Over the past few years there have been numerous postings on all the Cavavaning Forums in relation the whether Trailer Safety Chains are required to be crossed when two are fitted.
The general consensus was that it was a legal requirement to cross chains in NSW and only a recommendation in all the other states.
I, like many others went along with this assumption as being factual.
Yestereday after reading another thread it dawned on me that I had never actually seen any legislation or regulation that required chains to be crossed.

I spent a good part of today (Saturday) surfing the web trying to find the appropriate regulation, but to no avail.
The best I could find was a publication from the NSW RTA titled
'Towing Trailers'
Things you should know.
Ref: RTA/Pub 05.165 August 2005.
This document makes no reference to any Act or Regulation.

Unless any member can post the correct Act or Regulation that requires the two chains to be crossed I must conclude that it is not a legal requirement in NSW, but only a recommedation.
If any member can put their finger on any info, please post the URL.
Cheers, ozjohn.

John, i have the relevant ADR and will browse it now to find any mention of crossing chains.

Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 1999
Road Transport Reform (Vehicles and Traffic) Act 1993

158 Drawbar couplings
(1) A coupling for attaching a trailer, except a semi-trailer or
pole-type trailer, to a towing vehicle must be built and fitted
so:
(a) the coupling is equipped with a positive locking
mechanism; and
(b) the positive locking mechanism can be released regardless
of the angle of the trailer to the towing vehicle.
(2) If the trailer is in a combination and is not fitted with
breakaway brakes in accordance with rule 133 (3), it must be
connected to the towing vehicle by at least 1 chain, cable or
other flexible device, as well as the coupling required by
subrule (1).
(3) The connection must be built and fitted so:
(a) the trailer is kept in tow if the coupling breaks or
accidentally detaches; and
(b) normal angular movement of the coupling is permitted
without unnecessary slack.
(4) If practicable, the connection must be built and fitted so the
drawbar of the trailer is prevented from hitting the ground if
the coupling accidentally detaches.

ADR 62/02 2007

14.3. ‘Drawbars’– Safety Chains
14.3.1. Safety chains must be affixed to a substantial structural member on every
trailer that is not fitted with an ‘Emergency Brake System’ in accordance
with ADR 38/… Trailer Brake Systems and on every ‘Drawbar’ of a
rigid ‘Drawbar’ trailer except a ‘Converter Dolly’.
14.3.1.1. For trailers over 2.5 tonnes ‘ATM’, there must be two safety chains fitted
for connection to the towing vehicle. Each safety chain must meet
separately the strength requirements of clause 14.3.1.2 or 14.3.1.3.
14.3.1.2. For trailers up to 3.5 tonnes ‘ATM’, the safety chain must comply with
AS 4177.4 - 2004 Safety chains up to 3500 kg capacity; or
14.3.1.2.1. be a safety cable with a certified load capacity not less than that of a
chain complying with AS 4177.4 - 2004.
14.3.1.3. For trailers over 3.5 tonnes ‘ATM’, the safety chain must be made from
steel of a minimum 800 MPa breaking stress, conforming to the
mechanical properties of Grade T chain as specified in AS 2321 - 2001
Short Link Chain for Lifting Purposes and must be of a size such that the
minimum breaking load exceeds the ‘ATM’, or a size as shown in Table
1.

the RACQ advises the crossing of chains is essential as it act as a cradle if the van jumps off the towball stopping it from hitting the bitumen and damaging the coupling.

only what we were told and not my opinion.

Cheers Rod

Dunaruna,
Ta! The above is covered by VSB1 and ARD62/01 & 62/01, but makes no reference to 'Crossing information that specifiis specific to crossing chains, I'll have to assume it's nothing but a Furphy.
Hope you and the family celebrate a wonderful festive season.
Cheers, ozjohn.

Rod, Yes Mate.
Like the other States, but it's a recommendation only, not law.
Cheers, ozjohn.

hi out there
i did a mock detachment in my back yard,i put the tug just beside the van aframe, put a trolly jack under a frame,hooked up both chains to tug in the crossed position and lowered van as if it came off,when the van lowers the chains go down with the van, witch in actual fact the van coupling falls into the crossed chains and van coupling hits the ground,step 2 shorten chains,lower van coupling falls in crossed chains dosent hit ground marked chains hooked van on properly rehook chains where marked jacknife van,checking chains as i go chains to short,theory of crossing chains in my experiance does not work.you cant win one way to short other to long

lance c

i cross my chains for the hell of it BUT i have to leave mine a little loose to compensate us making tight turns in tight spots.

But Law... i believed it was law in WA but its only hearsay.

Cheers Rod

G'day John,
I too have looked as much as I could, and haven't found any "law" that states you must have the chains crossed, Just yesterday I recieved our copy of, The national CARAVAN and recreational vehicles TOWING GUIDE, and looked through that, it too states "if two (chains) are required they should be crisscrossed to prevent the forward end of the drawbar from hitting the ground if the coupling becomes detached" but it makes no mention of any specific law or regulation, as it does for other things mentioned in the guide.
Frank
PS if anyone requires a copy of the towing guide, please click on the link below and order your free copy
http://www.towingguide.com.au/