Thread: Break away kits

Hi Steve, I make a wireless breakaway battery monitor which is officially approved for use in NSW.

But what sort of trailer do you have and how do you intend to use it?

I'm using the breaksafe controller that comes with Jaycos. Breaksafe do a remote monitor but it requires wiring. I have the Traxide wireless monitor which works very well. There are many solutions for the breakaway battery. It depends on the individual setup you have and how you store your van.
For example I store my van connected to 240v so have a small charger which maintains the breakaway battery while stored.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Hi Steve, I make a wireless breakaway battery monitor which is officially approved for use in NSW.

But what sort of trailer do you have and how do you intend to use it?

Tandem axle car trailer 3500kg, lots of choice but a huge difference in prices etc so more research needed but your wireless monitor sounds like one option and have sent a pm

I've just re-wired a Breaksafe on a trailer I was given.
I was surprised when I looked at the cost of these units. Lots of cheaper ones around but I guess it depends on the quality of the internal charger.

Here's a cheaper one BRAKE SYSTEMS : HOPKINS ENGAGER BREAK-AWAY SYSTEM WITH BATTERY METER

As the battery isn't used until the trailer breaks away (so hopefully never) is there a need to keep charging it when connected to the vehicle ? As long as it's charged regularly wouldn't this suffice ?


Colin

Originally Posted by gromit

As the battery isn't used until the trailer breaks away (so hopefully never) is there a need to keep charging it when connected to the vehicle ? As long as it's charged regularly wouldn't this suffice ?

As long as the battery is properly maintained between uses, it will then be OK if it is needed, during a breakaway event.

The problem is that these batteries are rarely maintained between uses and usually are incapable of applying the trailer brakes if needed and this is why NSW has the requirement to have an in-cab indication of the CONDITION of the breakaway battery.

NOTE I highlighted CONDITION, because the regulations state that the monitor must indicate that the breakaway battery is capable of applying the trailer brakes and keep them on for at least 15 minutes.

This is exactly what my units do, by continually LOAD TESTING the breakaway battery while you are driving.

Unfortunately there are a number of devices being sold that are nothing more than wireless VOLTAGE readers. These not only DO NOT meet the regulations, but if you get caught using one as a breakaway battery monitor, you can receive finds in excess of $600. And there are a lot of people being fined because they fitted FAKE breakaway monitors, thinking they were legal devices.

a battery can read ok with a volt meter but as soon as a load goes on drops to much to be of much use, have ordered a kit not the cheapest one as these do not turn on the brake lights and will order the monitor from Tim (drivesafe).

Will test my boat trailer kit but that is still has QLD rego but would be good to see if it is ok.

Originally Posted by stevo

a battery can read ok with a volt meter but as soon as a load goes on drops to much to be of much use, have ordered a kit not the cheapest one as these do not turn on the brake lights and will order the monitor from Tim (drivesafe).

Hi Steve, my Wireless Breakaway Monitors do NOT activate the STOP lights.

This is NOT a requirement of the regulations and while developing the system, we made some test units that did turn the STOP lights on for 30 seconds and then flashed them, till the breakaway battery went flat.

We found that some caravans had so many STOP lights that you needed two batteries, to be able to keep the brakes on for the minimum 15 minute duration.

We dropped the idea as we preferred to keep the brakes on for as long as possible.

Be aware, this applies to any breakaway system. Powering the STOP lights will dramatically reduce the time the brakes remain applied.

Sounds great but is not that safe.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

As long as the battery is properly maintained between uses, it will then be OK if it is needed, during a breakaway event.

The problem will be that my trailer will be infrequently used so it will be up to me to maintain the battery.

It doesn't need the breakaway but as it was on the trailer already I just fitted a new battery when I was tidying up the wiring.


Colin