Sure, you can build your own trailer, but registering it for on-road use is very difficult.
From strict engineering processes to destructive testing standards, VTA's (Vehicle type approvals) and more, obtaining a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for these trailers can be time-consuming and costly.
From 1st July 2023, all trailers need to meet full compliance to relevant the Australian Design Rules (ADRs).
Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 (VSB1) will no longer be accepted as an alternate method of compliance for new trailers.
TMR (Transport Main Roads) specifies these rules and regulations in their Bulletin: Trailers Aggregate Trailer Mass 4.5 Tonnes or Less.
Read below for our summary of this document for an easy reference to the regulations involved in building your own Pig trailer.
TRAILER REGISTRATION
No Part of the registration plate may be more than 1300mm from the ground.
No part of the trailer can obscure any part of the registration plate
Registration plate lights must be fitted.
The lamp must illuminate the registration plate with whitelight
No light from the lamp may be directed rearwards.
TRAILER MAXIMUM DIMENSIONS
LENGTH
Pig Trailers
- Maximum drawbar length: 8500mm
- Maximum rear overhang: 3700mm or length of the front load space, whichever is smaller
- Maximum length: 12,200mm
WIDTH
- Maximum width: 2500mm, Overall width includes mudguards, side mounted spare wheels, side mounted racks, and awnings, but does not include lamps required for compliance, permanently affixed load restraint devices, or tyre pressure and inflation devices.
HEIGHT
- Maximum height: 4300mm
- Maximum height for livestock trailers: 4600mm
Additionally, the document specifies that all trailers must have a running clearance of 100mm or greater.
TRAILER LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Trailers must have compliant lamps and reflectors that are appropriate for their specific location and use.
- Lamps and reflectors must be fitted according to the provided instructions.
- No part of the trailer or its equipment should obstruct the lamp output or obscure the reflectors.
- Lamps on a trailer must operate in conjunction with the corresponding lamps on the towing vehicle.
- Pairs of lamps or reflectors must be spaced equality on either side of the centerline of the trailer
ESSENTIAL LIGHTING:
All trailers must be fitted with:
- Rear Position lamps
- Rear brake lamps
- Rear indicator lamps
- Rear reflectors
- Rear registration plate lamp
- Front reflectors
- Side reflectors
Trailers longer than 4000mm and wider than 1600mm, or 1800mm, must also have front position lamps.
Trailers wider than 2100mm must have:
- Front and rear clearance lamps
- Side-marker lamps
Trailers longer than 6000mm must have side-marker lamps.
Trailers must be fitted with two rear tail lamps, brake lamps, indicator lamps, and reflectors.
The specific requirements for these include:
- Tail lamps: Red, 350mm minimum height, 1500mm maximum height, no more than 400mm from the trailer edge, minimum of 600mm apart.
- Brake lamps: Red
- Indicator lamps: Amber
- Reflectors: Red, 250mm minimum height, 900mm maximum height, no more than 400mm from the trailer edge, minimum of 600mm apart.
The lamps and reflectors must have specified geometric visibility angles to ensure they are seen from various perspectives.
TRAILER WIRING INSTALLATION
SUPPORT AND PROTECTION:
- Wiring must be supported at intervals not exceeding 600mm along it's length.
- Insulated at joints
- Located to prevent overheating or contact with moving parts
- Protect from chafing
- Edges of holes in metal through which wiring passes must be rolled or brushed with a rubber grommet or similar.
GROUND (EARTH) RETURN:
- An earth (ground) return wire must be provided between the trailer and it's tow vehicle.
PLUGS:
- Trailers up to 3500kg ATM must use 7 or 12-pin plugs that comply with Australian Standard AS 4177.5-2004
Pin Wiring Configuration:
7-pin plug:
- Pin 1: Left-hand indicator (Yellow)
- Pin 2: Reversing signal (Black)
- Pin 3: Earth (ground) return (White)
- Pin 4: Right-hand indicator (Green)
- Pin 5: Service brakes (Blue)
- Pin 6: Tail (stop) lamps (Red)
- Pin 7: Tail lamps, clearance lamps, and side-marker lamps (brown)
12-pin plug: Additional pins include battery supply, auxiliaries, and rear fog lamp circuits.
OTHER ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS:
- Electrical installation intended for connection to an AC power system other than the tow vehicle must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3001:2008
TRAILER BRAKE REQUIREMENTS
750KGS GTM AND UNDER
- Brakes are not required on trailers with a Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) of up to 750kg
OVER 750KG GTM:
- Trailers exceeding 750kg GTM must be equipped with an efficient service braking system.
OVER-RUN BRAKES:
- These may be used on trailers with a GTM up to 2000kg
AXLES REQUIREMENTS:
- Up to 2000kg GTM, brakes may be fitted to only one axle
- Over 2000kg GTM, brakes must operate on all wheels.
Emergency Braking System (Breakaway Brakes):
- Trailers over 2000kg GTM must be fitted with an efficient emergency braking system.
- This system must cause the immediate application for the brakes should the trailer become disconnected from the tow vehicle.
- The brakes must remain applied for at least 15 minutes under these circumstances.
EFFICIENCY OF BRAKE SYSTEM:
An efficient brake system may be demonstrated by:
- Test results to UN Regulation 13.
- Test results using the performance requirements applicable to trailers over 4.5 tonnes as identified in sections 8, 11, 12, 13,14 and 23 or ADR 38/05.
- Test results to the requirements determined by the manufacturer, which may be based on other international low ATM trailer braking regulations and/or on-road low ATM trailer braking regulations in Australia.
TRAILER DRAWBARS, SAFETY CHAINS, + COUPLINGS
DRAWBARS
Strength Requirements:
- Must withstand forces of longitudinal tension and compression, transverse thrust, and vertical tension and compression without residual deformation, breaks, cracks, or separation of components.
- Longitudinal tension and compression force: 1.5 x 9.81 x ATM (kg)
Fatigue Resistance:
- Strength and fatigue resistance may be demonstrated through approved calculation procedures
SAFETY CHAINS
General Requirements:
- Must be fitted to all trailers without an emergency brake system (breakaway brakes) and all trailers with rigid drawbars.
- Chains must comply with Australian Standard AS 4177.4-2004 for trailers up to 3500kg.
Trailers up to 2500kg ATM:
- Require at least one safety chain
- Chains must comply with AS 4177.4-2004
Trailers over 2500kg but not exceeding 3500kg ATM:
- Require two safety chains, compliant with AS 4177.4-2004 or safety cable with equivalent certified load rating.
Trailers over 3500kg ATM:
- Require two safety chains, made from steel of a minimum 800 MPa breaking stress, compliant with AS 2321-2001.
- Minimum breaking load of each chain must be greater than the trailer ATM with a minimum chain size of 6mm.
Attachment Points:
- Must be attached to a substantial structural member of the trailer and located near the trailer coupling.
- Must withstand longitudinal and vertical tension forces without residual deformation or component separation.
Markings:
- Chains must be marked with the manufacturer's identification, "4177", a hyphen, and two digits indicating the rating, repeated on every fourth link.
COUPLINGS
General Requirements:
- Must be quick release couplings with a positive locking mechanism and a separate means or automatically retaining the locked position, verifiable by visual examination.
- Applicable for trailers with an ATM up to 3.5 tonnes, and those between 3.5 tonnes and 4.5 tonnes.
50mm Ball Couplings:
- Must comply with Australian Standard AS4177.3-2004 for ball couplings.
- Must be marked with the manufacturer, trademark, "50" for the ball diameter, and the rating (750kg, 200kg, or 3500kg)
MUDGUARDS
FUNCTION
All trailer wheels must be fitted with wheel guards (mudguards) to:
- Prevent other road users against thrown up stones, mud, ice, snow and water.
- Help prevent people from contacting the moving wheels.
DESIGN
Mudguards can be formed by any of the following:
- The trailer's body structure.
- Specifically shaped covers over the wheels
- Mud-flaps
For trailers with two or more axles forming an axle group on each side:
- Separate mudguards may be fitted to each wheel.
- A single continuous mudguard covering all wheels may be fitted.
WIDTH
Mudguards must be wide enough to fully cover:
- The full width of the widest tyre and wheel combination that may be fitted by the manufacturer as options.
Note: For a dog trailer with steerable front wheels, the width requirement applies only with the wheels in the straight-ahead position.
LENGTH
Trailers with a GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) not over 3500 kg can comply with either of the two approaches below:
Approach 1:
- The mudguard must extend at least as far forward as a position indicated by a vertical line placed at the leading edge of the tyre.
- The mudguard must extend at least as far rearwards and downwards as a position indicated by a horizontal line placed 230mm above the road.
- Note: The 230mm rear clearance dimension can include the use of a mud flap. For off-road vehicles, this clearance can be increased to 300mm. This requirement does not apply if the mudguard extends to a point within an area formed by the ground and a line drawn at 20 degrees upwards from the contact point of the tyre with the ground.
These requirements are designed to ensure that mudguards effectively protect road users and prevent contact with moving wheels.
TRAILER WHEELS AND TYRES
REQUIREMENTS
All tyres fitted to the trailer must be of suitable specifications for the trailer's intended use. These specifications include size, speed rating, and load rating.
All wheels and tyres (including retreaded tyres) must comply with the appropriate Australian Design Rules (ADRs). These include:
- ADR 23/03 Passenger Car Tyres
- ADR 95/... Installation of Tyres
- ADR 96/... Commercial Vehicle Tyres
- ADR 42/... General Safety Requirements
TYRE PLACARD
- Trailers with a GTM not exceeding 3500kg must be fitted with a tyre placard.
- The placard must include at least the manufacturers recommended tyre size, tyre load rating, speed rating, and cold inflation pressure.
- The placard should be made of durable material and positioned where it can be easily seen.
WHEELS
- All wheels fitted to the trailer must be suitable with respect to their dimensions, speed, and load performance characteristics.
GENERAL TRAILER REQUIREMENTS
VEHICLE PLATE
- All trailers must have a durable vehicle plate, permanently attached by welding or riveting.
- The information must be embossed, indentend, etched or engraved in English, using block letters and numerals not less than 2.5mm high.
- The plate must include the manufacturer's name, or vehicle make, vehicle identification number (VIN), aggregate trailer mas (ATM), gross trailer mass (GTM), and tare mass.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN)
- All trailers must have a unique 17-character VIN that meets the requirements of ADR 61/03
- Some states require the VUN to be stamped onto a substantial part of the trailer (e.g. drawbar) for registration purposes. A secondary VIN is recommended in addition to the one on the vehicle plate.
CARRYING PASSENGERS
- Trailers must not be designed or used for carrying passengers.
PROJECTIONS
- All exterior fittings must be designed and attached to reduce the risk of injust. Exterior surfaces should not have pointed or sharp edges.
SEMI-TRAILER REAR UNDER-RUN IMPACT PROTECTION:
- Semi-trailers over 3500kg GTM must be equipped with rear under-run impact protection, consisting of a bumper meeting specific height and position requirements.
These requirements ensure the safety, structural integrity, and usability of trailers and caravans according to Australian standards.
TRAILER TESTING REQUIREMENTS + PROCEDURES
DRAWBAR STRENGTH + SAFETY CHAIN ATTACHMENT POINT STRENGTH:
TEST EQUIPMENT:
- A test rig that can accept the trailer or the relevant portion to which the drawbar is attached.
- Fixtures to restrain the trailer on the test rig during testing
- A loading device, such as a hydraulic cylinder, to apply test loads.
- Fixture to attach the loading device to the drawbar, typically a towing coupling of appropriate size.
- Force measurement devices like a pressure gauge or a load cell.
- Amplifiers and readout instruments to record test load versus time.
- Time measurement tools like a stopwatch.
TEST PROCEDURE:
Securely attach the trailer in its road-wise position to the test rig.
Apply test loads to the drawbar coupling as follows:
- Longitudinal tension and compression = 1.5 x aggregate trailer mass x 9.81.
- Transverse thrust = 0.5 x aggregate trailer mass x 9.81.
- For rigid drawbars, vertical tension and compression = 0.5 x aggregate trailer mass x 9.81.
Apply the following loads to each safety chain attachment point:
- Longitudinal tension load in Newtons = aggregate trailer mass x 9.81
- Vertical loads in Newtons = 0.5 x aggregate trailer mass x 9.81
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS:
Examine the drawbar and it's attachments to the trailer, and the safety chain attachments for any loss of attachment, distortion, or failure affecting the safe drawing of the trailer.
Reporting of Results:
Prepare a report describing the trailer and drawbar, the safety chain attachments tested, the loads imposed, and the results of the examination.
In conclusion, if you do choose to build your own trailer, we wish you the very best. Afterall, it's how we started!
Just be sure to read the full version of the document here.
If the above information looks too complicated for you and if you're thinking that building your own trailer might just be too big of a task...
Simply Get a Quote to let us do the hard work for you.
What's the difference? And why care?
A disconnected trailer is a dangerous, costly and sometimes deadly situation to be in. Read our quick guide on how to safely hitch your trailer to your tow vehicle.
Equipment and automotive theft is a rising issue amongst local businesses in recent times. Thieves always seem to find new ways to get to your goods, so it is always important to be prepared, whether that is within your property, or out of it. Below are some handy items that we recommend having on hand to keep your trailer and equipment safe and secure from theft: WHEEL CLAMP find out more here A wheel clamp is a great way to ensure your trailer is kept immobile on steep roads, but also to prevent unauthorised driveaways. The clamps are usually brightly coloured and are a great visual deterrent in parking lots, and an added security within a shed or warehouse HEAVY DUTY COUPLING LOCK find out more here A heavy duty coupling lock is the more subtle but effective way of quickly ensuring your trailer is safe from theft. Simply clamp the lock over the trailers coupling secure with the key. PARKING + SECURITY POSTS find out more here Parking and security posts are recommended to be used in company parking lots where the trailer has a permanent spot. These posts are ideally used overnight, where the posts are simply latched and locked into a concreted anchor point, securing the trailer. SECURITY CAMERAS Installing security cameras on your premises or temporary security on your jobsite are recommended to help deter thieves and capture footage of any incidents. ALARMS + MOTION SENSORS Alarms can be beneficial when installed on your trailer and equipment, these alarm systems can be a great deterrent to any unauthorised use and are a great way of alerting the driver immediately that something is wrong. This is especially helpful if the trailer is left on location overnight or has to be parked over a long period of time. You can also benefit from a GPS tracker on your trailer to increase the likelihood of your trailer being recovered on the occasion it is stolen, we recommend placing these tracking systems in a hard to reach, watertight location under the tray of the trailer. Although there are many ways of preventing trailer theft, it is important not to make your trailer an easy target for thieves. Especially while travelling through unknown towns to locations, it is important to keep the trailer attached to the main vehicle where possible to and to park only in well lit areas with high security. Drivers should also avoid: Leaving vehicles idling at rest stops or unmanned parking lots Unhitching trailers without security precautions Leaving load unchained or unmanned overnight Openly discussing the value of the trailer or cargo to strangers Keeping your trailer and cargo safe from theft should be greatly considered when purchasing a trailer for work away from your main business premises or where you'll be in low security areas. We hope that the above recommendations will help prepare you for boosting your business with an Ox Trailer.
A work truck has its advantages, but, in some cases, a trailer is the more logical option in terms of durability, ROI, and end-to-end capabilities. Let us tell you why.
Trailer load capacity, methods of manufacture, and drawbar configurations are some of the most important buying decisions to consider when looking at buying a trailer. With the road conditions deteriorating rapidly, costs of living/running a business increasing rapidly, and consumers demanding better value for their money; quality Australian built, and well designed trailers are becoming more and more of a “must have” in everyday trades people’s lives. Read on to find out more about what considerations you must take when buying a trailer. LOAD CAPACITY: All our trailers have been meticulously designed and engineered to withstand the load requirements and daily rigors all trailers are subjected to. Regardless of the ATM/GTM or who the end user might be we have never skimped out or taken short cuts in the strength of our trailers. Our trailers are one of the heaviest on the market and in our eyes, strength far outweighs the extra 100-200 kgs of extra payload claimed by most competitors and this is just one of the many reasons that we are a favorite. We use crossmembers every 300mm to reduce the chance of floor sheets bowing/bending, we also have increased the floor plate thickness typically used in the industry to 3.0mm unlike many competitors who use 1.6mm or 2.0mm floor sheets which do not stand up over time to the load requirements. MANUFACTURING METHODS: The method in which a trailer is manufactured plays an important role in the overall durability and lifespan of a trailer. Welding is not always best, neither is the use of bolts. If the trailer chassis is simply fully welded together, the joints won’t flex and can cause cracking and metal fatigue, hence why our chassis is a combination of both. Look for Fisch Plates (usually welded & located on joins) and gusset plates along drawbars for peace of mind. In some areas, bolts are ideal for added accessories when options are removable. When choosing a trailer with bolt on accessories, look for items such as nyloc nuts, spring washers, split pins and loc-tite bonding gel which help prevent the possibility of bolts from vibrating loose. TRAILER DRAWBAR CONFIGURATION: The basic configuration of the trailer’s drawbar is a key factor when it comes to the strength, durability, and usability of the trailer. Below are a few things to consider: Length of the Drawbar. A short trailer drawbar indicates not only weakness; it also affects the drivability and stability of the trailer when backing up or turning. A longer drawbar significantly adds to the overall strength and longevity and allows for a more reasonable turning radius and added clearance to the vehicle whilst backing up. A longer drawbar is also best for extending the distance from the tow vehicle rear axle to the front axle of the trailer, this allows for more stability and durability on the road. Axle Location The axle location is key for ensuring maximum load stability. Our axle set is placed deliberately rear of the center of the trailer for stable and safe load transportation unloaded or loaded. There are many indications to look for that show whether a trailer is well built or not, with the main three being the load capacity, manufacturing techniques used and the trailer drawbar configuration. With most trailers it can be obvious that it is cheaply built or poorly designed, but it is always a good idea to check over the main indications to ensure it will meet your hauling needs safely.
When choosing your trailer, one of the most critical decisions you'll make is selecting the right tire configuration for your Ox Trailer. Much like the heart of a machine, the tyres you choose significantly influence the overall performance and efficiency of these hauling powerhouses. In this blog, we will cover how your considerations of load capacity and tyre type, tyre maintenance and longevity, and climate and road conditions should impact your choice of tyre. LOAD CAPACITY AND TYRE TYPE: The journey to optimal performance starts with understanding your trailers' load capacity and the nature of your transportation tasks. A proper balance between load weight and tyre capacity is essential. Equally important is the type of tyre you choose. Consider the terrain your Ox Trailer will traverse - whether it's highways, construction sites, or off-road paths. Choose tyre types that align with your trailer's regular routes for enhanced durability and traction. See below for our handy guide for your optimal tyre choice; 16” 5 Stud Land Cruiser Wheel Load rating is 1400kg each. 235 / 75R16 Lt Tyre Load Rating is 1260kg each. Lt is a Light Truck tyre suitable for on road and minimal off-road use. These are perfect for urban roads and inner-city travel. 265 / 75R16 AT Maxxis Razr Tyre Load Rating is 1400kg each. AT is an All-Terrain tyre that is more suited for off-road tracks and hard to reach locations. These are perfect for mining sites, construction sites and agricultural use. TYRE MAINTENANCE AND LONGEVITY : Maintaining the right tyre pressure isn't just about preserving the rubber – it's about ensuring safe and efficient journeys. Regularly inspect and adjust tire pressure according to recommendations to prevent uneven wear, compromised handling, and decreased fuel efficiency. Moreover, investing in high-quality tires might be costlier upfront, but it pays dividends over time. Durable tires with extended tread life can reduce downtime and ensure smoother, safer rides for your Ox Trailer, ultimately contributing to your business's success. CLIMATE AND ROAD CONDITIONS: The environment your Ox Trailer will operate in plays a pivotal role in tire configuration. If your trailers brave muddy roads, we suggest the AT Maxxis Razr with their exceptional grip in slippery conditions. In hotter environments where hot bitumen work is common, opt for the Lt Tyres that can withstand high temperatures without sacrificing performance. Choosing the right tires for the specific challenges your trailers encounter ensures longevity, safety, and hassle-free performance on every journey. In conclusion, selecting the ideal tire configuration for your Ox Trailer requires careful consideration of load capacity, tyre type, maintenance, and environmental factors. By aligning these factors with your trailers' needs, you're not only enhancing performance but also investing in the safety and efficiency of your hauling operations. Just as a steed needs the right shoes to conquer any path, your Ox Trailer deserves the perfect tyres to carry them to victory on the road.
At Ox Trailers, our dedication to delivering the highest quality products drives us to explore innovative solutions for durable and reliable coating systems. In pursuit of this mission, we have developed a unique 3P certified coating system that surpasses surface-level considerations.
When it comes to running a successful business operation, having reliable equipment is crucial. This is especially true when it comes to trailers - after all, you need a trailer that can handle your heavy loads, adapt to your specific needs easily and safely, yet all while being able to withstand the toughest conditions. That's where Ox Trailers thrive!
In the world of transportation and logistics, having the right equipment is crucial for ensuring efficiency, productivity, and safety. When it comes to versatile and reliable trailers, Ox Trailers are a top choice for many professionals...
