Type Coupling Body Markings (up to 3500kg ATM) - (VSB 1 Section 16)
6.1.
Clause 12.4 of ADR 62 provides for two marking options for 50mm Coupling Bodies:
Option 1
Australian Standards “AS 4177-2004 Caravan and towing components”
Markings complying with AS 4177-2004 shall be legibly and permanently marked with the following information (characters must be no less than 5mm in height):
a)
The manufacturer's name or trademark;
b)
The mark ‘50’ to indicate the size of towball for which it is intended;
c)
Maximum rating in kilograms, e.g. 750kg, or 2000kg, or 3500kg;
d)
A code to indicate serial number, batch, production date, or similar; and
e(i)
The words ‘DO NOT WELD’ if the coupling is manufactured from non-weldable material;
or
e(ii)
The words 'WELD ONLY' if the coupling body is specifically designed to be attached by welding only.
Option 2
“Clause 12.4 of ADR 62 “Mechanical Connection Between Vehicles”
Markings complying with Clause 12.4 must be marked with the following:
a)
The manufacturer's name or trademark;
b)
Maximum allowable ATM rating in kilograms, e.g. 750kg, or 2000kg, or 3500kg; and
c)
The words “use with model (identified model)”.

WRM

21-05-2011, 04:58 AM

Comorant,

Thanks for your comments. I have read the ADRs. We are currently working with a few AU & NZ coupler suppliers as well as few US coupler suppliers to provide us with AU approved couplers.

Although the AU trailer manufacturers build a great trailer I can't say I'm overly impressed with the cast 3500kg couplers. I think the US 2 5/16 coupler is much more beefy and will fatigue less over time. Maybe we will be allowed to use them in AU in the near future. Sure would make things easier. All we would have to do is ship a ball with each trailer.

Note US 2 5/16 trailer coupler photo at link below.

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_IGajel_6VOGF-qdLTBr6Ak_jYwpeGMxfvdHLp4H7D4?feat=directlink

Note link to one of our larger trailers below.

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ruUnSP98yoWpytDgaotEP9y1Rt2kvBgAqIGFE0dBNIw?feat=d irectlink

Rob Marsh
rm@wyerivermarine.com

O-3

21-05-2011, 05:04 AM

I agree rob, it is ridiculous that we can't use the stronger pressed couplings over here.
I find it bizarre! :hammer:

21-05-2011, 09:49 AM

wrxhoon

21-05-2011, 09:54 PM

I hope this doesn't happen, the pressed coupling's are no where as good as our cast ones. every US trailer that we re build (and we do a heap for many different reasons) the first thing our customers want is for as to get rid of the coupling and put on a real coupling.

Rest assured the USA made pressed steel couplings never break, I have seen some of the Aussie cast break( by the way they are made in China). The old Aussie made cast couplings were much better.

WyeRiverMarine,
Nothing stopping you using pressed couplings as long as they are rated and ADR approved , it will take you a little time and effort to have them approved .
The 2" couplings you have there can be adjusted for 50mm balls as there are only .8 mm larger .

cormorant

22-05-2011, 12:22 AM

Look at some of the trailer couplings designed in Australia for trailers and 4wd and you will see some stength and innovation ( and some crap). Ok so they aren't as cheap but mass produce them and trailer rattle, ball wear etc etc all disappear. Some are good for antitheft as well.

WRM

22-05-2011, 05:57 AM

I hope this doesn't happen, the pressed coupling's are no where as good as our cast ones. every US trailer that we re build (and we do a heap for many different reasons) the first thing our customers want is for as to get rid of the coupling and put on a real coupling.

Pelagic,

I have been in the boat business for 40+ years and have never seen a US built stamped trailer coupler brake due to fatigue or outright failure. The next time you have to replace a coupler send me a photo. I might be able to get the manufacturer to cover under warranty.

Rob Marsh
rm@wyerivermarine.com

22-05-2011, 02:54 PM

Pelagic,

I have been in the boat business for 40+ years and have never seen a US built stamped trailer coupler brake due to fatigue or outright failure. The next time you have to replace a coupler send me a photo. I might be able to get the manufacturer to cover under warranty.

Rob Marsh
rm@wyerivermarine.com

Hi Rob,

I also have never seen one brake, its just that Australians don't like them for what ever reasons it may be.

O-3

23-05-2011, 01:51 AM

Hi Rob,

I also have never seen one brake, its just that Australians don't like them for what ever reasons it may be.

The reason they don't like them is they are not ADR, they have to be changed by law as far as I'm aware.

23-05-2011, 12:41 PM

The reason they don't like them is they are not ADR, they have to be changed by law as far as I'm aware.

The ones that we have replaced have been ADR as far as i know.

O-3

25-05-2011, 03:03 AM

I didn't know that there are pressed couplings that are ADR, I thought all ADR couplings must be cast.

If anyone finds a good pressed model please post do I can use one on my next trailer.

Dodgy_Back

25-05-2011, 09:14 AM

I had an American coupler on my trailer, I thought it was great. But had some issues with the brakes so ended up changing the lot.

The Oz approved gear looks stone age compared to the stuff from America.

The sooner some one gets the American gear approved the better .

25-05-2011, 10:43 AM

I have never herd one good comment about the US couplings, Until this thread. Strange how different parts of the country think isn't it.
It would be interesting to hear what some of the big AU trailer manufactures think of them. I know we will never fit one to our trailers even if the customer insisted on it, they wont fit our draw bars.