Toad

[Mrmac1]

Northcoach on the Gold Coast is where we bought our A frame

Darryl

[TigerMK1]

I have now changed the brake light circuit (for when the toads driving) from always on to only on when the key is. I then found the steering lock is non existant. I think this is common with 4wd that have power steering as well as theft scenerios. My question is, the instructions to key the toad so the steering lock is off is the only reason for having the key turned? Now that I do not have to leave the key turned for this to happen, I can connect up the a frame, the wiring connection and the brake actuater connection and it is all good with no key in the ignition?

Please inform me if I have this all wrong, or even slightly stuffed up

[T1 Terry]

Sounds right Steven, removing the steering lock pin is a common mod, especially on vw kombi's and HQ to Z Holdens, it was a real pain in the butt.

[TigerMK1]

An update, I sold the hitch & Go and bought a Blue OX unit. It came with safety cables that have S hooks with rubber keepers on each end. Are they Aus approved? I bought the Blue Ox from the USA. Their catalog shows the 7,500lb cables have S hooks and the 10,000lb cables have the locking hooks. I obviously have been supplied with the 7,500lb cables. I will change the hooks on the ends of the cables if required.

[BruceS]

I doubt anyone is going to tell you off but if it was me I'd put 'locking' ones on anyway.
Those catches that mountain climbers use or even the little shackles with screw in pins.

[TigerMK1]

Thanks for all the help. The system is up and working. Now some folk have told me that some inspectors want the standards attached to the A frame, the towbar and the baseplate. If this is so, I have the full manual from Blue Ox but nothing on the equipment. The towbar has the old manifactures logo.
I emailed the nearby agent for Blue Ox but they did not want to know me as I bought it in the USA.

Can anyone advise what they have experianced with using A frames, are the gemdames that pedantic? Does anyone have a aussie standards for the Blue Ox they can photo and send to me?
Steven

[Kelvin12]

I was told you needed the VIN's from the tow and the towed vehicle STAMPED on the 'A' frame. Plus keep all the documentation for the frame and the signature engineers certification on board for inspection if required.

I also don't have the Blue Ox engineering details, (bought mine 2nd hand) (but wouldn't mind getting a copy myself if possible). When I spoke with my engineer he was happy to have a look at it and certify the A frame along with the DIY hitch and tow bar. I did draw up some plans and posted them along to him prior to making anything.

Dirk

[Greynomad]

Thanks for all the help.
...are the gemdames that pedantic?
Does anyone have a aussie standards for the Blue Ox...
Steven

TigerMK1,
In answer to your questions:
1. Depends on which gendarmes you come across, and what their wives said the night before.
2. "Aussie standard", when related to anything registerable for road use, is an oxymoron... like "military intelligence".
I'm afraid my experiences driving in all states of Oz is that, when it comes to registration standards, we are still six colonies.

[SteveW]

Forgive me if I am wrong, (that would be something new) but in my case the a-frame is plated and I must carry the engineers certificate. It matters not what vehicle I tow with.

I'll leave it to yourselves as to whether being forgiven or being wrong is the answer .

[Kelvin12]

Depends on which state you reside in/register the vehicles. NSW says its to be stamped with both VIN's, tow and towed. I think Qld doesn't need any stampings. NSW with its double stamping sort of limits you to changing the toad, guess they expect you to change the A frame as well. Perhaps it all depends on how or where you stamp the numbers, maybe on a small welded plate like on some manufactured tow bars or stamp it into the parent metal. But in NSW you still need the up to date signature engineers certificate.

Dirk