Tow Legal - Tow Safe

Couplings

The coupling is a safety critical item, be it the coupling mounted on the towing vehicle or the one on the trailer.

Pictured above is the worst example seen on any one combination during the course of the events.

The trailer mounted over-run coupling (left photograph) is unacceptably worn in many areas:

• The coupling head to draw-tube joint is loose and worn;
• The engagement of the coupling head on the coupling ball is inadequate;
• The draw-tube gaiter is totally ineffective; and
• The draw-tube bushes within the coupling housing are excessively worn (which will impede brake actuation).

In addition, there is no break-away cable in evidence.

Break-away Cables and Secondary Couplings.

At some stage in it's life, the vehicle coupling (right photograph) has been attacked by a grinder, possibly in an attempt to remove a trailer that was locked onto it with a security device. The coupling is obviously much weaker than originally.

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