Towing connections

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory requirement

1. A drawbeam fitted to a heavy vehicle, other than a tractor to which section 12-4 applies or a recovery service vehicle, does not have evidence of certification to NZS 5446, ie

a) the drawbeam was fitted before the last CoF inspection, and after 1 January 1997, and no LANDATA record has been entered,

Note Before 1 January 1997 certification was required but for inspection purposes the LANDATA record need not be checked

or

b) the drawbeam was fitted after the last CoF inspection and

i. a valid LT400 form has not been presented, or

ii. the HVS certifier was not of category HVET or HMTD, or

c) there is no valid certification label or plate attached to the vehicle as required in Table 12-3-1.

2. The certification label or plate:

a) is not indelible, or

b) is illegible, or

c) is not complete, or

d) is not attached to the drawbeam in an easily visible position, or

e) does not match the vehicle, or

f) has obvious signs of tampering, or

g) has expired.

Mandatory equipment

3. A hook- or pin-type coupling does not have a locking device or a separate means of retaining this device in the locked position.

Condition and performance

4. A towing connection component is:

a) damaged, deformed, cracked or has significantly deteriorated, or

b) worn beyond manufacturer’s specifications, or

c) not securely attached, or

d) missing, or

e) not mounted in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.

5. The towing pin diameter is worn to less than (Note 1):

a) 36.4mm for a 40mm pin, or

b) 46.4mm for a 50mm pin.

6. A towing hook, pin or ball has been repaired or welded.

7. Towing connection components fitted to a vehicle must ensure that a secure connection can be maintained between the towing and towed vehicles under all conditions of loading and operation for which the vehicle was constructed.

8. A drawbeam is sliding or adjustable.

9. Locking of the coupling is not readily verifiable by visual inspection.

10. A coupling locking device is in such condition that it is not effective.

Revoked certifications

11. A drawbeam fitted to a heavy vehicle was last certified by Peter Wastney (PW) of Peter Wastney Engineering Ltd (for sample plates see Figure 12-3-2).

12. A drawbeam fitted to a heavy vehicle was last certified by Patrick Chu (ZC) of Transport and Structure Ltd (for sample plates see Figure 12-3-2).

Modification and repair

(see Note 4)

13. A modification or repair affects the drawbeam and:

a) the modification is not for the purpose of law enforcement or the provision of emergency services, or

b) is missing proof of HVS certification, ie the vehicle has been modified or repaired, and:

i.no LANDATA record has been entered, or

ii. no valid LT400 form from a HVS Certifier of category HVET or HMTD has been presented.

Table 12-3-1. Minimum information on drawbeam certification label/plate

*Prior to 1 December 2016 the engineer's job file number could have been used instead of the LT400 number.

**If these values are not applicable, ‘N/A’ must be used (from 1 October 2020). Prior to 1 October 2020 the plate may have a blank space or a zero, nil or N/A value.

For example:

• hinged drawbars do not have a vertical load rating
• most pintle hooks/eyes do not have a D value.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002
• Land Transport Rule: Heavy Vehicles 2004
• New Zealand Standard 5446: 1987, Code of Practice for Heavy Motor Vehicle Towing Connections: Drawbar Trailers
• New Zealand Standard 5446: 2007, Heavy Vehicle Towing Connections – Drawbeams and Drawbars.

Mandatory requirement

1. A drawbeam fitted to a vehicle used in a combination, (other than a tractor to which section 12-4 applies or a recovery service vehicle) must comply and be certified to NZS 5446.

Mandatory equipment

2. A hook- or pin-type coupling must have an effective locking device and a separate means of retaining this device in the locked position.

Condition and performance

3. Towing connection components fitted to a vehicle must ensure that a secure connection can be maintained between the towing and towed vehicles under all conditions of loading and operation for which the vehicle was constructed.

4. A drawbeam used for towing a full trailer must not be sliding or adjustable.

5. Locking of the coupling must be readily verifiable by visual inspection.

Modification and repair

6. A modification or repair that affects the drawbeam must be inspected and certified by an HVS certifier of category HVET or HMTD.