Somehow ?? [ don't ask ] The breakaway cable was pulled from the control box socket . It was un- connected for a week or 2 before I noticed ?? I have placed it back into the Little black control box, Hooked the van up and drove it around the block, to see if any problems, ?? It seems ?? to be fine with no noticeable drag, and seems to be rolling freely, and braking Fine, !!
However I got the wife to move it slowly forward, whilst I walked beside it, listening and looking, ?? I notice there is a '' low Humm' coming from near the wheels, when car is in gear, But goes away when in Nuetral ?? Anyone got any Idea's IF all is still Ok ?? as I once heard that if the breakaway pin came out , and was not replaced straight away, that it could burn out [ or short] the brake controller,, ??? Thought I would give out a call on here, and If any doubts, ?? I will take it to the repair guy to check out for me, [ 8 klm's away ?? \as we are going away for 2 weeks after easter and would not like to get half way up the highway and have them sieze up on me ?? Thanks, In anticipation ??? Daryl
I tend to think you would flatten the disconnect battery before you burnt the brakes out. Never the less connect up and take the van for a spin and see if the brakes are working as normal. If not get the repair bloke to take a look. Good luck, please keep us posted.. Be safe.
__________________
P B Crockart EX RAAF Electrician,
Aircraft Avionics tech. Senior high school teacher.
I would expect the biggest problem to be that the breakaway battery is now cactus, having been totally flattened for that amount of time will likely mean a new battery is needed.
Being new at this caravaning game I am interested in topic. Our van has a 12v deep cycle 100a/h battery under the bed that runs everything except the aircon and microwave. Would this battery be used for the "Break away" system? We have solar panels mounted on van roof that charge this battery. I am used to being involved with most of my mechanical stuff over the years but since my accident I have to buy ready to go. Don't learn as much that way BUT the forum members will help I a sure....
Hi Daryl ,once the breakaway battery went flat your breaks would release, I think you will find the breakaway battery will be a sealed lead acid battery wich should charge up again, I may be wrong ,it is worth a try charging it again.
Thanks Guy's for the quick replies, I have driven it around the block 3 times,and it does feel ''normal''?? and it brakes normal as well, both with brake pedal and slide control, Tomorrow I will jack it up just to make sure there is no excessive drag if turned by hand,??If anyone else has any knowledge '' I am all Ears'' Thanks ..
Thanks Guy's for the quick replies, I have driven it around the block 3 times,and it does feel ''normal''?? and it brakes normal as well, both with brake pedal and slide control, Tomorrow I will jack it up just to make sure there is no excessive drag if turned by hand,??If anyone else has any knowledge '' I am all Ears'' Thanks ..
I would not expect the brakes to not work properly when applied via the pedal or slide control, the problem will be with the small battery in the breakaway unit.
Leaving a Lead Acid battery flat (around 10.5v) for more than a couple of days will generally kill it, and taking it down to absolute dead flat (below 10v) is almost sure to do so..
Sure, it will likely take a charge and may even come up to voltage, but this doesn't guarantee that it will hold that charge or have its original capacity, and a breakaway battery has to be able to keep the brakes energised for at least 15 minutes in the event of an accidental disconnection from the tow vehicle.
You can easilly check it, pull the pin again and you shouldn't be able to move the van. You can just jack a wheel if you like with the pin out & you shouldn't be able to turn the wheel.
The fact that the pin was out for two weeks, assuming you were towing the van during that time indicates that the Breakaway system is NOT working.
Thanks Neil, I will jack it up and check today,!! The van was parked in yard for the 2 weeks, so i assume when pin was accidently pulled [ thanks Son ] It would have locked the wheels. ? then after 2 weeks battery gone dead flat and released the brakes again ?? and that is why i could move it ??- will post later to keep informed /
Thanks Neil, I will jack it up and check today,!! The van was parked in yard for the 2 weeks, so i assume when pin was accidently pulled [ thanks Son ] It would have locked the wheels. ? then after 2 weeks battery gone dead flat and released the brakes again ?? and that is why i could move it ??- will post later to keep informed /
You will have to keep it locked for at least 15 minutes to comply with regulations, even a buggered battery will do it for a few minutes..
Thank you one and all, for your quick and informative replies, I went down to the dealer where i bought my Van from [ Lotus] spoke to the workshop guy and he confirmed that the best way to check it was ''as suggested'' And said he did not envisage any problems as the controller is wired up to the caravan 100 amp hour battery, and the cable being out for 2 weeks would not have any impact on that battery,and to just plug it in and all should be fine,
I came home, Jacked it up, Cable In and wheels turned freely, -- Pulled out Cable wheels Locked up and i could not budge ??, Replace cable, and all good as new,
Being new at this caravaning game I am interested in topic. Our van has a 12v deep cycle 100a/h battery under the bed that runs everything except the aircon and microwave. Would this battery be used for the "Break away" system? We have solar panels mounted on van roof that charge this battery. I am used to being involved with most of my mechanical stuff over the years but since my accident I have to buy ready to go. Don't learn as much that way BUT the forum members will help I a sure....
Aussie Paul.
I too have a 100AH caravan house battery, but in mine the break free/away battery is a separate 'motorbike' type sealed lead acid battery housed inside the break away controller box. They only cost around $50 so if unsure I'd replace it.
The control box has a test button & red/green indicator lights. Press for test .. Green OK & Red faulty. I do this test as well as listening for solenoid hum at the wheels, before going on a trip & recharge the battery if necessary.
Answer to your question you can connect a Brake Away system to your house battery, "BUT" and there is a but you risk if the switch is removed from the Brake Away unit, the house battery will activate the brakes on your van. Which will in turn over heat burn out or set fire to your van. Because the house battery will not go flat for a very long time. The reason Brake Away units have a small separate battery is it's designed to go flat in about 15 minutes, so no overheating on the brakes, this has been designed as a safety measure. Also if some one comes along when your not around and decides to pull the key out of the switch up she will go.
If you fit a switch between the house battery and the Brake Away and remember to switch it off every time then it will work ok. NSW has strict laws regarding these set ups so if your NSW you need to check up.
