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Important Facts About Brakes & Breakaway Kits

Article by Rob Smith - Caravans Plus
Read Time: 3 mins

Knowing your vans limits and legal requirements is not only important so you have an enjoyable holiday, but a safe one. While some laws may differ from state to state there are a few standardised nation wide. In this article we will be focusing on brake configuration. The minimum brake setup you require is determined by your GTM (Gross Trailer Mass).

  • 0 - 750kg loaded weight - no brakes required
  • 750 - 2000kg loaded weight - braking on both wheels on at least one axle either electric or override
  • 2001 - 4500kg loaded weight - electric braking on all wheels, and an automatic breakaway system.

    The GTM is shown on a compliance plate which is usually located on the drawbar.

    Override brakes

    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

    Override brake couplings

    Electric brakes

    Most caravans these days have electric brakes fitted as they offer greater control and allow the driver to change the resistance to match the driving conditions. Electric brakes are powered by a brake controller and by law it is required to be fitted within reach of the driver of the tow vehicle.

    Below: standard electric coupling, AKS electric coupling, offroad electric coupling

    Couplings

    Breakaway system

    A breakaway system is a safety device required by law to be fitted to caravan and trailers weighing more than 2000kg and equipped with electric brakes. A unit is mounted on the trailer and connected to the tow vehicle with a metal cord and in the event of uncoupling in transit, applies the electric brakes to the trailer/caravan. It must be capable of keeping the brakes engaged for at least 15 minutes.

    Brakeaway Control System

    How they work

    The breakaway control unit, which has its own battery, is fitted to the caravan/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. If the vehicle separates from the caravan the pin is pulled from the switch and the breakaway system will be engaged, applying the electric brakes and brake lights.

    Brakeaway Control System

    Remote Monitors for Breakaway System

    Previously (2007 -2016) it was mandatory in NSW to have a remote monitor for the Breakaway System. Now the remote monitor is only a recommendation by Transport NSW. 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 auditory warning if the battery has low charge, ensuring the system will work if the caravan or trailer separate.

    Remote monitors can be purchased separately to suit most existing brake-away systems.

    BreakSafe Remote Monitor - RM6000

    BreakSafe Remote Monitor - RM6000

    39 In Stock Now.
    $104.15
    $65.95
    View
    Tow Secure Wireless Remote Monitor - RX 2000

    Tow Secure Wireless Remote Monitor - RX 2000

    2 In Stock Now.
    $89.95
    View

    Currently there is not a remote monitor available for the Tekonsha breakaway system.

    R.V. Electronics is South Australia Company starting in 1995. It has established itself as a benchmark in design and manufacture of electronic products for the caravan and camping industry. The monitor is purchased separately.

    Breaksafe 6000 Breakaway System - Suit 2 & 4 Wheels Includes Battery

    Breaksafe 6000 Breakaway System - Suit 2 & 4 Wheels Includes Battery

    25 In Stock Now.
    $466.88
    $270
    View
    BreakSafe Remote Monitor - RM6000

    BreakSafe Remote Monitor - RM6000

    39 In Stock Now.
    $104.15
    $65.95
    View

    Coast to Coast have released the Tow-Secure breakaway kit, inspired by the new requirement of remote battery monitors in tow vehicles. 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.

    Tow Secure TS2000 Breakaway System - Includes Wireless Remote Monitor

    Tow Secure TS2000 Breakaway System - Includes Wireless Remote Monitor

    4 In Stock Now.
    $391.97
    $325
    View

    Camec has also bought out its own breakaway kit. It is the most economical and fills the gap in the market. The monitor is purchased separately.

    Camec Breakaway System MKII - Suit Single or Tandem Axles - Includes Battery

    Camec Breakaway System MKII - Suit Single or Tandem Axles - Includes Battery

    $165
    View

    Was this helpful?

  • 22 Comments

    • comment-avatar

      Cliff

      Where is the breakaway cable to be connected to to vehicle

    • comment-avatar

      Neville Howard

      It must be attached to the vehicle chassis. Not the tow bar.

    • comment-avatar

      Arthur

      8.4. ‘Emergency Brake Systems’ that employ ‘Stored Fluid Energy’ to hold them in the release position must be provided with an auxiliary release mechanism that is not dependent on fluid energy provided by the tow vehicle. The auxiliary device, control or tool must be attached to the trailer chassis rail, or equivalent structure, in an inconspicuous position forward of the forward most ‘Axle’ on the rear ‘Axle Group’ on the right hand side of the trailer.

    • comment-avatar

      robert

      Do you have to reset anything after the pin is pulled out?

    • comment-avatar

      Steve - CaravansPlus

      You can test the unit by pulling the pin out. You do not need to reset anything other than pushing the pin back in.

    • comment-avatar

      Peter

      Replacing the pin does the resetting

    • comment-avatar

      Alan

      My switch has 3 wires going to it. I can only find 2 wire ones. It needs replacing.

    • comment-avatar

      Scott

      When buying a trailer that has a breakaway system. Does the vehicle that is towing the trailer need to have the electrical 7 pin plug modified so the breakaway system will work?

    • comment-avatar

      Malcolm

      No, as the breakaway system must have it's own Battery.

    • comment-avatar

      Calvin

      You say that the breakaway system must have its own battery. Can it not be connected to one of the vans batteries?

    • comment-avatar

      Rob OKEEFE

      The Tow Secure TS2000 wires into the caravan battery. I replaced my old unit with this one to do away with the dedicated (and regularly flat) Breakaway battery.

    • comment-avatar

      Matt

      Where should I connect the positive wire coming off the battery (the one that keeps it charged) if my 7 way junction box uses de "Aux" pin as the reverse lights? Thanks

    • comment-avatar

      Gordon SIMONS

      For a 5th wheeler can the breakaway battery be located on the tow vehicle or does it need to be on the trailer?

    • comment-avatar

      Roy

      Can the battery be changed in the brake away system

    • comment-avatar

      Matt

      The remote monitor is no longer mandatory.. There is no requirement in NSW legislation that states a battery monitor must be fitted to a vehicle towing a trailer fitted with electric breakaway brakes, this is only a recommendation, battery monitoring device fitted or not the braking system of the trailer must comply with all vehicle standards applicable to the age of the trailer to comply in NSW. regards James S Technical Enquiries Officer Enrolment | Safety, Environment and Regulation division Transport for NSW

    • comment-avatar

      Sam Teo

      Hi guys, my question is can a service break can be mounted in the front axle and the electric break on the back axle would that make any difference as far as caravan break

    • comment-avatar

      Graeme

      I have a Hopkins (engager ) Break Away System fittedto my van. Is there a remote battery monitor available for it and does it have to be same brand?

    • comment-avatar

      James

      Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?

    • comment-avatar

      Steve

      I just fitted a new breakaway switch to my van as required only to find out on testing the switch by pulling the plug out the breaks were not activated. I dissmantled the new switch (after finding no continuity of power with test light) that the contact points were not meeting so no power was getting to the break system. The plug was faulty. Some new plugs don't have compression springs in them to force the contact points together once the plug is removed, they rely on the arms of the contact points to spring them together. A pair of pliers fixed the problem by bending the arms slightly to force contact at the points. Please test you switches.

    • comment-avatar

      Wayne

      I am looking for a break away switch just the switch an it's mechanical cable connection. Do you stock these. I.e I don't need electronic bits

    • comment-avatar

      Des

      I have a camec breakaway system with the battery charge/test monitor with part no. 040119. I have not replaced the battery as yet. Is it located in the charger/monitor unit? Cannot see it anywhere else.

    • comment-avatar

      Ian

      Okay, I have a tricky question... I am buying a new 'van with a GTM of 1800kg - ie _ 2 tonne requirement for breakaway brakes. However, the manufacturer fits a breakaway system to their 'vans. So... I don't need to use the breakaway system due to the 'van weight, but do I need to use it because it is fitted? Let us disregard the extra safety feature etc, but concentrate on the legal requirement. Do I need to use it because it is fitted? (even though not strictly necessary) Would my insurance be void in the event of a breakaway if the unit was not connected and in use? Where can I get accurate information about this situation? Thanks, Ian

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