Could someone out there tell me how to put a monitor on the breakaway break BATTERY ,to tell me it is charging ,this monitor must be fitted in the cabin so the driver can see it,thank you here's hoping.
And they say buy Australian, $226 for what looks like a plastic box with a printed circuit board, outrageous, what's the betting the Chinese could make the same thing and have it on the market for under $10.
ibbo said
06:27 PM Apr 21, 2013
Santa wrote:
And they say buy Australian, $226 for what looks like a plastic box with a printed circuit board, outrageous, what's the betting the Chinese could make the same thing and have it on the market for under $10.
Buy it from China.
Santa said
06:38 PM Apr 21, 2013
If I needed one and there was a choice between Aussie made for $226 or Chinese for $10 I doubt it would be a difficult decision.
If there was a big demand for them I'm sure the Chinese would have it reverse engineered and on the market in a flash.
ibbo said
06:54 PM Apr 21, 2013
Santa wrote:
If I needed one and there was a choice between Aussie made for $226 or Chinese for $10 I doubt it would be a difficult decision.
If there was a big demand for them I'm sure the Chinese would have it reverse engineered and on the market in a flash.
So true.There again chartity begins at home.
KFT said
07:00 PM Apr 21, 2013
Baz421 wrote:
Olley
If you simply want to see if it's being charged,,, start the car and put a voltmeter on it. This will tell you if charging system is working, which it seems is what you want to know.
If you want a voltmeter on the battery get one at Jaycar,,, about $20.
Don't know why you need one in the car????
Keep it simple works. Baz
Simples Baz, NSW road regs require it. If your van is over 2 t tare you must have breakaway brakes fitted and a monitor visible from the driving position to keep an eye on the breakaway systems voltage.
I have one above the brake controller it will buzz if voltage goes over 15v or under 11.8.
frank
-- Edited by KFT on Sunday 21st of April 2013 07:01:28 PM
Baz421 said
01:02 AM Apr 22, 2013
Olley
If you simply want to see if it's being charged,,, start the car and put a voltmeter on it. This will tell you if charging system is working, which it seems is what you want to know.
If you want a voltmeter on the battery get one at Jaycar,,, about $20.
Don't know why you need one in the car????
Keep it simple works. Baz
Baz421 said
03:33 AM Apr 22, 2013
KFT wrote:
Baz421 wrote:
Olley
If you simply want to see if it's being charged,,, start the car and put a voltmeter on it. This will tell you if charging system is working, which it seems is what you want to know.
If you want a voltmeter on the battery get one at Jaycar,,, about $20.
Don't know why you need one in the car????
Keep it simple works. Baz
Simples Baz, NSW road regs require it. If your van is over 2 t tare you must have breakaway brakes fitted and a monitor visible from the driving position to keep an eye on the breakaway systems voltage.
I have one above the brake controller it will buzz if voltage goes over 15v or under 11.8.
frank
-- Edited by KFT on Sunday 21st of April 2013 07:01:28 PM
OK that explains it thanks Frank.
way2gokev said
12:51 AM Apr 23, 2013
Baz421 wrote:
KFT wrote:
Baz421 wrote:
Olley
If you simply want to see if it's being charged,,, start the car and put a voltmeter on it. This will tell you if charging system is working, which it seems is what you want to know.
If you want a voltmeter on the battery get one at Jaycar,,, about $20.
Don't know why you need one in the car????
Keep it simple works. Baz
Simples Baz, NSW road regs require it. If your van is over 2 t tare you must have breakaway brakes fitted and a monitor visible from the driving position to keep an eye on the breakaway systems voltage.
I have one above the brake controller it will buzz if voltage goes over 15v or under 11.8.
frank
-- Edited by KFT on Sunday 21st of April 2013 07:01:28 PM
OK that explains it thanks Frank.
Are you sure that is the case, if it so there would thousands of vans that are illegal.
My understanding is that the break-away system must have its own battery and be able to be monitered and charged/ mine is fitted in the boot at the front of the caravan, to check if the battery is charged I just press a button. I have no monitor in the vehicle.
KFT said
01:58 AM Apr 23, 2013
why would there be thousands that are illegal?
mine is legal and the breakaway system runs from the house battery. which must be charged from the towing vehicle and in NSW must have a battery monitor visible from the driving position.
It is all on the RMS website if you look under vehicle inspectors bulletins.
Ozjohn is very aware of the rules he might pop in and quote the relevant regs.
frank
spice said
02:36 PM Apr 23, 2013
KFT wrote:
mine is legal and the breakaway system runs from the house battery. which must be charged from the towing vehicle and in NSW must have a battery monitor visible from the driving position.
It is all on the RMS website if you look under vehicle inspectors bulletins.
Mine also runs of the house batterys and I fitted a volt meter near the brake controller in the cabin of my truck and it is legal, as I have talked to a vehicle inspector from RMS, Rod
ozjohn said
04:10 PM Apr 23, 2013
KFT. Answer is response top your request. Lots or reading Mate.
National Requirements Ref: VSB1
15.2 All other trailers that do not exceed 4.5 tonnes ATM
These trailers must be fitted with an efficient brake system that complies with ADR 38/-. Except for over-run brakes, all brakes must be operable from the driver's seat of the towing vehicle.
For trailers up 2 tonnes GTM, an efficient braking system is considered to have brakes operating on the wheels of at least one axle. Over-run brakes may only be used on trailers that do not exceed 2 tonnes GTM.
Every trailer over 2 tonnes GTM must have brakes operating on all wheels. The brake system must cause immediate application of the trailer brakes in the event of the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle. Under these circumstances, the brakes must remain applied for at least 15 minutes.
NSW Requirement VSI 22 (Bulletin)
Installation of Equipment To ensure the safe towing of trailers equipped with electric brakes, it is necessary that: 1. a breakaway switch is fitted to the trailer and its point of attachment is compatible with the towing vehicle; 2. the trailer is equipped with its own battery (of sufficient capacity to maintain the brakes in the applied position for at least 15 minutes); 3. the towing vehicle is equipped with an electrical circuit which will automatically maintain the trailer battery in a fully charged condition and is capable of warning the driver if the condition of the trailer battery is such that it may not be capable of meeting the above requirements; 4. earthing or grounding systems for the trailer brake units is specifically and individually wired (i.e. one earth wire to each brake unit) and not via the trailer suspension components, wheel bearings or tow couplings; 5. the trailer is fitted with a readily visible label stating that the towing vehicle must be equipped with a compatible control, charging and warning system.
VSI 6 (Bulletin)
This bulletin is issued to clarify the minimum requirements and to outline the testing procedures for electric braking
systems fitted to large trailers.
The Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2007 requires that all trailers with a Gross Trailer Mass (GTM)
exceeding 2 tonnes be provided with a braking system which will operate automatically and promptly upon breakaway
of the trailer from its towing vehicle, and that such application should be maintained for at least fifteen minutes.
Such trailers, if fitted with electrically actuated braking systems, must be equipped with a device which applies the
brakes in the event of a breakaway from the towing vehicle and maintains application for at least fifteen minutes. It is
essential therefore, that an energy source, such as a battery, be carried on the trailer and that means be provided to
ensure that the battery is maintained in a fully energised condition. In this regard, it will be satisfactory if any trailermounted
battery is constantly charged by the towing vehicle and a warning device is fitted to warn the driver (from
the normal driving position) if the trailer battery charge falls to such a level as to render the trailer brakes incapable of
meeting the requirements.
Trailers required to be fitted with breakaway systems are not registerable if there is no means for maintaining the
breakaway energy source in a fully-energised condition (for example, if a charging and warning circuit is not fitted). An
acceptable warning circuit must incorporate either a visual or an audible warning device.
The earthing system between the electric brake units and the trailer chassis must be by an earth wire and not via
suspension components or wheel bearings.
In order to vary the trailer braking effect in unison with the towing vehicle, some trailer brake controllers use a
pressure sensing device fitted to the towing vehicles brake system. The controller and its connections should be
examined for any hydraulic leaks. If the vehicle is subject to ADR31/--, Hydraulic Braking Systems in Passenger Cars
or ADR35/--, Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems, installation of the control unit must not change the design of the
towing vehicles braking system. In particular, all the functions of the dual circuit system must be retained.
Whenever a trailer is presented for inspection, the towing vehicle must be equipped with a compatible charging
system which is connected to the trailer and is fully operable. Any vehicle not so equipped must be rejected.
Any trailer equipped with electric brakes, must have a label affixed which states that ... any towing vehicle must be
equipped with an acceptable charging/warning circuit.
NOTE: I have been unable to find any Legislation or Regulation that requires a battery condition monitor. The only reference is in NSW Vehicle Inspectors Bulletins. (Above).
The following is a response to a question posed to the NSW authorities.
As of 1/11/2012
There is no Legislation or Regulation requiring a breakaway battery monitor to be fitted to the tow vehicle.
It's not included in the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulations 2007 (Reviewed 2012) Ref: Clause 141 nor in schedule 2 of the Regulations clause 137.
It's a requirement for heavy trailers over 4.5 tonne and a PROCEDURAL POLICY for inspectors at the time of registration for vehicles towing light trailers in excess of 2 tonne GTM.
And then only at time of registration.
If stopped at any other time there is no requirement for a monitor to be operational or even fitted.
However I would think it would be a hell of a lot cheaper and easier to install a visual or audible monitor than to fight the authorities. Cheers Ozjohn.
way2gokev said
10:22 PM Apr 23, 2013
G'day,
Thanks Ozjohn for your info. The reason I said many caravans would be towing illegal is in regard to the monotoring of the static charge in the break-away battery inside the tow vehicle.
From the info you have supplied it would seem that it is optional, true????
It also must be remembered that the break-away battery is charged from the tow vehicle when connected and moving, if the van is parked up you have to have a means of charging it, hence either solar or a charger that you can turn on to keep the battery in good condition.
Cheers and Thanks
Kev
KFT said
12:26 AM Apr 24, 2013
OzJohn, many thanks for popping in with that info. I knew you would have it from other post of yours I have seen.
much appreciated
frank
BUSTADOG said
10:26 PM May 6, 2013
Check out the RV Electronics web site. I think you'll find they sell the same monitor that REDARC advertises for $77.00
Lance C
Ouch....Not cheap
http://www.redarc.com.au/products/product/break-away-controller-remote-monitor-rm6000/
And they say buy Australian, $226 for what looks like a plastic box with a printed circuit board, outrageous, what's the betting the Chinese could make the same thing and have it on the market for under $10.
Buy it from China.
If I needed one and there was a choice between Aussie made for $226 or Chinese for $10 I doubt it would be a difficult decision.
If there was a big demand for them I'm sure the Chinese would have it reverse engineered and on the market in a flash.
So true.There again chartity begins at home.
Simples Baz, NSW road regs require it. If your van is over 2 t tare you must have breakaway brakes fitted and a monitor visible from the driving position to keep an eye on the breakaway systems voltage.
I have one above the brake controller it will buzz if voltage goes over 15v or under 11.8.
frank
-- Edited by KFT on Sunday 21st of April 2013 07:01:28 PM
Olley
If you simply want to see if it's being charged,,, start the car and put a voltmeter on it. This will tell you if charging system is working, which it seems is what you want to know.
If you want a voltmeter on the battery get one at Jaycar,,, about $20.
Don't know why you need one in the car????
Keep it simple works. Baz
OK that explains it thanks Frank.
Are you sure that is the case, if it so there would thousands of vans that are illegal.
My understanding is that the break-away system must have its own battery and be able to be monitered and charged/ mine is fitted in the boot at the front of the caravan, to check if the battery is charged I just press a button. I have no monitor in the vehicle.
mine is legal and the breakaway system runs from the house battery. which must be charged from the towing vehicle and in NSW must have a battery monitor visible from the driving position.
It is all on the RMS website if you look under vehicle inspectors bulletins.
Ozjohn is very aware of the rules he might pop in and quote the relevant regs.
frank
Mine also runs of the house batterys and I fitted a volt meter near the brake controller in the cabin of my truck and it is legal, as I have talked to a vehicle inspector from RMS, Rod
KFT.
Answer is response top your request. Lots or reading Mate.
National Requirements Ref: VSB1
15.2 All other trailers that do not exceed 4.5 tonnes ATM
These trailers must be fitted with an efficient brake system that complies with ADR 38/-. Except for over-run brakes, all brakes must be operable from the driver's seat of the towing vehicle.
For trailers up 2 tonnes GTM, an efficient braking system is considered to have brakes operating on the wheels of at least one axle. Over-run brakes may only be used on trailers that do not exceed 2 tonnes GTM.
Every trailer over 2 tonnes GTM must have brakes operating on all wheels. The brake system must cause immediate application of the trailer brakes in the event of the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle. Under these circumstances, the brakes must remain applied for at least 15 minutes.
NSW Requirement VSI 22 (Bulletin)
Installation of Equipment
To ensure the safe towing of trailers equipped with electric brakes, it is necessary that:
1. a breakaway switch is fitted to the trailer and its point of attachment is compatible with the
towing vehicle;
2. the trailer is equipped with its own battery (of sufficient capacity to maintain the brakes in the
applied position for at least 15 minutes);
3. the towing vehicle is equipped with an electrical circuit which will automatically maintain
the trailer battery in a fully charged condition and is capable of warning the driver if the
condition of the trailer battery is such that it may not be capable of meeting the above
requirements;
4. earthing or grounding systems for the trailer brake units is specifically and individually
wired (i.e. one earth wire to each brake unit) and not via the trailer suspension
components, wheel bearings or tow couplings;
5. the trailer is fitted with a readily visible label stating that the towing vehicle must be
equipped with a compatible control, charging and warning system.
VSI 6 (Bulletin)
This bulletin is issued to clarify the minimum requirements and to outline the testing procedures for electric braking
systems fitted to large trailers.
The Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2007 requires that all trailers with a Gross Trailer Mass (GTM)
exceeding 2 tonnes be provided with a braking system which will operate automatically and promptly upon breakaway
of the trailer from its towing vehicle, and that such application should be maintained for at least fifteen minutes.
Such trailers, if fitted with electrically actuated braking systems, must be equipped with a device which applies the
brakes in the event of a breakaway from the towing vehicle and maintains application for at least fifteen minutes. It is
essential therefore, that an energy source, such as a battery, be carried on the trailer and that means be provided to
ensure that the battery is maintained in a fully energised condition. In this regard, it will be satisfactory if any trailermounted
battery is constantly charged by the towing vehicle and a warning device is fitted to warn the driver (from
the normal driving position) if the trailer battery charge falls to such a level as to render the trailer brakes incapable of
meeting the requirements.
Trailers required to be fitted with breakaway systems are not registerable if there is no means for maintaining the
breakaway energy source in a fully-energised condition (for example, if a charging and warning circuit is not fitted). An
acceptable warning circuit must incorporate either a visual or an audible warning device.
The earthing system between the electric brake units and the trailer chassis must be by an earth wire and not via
suspension components or wheel bearings.
In order to vary the trailer braking effect in unison with the towing vehicle, some trailer brake controllers use a
pressure sensing device fitted to the towing vehicles brake system. The controller and its connections should be
examined for any hydraulic leaks. If the vehicle is subject to ADR31/--, Hydraulic Braking Systems in Passenger Cars
or ADR35/--, Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems, installation of the control unit must not change the design of the
towing vehicles braking system. In particular, all the functions of the dual circuit system must be retained.
Whenever a trailer is presented for inspection, the towing vehicle must be equipped with a compatible charging
system which is connected to the trailer and is fully operable. Any vehicle not so equipped must be rejected.
Any trailer equipped with electric brakes, must have a label affixed which states that ... any towing vehicle must be
equipped with an acceptable charging/warning circuit.
NOTE: I have been unable to find any Legislation or Regulation that requires a battery condition monitor.
The only reference is in NSW Vehicle Inspectors Bulletins. (Above).
The following is a response to a question posed to the NSW authorities.
As of 1/11/2012
There is no Legislation or Regulation requiring a breakaway battery monitor to be fitted to the tow vehicle.
It's not included in the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulations 2007 (Reviewed 2012) Ref: Clause 141 nor in schedule 2 of the Regulations clause 137.
It's a requirement for heavy trailers over 4.5 tonne and a PROCEDURAL POLICY for inspectors at the time of registration for vehicles towing light trailers in excess of 2 tonne GTM.
And then only at time of registration.
If stopped at any other time there is no requirement for a monitor to be operational or even fitted.
However I would think it would be a hell of a lot cheaper and easier to install a visual or audible monitor than to fight the authorities.
Cheers Ozjohn.
G'day,
Thanks Ozjohn for your info. The reason I said many caravans would be towing illegal is in regard to the monotoring of the static charge in the break-away battery inside the tow vehicle.
From the info you have supplied it would seem that it is optional, true????
It also must be remembered that the break-away battery is charged from the tow vehicle when connected and moving, if the van is parked up you have to have a means of charging it, hence either solar or a charger that you can turn on to keep the battery in good condition.
Cheers and Thanks
Kev
much appreciated
frank
Terry
http://rvelectronics.com.au/index.php?route=product/product&path=25&product_id=54
Terry