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1st order by Jody from QLD
In-Vehicle Battery Monitor - Suits BreakSafe 6000 Breakaway Systems
$104.20
$65.95
Knowing your van's limits and legal requirements is important for an enjoyable holiday, but more importantly, a safe one. While some laws may differ from state to state, the common brake thresholds used for caravans and trailers up to 4,500kg are based on GTM, or Gross Trailer Mass.
These are the national light-trailer requirements in Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 (Revision 6), published by the Australian Government in August 2026. VSB1 requires an efficient braking system; it does not say the system must specifically be electric. The GTM is shown on a compliance plate, which is usually located on the drawbar. If you are checking registration, insurance, a modified trailer or interstate travel, also confirm current state or territory requirements.
Override brake systems are commonly found on trailers, camper trailers, and older caravans. They use the force applied against a slowing tow vehicle through the coupling to apply the brake, the same way pulling the handbrake would.
Below: hydraulic override, mechanical override, offroad override.
Most caravans use electric brakes because they offer good control and allow braking response to be adjusted for the load and conditions. However, electric brakes are not the only possible compliant system. For trailers over 2,000kg GTM, the legal requirements are performance-based: brakes on all wheels, operation from the driver's seating position, and automatic breakaway.
On an electric-brake setup, the controller should be installed so the driver can operate the manual control while driving. Use an auto electrician if your tow vehicle is not already wired for electric trailer brakes, or if you are unsure which plug pins and wiring are used on your vehicle.
Below: standard electric coupling, AKS electric coupling, offroad electric coupling.
A breakaway system is a safety device that automatically applies a trailer's brakes if it separates from the tow vehicle. On the common electric-brake setup, a unit is mounted on the trailer and connected to the tow vehicle with a cable that activates the brakes if the trailer uncouples.
For trailers over 2,000kg GTM, VSB1 requires automatic breakaway braking that remains applied for at least 15 minutes. Because braking requirements are legal and safety critical, confirm any additional registration or operating requirements with your state or territory road authority.
The breakaway control unit is fitted to the caravan or trailer. The breakaway switch is mounted to the A-frame. The switch holds a pin on the end of a cable, which is then connected to the tow vehicle.
On an electric-brake breakaway system, separation pulls the pin from the switch and applies the trailer brakes. Some systems may also activate the brake lights. After a test or accidental pull, the usual reset is to push the pin back into the switch, then test that the system is still working correctly.
The breakaway cable needs a secure attachment point on the tow vehicle so it can pull the pin if the van separates. Do not rely on a loose safety-chain loop or a point that would separate with the towbar assembly. If you are not sure where to attach it on your vehicle, check with the towbar manufacturer, service agent, or road authority guidance.
Previously, from 2007 to 2016, it was mandatory in NSW to have a remote monitor for the breakaway system. It is now generally treated as a recommendation by Transport for NSW rather than a blanket NSW requirement. Many people still believe they are a good idea to have and most caravan manufacturers would recommend having one.
The monitor is installed near the driver and gives a visual and audible warning if the breakaway battery has low charge, helping confirm the system will work if the caravan or trailer separates.
Remote monitors can be purchased separately to suit many existing breakaway systems.
Currently there is not a remote monitor available for the Tekonsha breakaway system.
R.V. Electronics is a South Australian company that started in 1995. It has established itself as a benchmark in the design and manufacture of electronic products for the caravan and camping industry. The monitor is purchased separately.
Coast to Coast released the Tow-Secure breakaway kit, inspired by the remote battery monitor requirement that previously applied in NSW. This kit contains a wireless battery monitor which not only removes the need for expensive auto-electrician installation, but also means it can be easily swapped between cars, removing the need for multiple monitors and installations.
Camec has also brought out its own breakaway kit. It is the most economical and fills the gap in the market. The monitor is purchased separately.
Can a breakaway unit use the caravan battery?
Some systems have their own dedicated battery and some are wired into the caravan battery system. Follow the wiring diagram for the exact breakaway kit fitted to your van. If changing from one style to another, use an auto electrician.
Does the tow vehicle plug need to be changed?
That depends on the trailer wiring, brake controller, charging requirements and plug style. Do not assume a standard 7-pin plug supplies everything a breakaway system or battery monitor needs. Have the tow vehicle and van wiring checked together.
If a breakaway system is fitted under 2,000kg GTM, do I have to use it?
This is a legal and insurance question, not just a parts question. If the manufacturer fitted the system, keep it maintained and connected unless your road authority, insurer, or caravan manufacturer confirms otherwise.
Should the breakaway switch be tested?
Yes. Pulling the pin should activate the brakes, and pushing the pin back in should reset the switch. If the brakes do not apply, stop and have the switch, battery, wiring and brake controller checked before towing.
Fast delivery. Great communication
I cannot recommend Caravans Plus highly enough! I placed an online order and drove all the way from Queensland to collect it. There was a slight mix-up on my end regarding the payment—they had noted "cash on pick-up" to help save me from bank fees, which was incredibly thoughtful, but I hadn’t realised and brought my card instead. They weren't phased at all and immediately switched it over to card without a worry. One piece of my order happened to be missing, but because they knew I had travelled so far, they posted it out to me for free. The team provided amazing, friendly, and helpful service, offering heaps of great advice on products for our camper van build. Absolute legends—thank you!
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