Tow ball failure claims another life

[ablast]

It's funny how much emphasis is put on on rated D shackles. I wonder what the sheer rating on a tow ball is or if there is even a standard?

[mudski]

I dont believe their is one. As they are designed for load stress. Not sheer...

[the evil twin]

It's funny how much emphasis is put on on rated D shackles. I wonder what the sheer rating on a tow ball is or if there is even a standard?

Yes there is, specifically A.S. 4177

Towballs are required to pass sheer testing as follows
3.1.4.4 Test Procedure for 50mm Coupling Balls
The test coupling ball shall be attached to the test fixture representing the towbar tongue or lug according to the manufacturers instructions and a longitudinal static force of 66 kN applied through a correctly adjusted coupling body of sufficient capacity.
NOTE: This testing force in kN is 2.27 t x g x 3 test load factor

Bottom line is that to meet ADR's a 50mm Towball cannot deform or sheer below 66kN

[MudRunnerTD]

I will just leave this here





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