Quote Originally Posted by MB View Post
Awesome information, Cheers All Blokes!!
I’m assuming “side loading” is why we should only ever use rated ‘bow’ shackles for recovery. Is it still ok to use rated ‘D’ shackles for trailer safety chains? Some trailer configurations we’ve got can’t seem to fit bows only longer shanked D’s I guess their called?


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Bow shackles by design are made not only to fit wider straps / gear on them but to allow them to take a side load.
A D shackle should only be used straight on and are not designed for a side load.

Rated D shackles on a trailer are fine as as per what ET posted the link to above as long as its rated.
They say this:
"A Bow shackle will provide flexibility for greater angular movement compared to a “D” shackle."
So merely a recommendation that bow shackles should be used where possible.

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