Brake away unit WHY???

aussietraveller · Guru

Brake away unit WHY???

Brenda and Alan · Guru

These units are only required for vehicles registered in NSW and it has been law there for quite some time. If your unit is registered in NSW you should be aware of this regulation and already have a monitor

Alan

-- Edited by Brenda and Alan on Thursday 20th of November 2014 10:23:46 AM

kiwijims · Guru

aussietraveller wrote:
Over the years we have seen a number of unfortunate caravaners who have had accidents but their van has not separated from the tug.
NSW now requires a warning device on your breakaway device just in case the battery goes flat, I always check the battery in mine prior to leaving home simple press of a button.
A friend who is not into DYI last week paid $580 for supply and fit of one of these devices.
i am not aware of any van separating from the tug during travel and wonder why we in NSW have to fit one of these devices just in case a battery goes flat in a device that has rarely ever been used, I will have to fit one prior to rego so any ideas where I can buy one cheap, definitely not interested in paying $580.

You could try this Mob, They have them at a very realistic price............

http://caravansplus.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=14071

K.J.

-- Edited by kiwijims on Thursday 20th of November 2014 02:46:08 AM

migra · Senior Member

This regulation has been a requirement since 1998 and revised in 2007 (read Vehicle Inspection Bulletin VIB6) for caravans registered in NSW of a GTM exceeding 2 tonnes only. Refer to item 4 and item 7 of the test procedure for electric brake systems.

Your caravan now must be inspected for registration by a heavy vehicle inspection station.

If you are registered in NSW and currently traveling with out a remote battery monitor your rig is classed as defective and if pulled over by the RMS/police a fine and demerit points will apply, in addition, your car and caravan insurance could be void.

If your breakaway unit is branded "Breakaway" it is supplied by R V Electronics in Adelaide, if you refer to their installation instructions, they clearly state "A REMOTE BATTERY MONITOR IS REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION IN nsw" and you can buy them direct or you can purchase the remote battery monitor from Camec approx $75-$85 but check the model number (RM5000/5000XP/6000/6000XP) before you make the call.

Be aware, you will also need a warning label which must be attached to the A-frame of the van near the breakaway switch, this should be supplied with the remote battery monitor.

One of the problems you will find is the caravan manufacturer has not wired the wire for the remote battery monitor so an additional wire will have to be installed from the battery monitor in the van to the 12 pin plug of the caravan.

I know of 3 caravans that had to be modified by our local auto electrician and the high cost is because of installing the extra wiring required in the van before they can wire the car.

If your caravan is still under warranty you could claim the cost back from the caravan dealer who supplied and registered the van.

People will tell you all sorts of stories of how you might be able to get around the regulation but my advice is use the right equipment and instal it correctly.

NeilandRaine · Guru

Chances are if your van is around 10 years old you breakaway unit is not compatible with the monitor. So I found out. So there is an extra cost for you.