breakaway switch: DIY simple install
vote(s)
Post Reply| Yes, if caravan does not have a battery |
|
21.4% | |
| No, unless your caravan has no battery |
|
28.6% | |
| Yes |
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35.7% | |
| No |
|
14.3% |
Hi All, newbie here. My caravan is under 2 tons so legally I am not required to have a break-away brake switch but I'd like to have one anyway..
It seems to me a break-away switch is just that: a simple switch. But unlike a normal switch the breakaway switch is turned on when the plunger is pulled away and becomes separated from the switch (just as would happen it the caravan became separated from the car).
Break-away switches are inexpensive and I have purchased one online. Now I am thinking about how best to install it. So looked this up online and found that most the videos on YouTube talk about break-away systems with their own batteries which I think nowadays, esp. here in Oz, makes no sense because it would be much better to use the battery of the caravan which is much bigger and regularly charged etc. I assume most caravans these days have their own batteries.
The break-away switch I have has just two cables. So I figure all I have to do is connect one cable to +ve of the caravan battery and the other to the electric brake cable of the 12 pin connector of the caravan. My reckoning is that in the event of a break-away this will close the circuit and electrify the brakes and stop the caravan. And the brakes will continue to be locked until my 105Ah battery becomes completely discharged, which by my reckoning should be several days instead of just the few minutes you would get out of a tiny separate little battery!
Any comments?
If the switch will pass that muster, how are you going to illuminate the brake lights when the brakes are on? That is an ARD requirement?
I BELIEVE. BY LAW. THEY HAVE TO GO THROUGH THEIR OWN POWER PACK ???.
I've bought one for my 1.85t van.
As you, not needed. but wouldn't tow without one fitted.
Battery pack in fr boot. sw on drawbar.
Wiring.
2 from sw to pack. 3 from pack to van.
I paid $64ish del for mine. (The basic one.
Incl Pack and wiring dia.
I'll see if I can find Instructions.
Hang on.
Nope. But if you go to HOPKINS Net page.
it'll have instructions on what and how.
have fun.
And DON'T couple the shackle to Drawbar anywhere. Car only.....
I just like covering the old rump.
Can anyone here recommend a break-away kit without a separate battery that applies the electric brakes AND the brake lights too? Thanks.
www.caravansplus.com.au/pdf/Engager%20Break-Away%20Kit%20Installation%20Instructions.pdf
Cheers John
This link should work.
Cheers - John
That sq one is the one I got.
$74 del.
gave wrong price b4 sorry.