I've been reading up on these monitors for caravans that need a brake safe installed, apparently if you live or travel through NSW you need a monitor installed into a position that the driver can see and hear warning that the battery for the brake safe is sufficientently charged (what they are saying is they don't trust you to simply look at the device installed on the van and check (test) to see if the battery is charged. I suspect some of these manufacturers have been influencing the NSW government RTA for this regulation, I also suspect their motive is to sell you these devices for their profit, one questions why hasn't other states adopted the need to have these monitors? Quite frankly I think it's not nessesary. Just out of interest has anyone been booked for not having one fitted, I'd be interested in your feedback.
Another point of interest is the weight compliance (GTM), why is it that these caravan manufactures don't fill the gas and water tanks that come installed when they have them weighed for compliance and then include that extra weight in the GTM, after all who goes on a trip without water and gas, when most retirees first buy their outfits they are babes in the woods and seem to get caught out a lot only to find out down the track after shelling out more brass, let just say poorly informed, it's certainly a learning curve , I do believe caravan manufactures need to lift their game, dealing with a lot of elderly people that are generally at the salespersons mercy.
WoolgoolgaRob wrote:. I suspect some of these manufacturers have been influencing the NSW government RTA for this regulation, I also suspect their motive is to sell you these devices for their profit,
I suggest you are way off the beam here. The legislation was introduced in 1998. This was well before there were any monitors available. There was about a 10 year gap before monitors were produced. This does not fit your conspiracy theory very well.
I think these monitors are vital. You only have to monitor the caravanners news forums for a while to se how many members did not know about the requirements for checking their monitors. In fact there is a high percentage of members saying they did not know where the units were mounted. How often do you check the health of your battery?
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
New boy on the block, thought I had set up the braking side of things with my new acquisition, Breakaway unit and a recently fitted "redarc" electric braking system, which by the way is very effective with the visible control and warning light, but certainly no audible battery control.
Can you give any more info on this latest gizmo please. and any suggestions that it may be a national requirement, believing that NSW is a trendsetter.
WoolgoolgaRob wrote:. I suspect some of these manufacturers have been influencing the NSW government RTA for this regulation, I also suspect their motive is to sell you these devices for their profit,
I suggest you are way off the beam here. The legislation was introduced in 1998. This was well before there were any monitors available. There was about a 10 year gap before monitors were produced. This does not fit your conspiracy theory very well.
I think these monitors are vital. You only have to monitor the caravanners news forums for a while to se how many members did not know about the requirements for checking their monitors. In fact there is a high percentage of members saying they did not know where the units were mounted. How often do you check the health of your battery?
Peter thank you for your comments;
I suggest you are way off the beam here. The legislation was introduced in 1998. This was well before there were any monitors available. There was about a 10 year gap before monitors were produced. This does not fit your conspiracy theory very well.
that statement doses not seem to make sense, I'm not doubting you, but a ten year gap? That would mean for ten years most caravaners would have been breaking the law, as far as how often do I check the battery on the brakesafe, I check mine on a regular base, that is every time before I set off on a new trip from home, don't see the need to check it every time In-between stops though, what about you?
The monitor is a seperate unit for checking the battery status of the breakaway unit installed on your van, the Red Arc brake control will not check the battery condition of your breakaway unit.
Peter Quoted, (it only applies if your address is in NSW), that makes no sense, other caravaners from other states don't have to have them, I would assume that to be the case while travelling on roads other than NSW, but I wonder, legally to travel on NSW roads they would have to have them installed as well to comply with the law of NSW, I would not be too comfortable thinking other than that.
Im in agreeance with the other states, i don't think they are nessasary, toys for the boy, you can also purchase tyre pressure monitors as well. How far do you go?
As with all equipment, it is to be installed, operated and maintained according to the makers instructions. We were about to set off a few weekends ago, and when I plugged the van in, the monitor let me know the battery was flat. The monitor came with the van.
Did I check the battery - no. The instructions for installation say the breaksafe must be installed in an easily accessible place, ours is accessible if you lie on your back, using a torch look up into and behind the cupboards under the sink.
I think the monitor installed correctly is a good drivers aid, and all helps.
PS, the instructions also say the battery must be replaced every two years.
New boy on the block, thought I had set up the braking side of things with my new acquisition, Breakaway unit and a recently fitted "redarc" electric braking system, which by the way is very effective with the visible control and warning light, but certainly no audible battery control.
Can you give any more info on this latest gizmo please. and any suggestions that it may be a national requirement, believing that NSW is a trendsetter.
Got a dozen more dumb questions ?
Graeme
Remote battery monitors laws for NSW NSW now has the extra legal requirement of a Remote Battery Monitor. The monitor must be visible or audible to the driver and indicate that the breakaway system has a charged battery. The laws apply to all caravans registered in NSW
Thought I would chime in here with a sage observation.
1. In my early days as a caravan owner I had no idea that the brakesafe battery was not charged when disconnected from the tug, this had me a bit bemused as I imagined a system as important as the breaksafe would surely need a constant charge.
2. I have now connected a small ctek charger permanently to the breakaway batt, it is now charged under a 5 step charger when the van is connected to 240V.
3. I may hardwire a voltmeter into the tug that squeeks when the voltage gets below ??? volts (probably 12.2V which I believe is 50% SOC on an agm battery)
4. I cant comment on the NSW rules, however a state that charges $600 a year to register a caravan should be questioned as to their motives. While a monitor is well worth the money for safety reasons, (fully agree with PeterD) how many caravan disconnections do we hear of and what percentage of the caravaning population does that represent?
IMHO there should be a universal law that states when any caravan is delivered the short falling of that system be explained to the buyer AND a rule that requires the breakaway batt be charged ALL the time, not just when its on the tug.
Cheers all and happy travels.
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Ex RAAF, now retired. EX Electrician/Teacher.
Homebase is Murray Bridge Tourist Park (in a cabin). New Horse.. 2020 Ford Everest Titanium, Jayco swan for touring.
On my home made caravan ,I charge the batteries in the van via an alternator driven off the caravan wheel,in my tow car(1933 ford) I have a small control panel with a digital volt meter to monitor the battery volts in the van,as my car is 6volts. on drama with the breakaway
I have read writeups in other forums and magazines stating that the breakaway systems have never really worked as designed where a
catastrophic breakaway situation has occurred.
The documented failures include failure of towbar where breakaway system was also attached to towbar (duh).
Snapped towball (always in an offroad situation going slow so basically useless anyway).
Also documented are accidents caused by the breakaway system operating when there is no breakaway situation.
Can you imagine your vans brakes suddenly operating in full lockup mode at 80 kph?
If anyone can show me the numbers of documented cases where a breakaway system saved lives and worked as intended on bitumen roads at speed
in Australia, I would be grateful.
I know this subject has been commented on many times however for what it is worth I will make my comments know.
In summary;
The remote battery monitor MUST be fitted to the tow vehicle if the caravan is registered in NSW and is over 2 tonne GTM.
The caravan should not have been allowed to leave the dealers premises unless this device is fitted.
The caravan when inspected for registration MUST have this device fitted or the caravan cannot be registered and will be deemed defective. (see VIB 06, Appendix 1, item 4).
In addition, a label MUST be attached to the A-frame of the trailer advising "All vehicles towing this trailer must be equipped with a 12 volt charging circuit and a Breaksafe remote battery monitor". If this label IS NOT attached, the caravan can not be registered and the TOW vehicle will be deemed defective. (see VIB 06, Appendix 1, item 7).
VIB 06 was published in 1998 and re-issued in 1st November 2007.
I would suggest you also read VSI No 22, issued 19987, sec. Installation of Equipment, item 5
In my travels I have come across many caravaners who are not aware of the breakaway battery, don't know where it is or when found the battery is flat.
It has been suggested to the federal Member responsible for this issue to have ALL states have towing vehicles have this device fitted.
For confirmation of the above feel free to ring the RMS Technical Department on 1300 137 302
In NSW the registration of caravans of over 2 tonne GTM, MUST now be inspected by a heavy vehicle inspector.
If the tow vehicle is not fitted with the device and you have not notified your insurance company that your tow vehicle is deemed defective you may find your insurance could be void for non-disclosure.
thanks for your advise, just interested, do you own a van that requires a monitor in your tow vehicle for the battery status for a breakaway unit, and if so where do you Aquire a label stating the info you mentioned in your post being;
In addition, a label MUST be attached to the A-frame of the trailer advising "All vehicles towing this trailer must be equipped with a 12 volt charging circuit and a Breaksafe remote battery monitor". If this label IS NOT attached, the caravan can not be registered and the TOW vehicle will be deemed defective. (see VIB 06, Appendix 1, item 7).
There is a lot of confusion that has been explained by different manufacturers of these brakesafe battery monitors, one claiming ( Rvelectronics, Brakesafe 6000 unit ) that the unit to measure the battery status must be hard wired, as the RF wireless units are not excepted by some police inspectors.
Claiming that the voltage measured would be incorrect as it would be receiving a charge from the vehicles alternator therefore giving an incorrect reading, they mentioned that their unit gives a reading only when the vehicles break is applied ( what happens is when the brake is applied it sends a 12 volt signal to a trigger wire that switches a relay on their brakesafe unit, this would be a double pole switch that isolates the vehicles alternator, and reading of the battery is then taken giving a true battery state of charge.
What was explained was correct, but remember you have to have the brake applied to get a true state of charge reading, and that's ok, they mentioned that if caught without the monitor installed you could face fines up to $400.
I also contacted another manufacture that sells the wireless units ( Red Arc that use a unit made by Hummingbird) what was explained is that their unit was in compliance with the law, when put to them regarding the charging scenario explained above, they explained that when the vehicle is switched off the reading would give the true state of charge, this would be also correct as the alternator wouldn't be active, they also mentioned that their unit can be setup with a relay to give the same result as Rvelectronics.
The way I see it that either unit would be legal, as both are monitored from the vehicle, both have a visual and audible warning, the Hummingbird would be my choice as it actually gives a battery state of charge reading in voltage and can be set up in the range of voltage you choose, example between 12v - 11.5v.
The fact is both are legal, one is more easy to install and actually gives results in volts, the fact whether you have to apply the brakes or simply stop the motor is neither here or there.
After gathering all the specs I will say this, Rvelectronics uses a lot of scare tactics (giving warnings about using another unit other than theirs could cause damage and void any warrenty) this is to get a hold of the market, this really gets up my nose as you can be intimidated into making the wrong division, you have to do your homework theses days, it pays.
The label attached to the A-frame is supplied by the manufacturer of the remote battery monitor and is in the box with the monitor. I know R V electronics supply them with their monitor, I am not aware what others are supplying.
I have found that a number of tow vehicles are fitted with the remote monitor BUT no label is attached. It appears that the auto electrician or whoever is fitting the monitor has not attached the label and are unaware that the label HAS to be attached as stated above or is deemed defective.
It appears that the new van buyer is not being advised of the requirements and buyers are taking the vehicle onto the road and is then subject to defective notices and fines.
The RMS compliance section staff are interested and would like to be advised who registered the van, if the monitor or labels are not attached to the tow vehicle and van, who registered the vehicle and van, so they can take action against the person or company.
HI just got my van registered in NSW was told if you have elect brakes you need a monitor
got a monitor called a BATTERY-GUARD( the clever battery control)an item called inAct Battery Guard that sticks on the battery and wires red black are fitted to + & - download the APP inAct Battery-Guard on your phone or you buy the monitor to plug in cig lighter socket TAJ
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we dont have the best of everything we make the best of everything we have
Hi WoolgoolgaRob. I have just upgraded my caravan and will need a break away battery monitor. I did a bit of research on the web and read the RMS regulations re same. From what I can understand, the primary concern is that the battery to the break away unit is fully charged, enough to engage the brakes for 15 minutes when in operation. There is a requirement to have a monitoring device in the cabin, but not specified what type, so hard wire or wireless are acceptable. Hard wired units are in the hundreds of dollars and require installation, more cost. Wireless units are simply attached across the terminals of the battery, and paired wirelessly with the monitoring device in the cabin of the tow vehicle. Hayman Reese have a wireless monitor called the Smart Check, which can monitor up to 4 batteries. These range in price from $250 up to just over $400. CTEK have a battery monitor called the battery sense monitor, ranging in price from $67 to $99. This again, is installed over the terminals, then a free app is downloaded to your mobile phone, iphone or smartphone compatible. You can monitor the state of your battery at any time. If the battery voltage drops, an audible warning is sent to your mobile. If the battery has not been monitored in the last seven days, a reminder is sent to your mobile phone. The beauty of the wireless unit is it's portability from one caravan to another. Merry Christmas to everyone, safe travels.
Hi WoolgoolgaRob. I have just upgraded my caravan and will need a break away battery monitor. I did a bit of research on the web and read the RMS regulations re same. From what I can understand, the primary concern is that the battery to the break away unit is fully charged, enough to engage the brakes for 15 minutes when in operation. There is a requirement to have a monitoring device in the cabin, but not specified what type, so hard wire or wireless are acceptable. Hard wired units are in the hundreds of dollars and require installation, more cost. Wireless units are simply attached across the terminals of the battery, and paired wirelessly with the monitoring device in the cabin of the tow vehicle. Hayman Reese have a wireless monitor called the Smart Check, which can monitor up to 4 batteries. These range in price from $250 up to just over $400. CTEK have a battery monitor called the battery sense monitor, ranging in price from $67 to $99. This again, is installed over the terminals, then a free app is downloaded to your mobile phone, iphone or smartphone compatible. You can monitor the state of your battery at any time. If the battery voltage drops, an audible warning is sent to your mobile. If the battery has not been monitored in the last seven days, a reminder is sent to your mobile phone. The beauty of the wireless unit is it's portability from one caravan to another. Merry Christmas to everyone, safe travels.
That sounds like a great idea apart from the breakaway monitoring.
Wireless units are simply attached across the terminals of the battery, and paired wirelessly with the monitoring device in the cabin of the tow vehicle. Hayman Reese have a wireless monitor called the Smart Check, which can monitor up to 4 batteries. These range in price from $250 up to just over $400. CTEK have a battery monitor called the battery sense monitor, ranging in price from $67 to $99. This again, is installed over the terminals, then a free app is downloaded to your mobile phone, iphone or smartphone compatible. You can monitor the state of your battery at any time.
The battery monitors that pair with a particular breakaway system all measure the battery voltage under load. Every time you put your foot on the brake pedal there is a load placed across the system battery. If there is any significant voltage drop (as you would see if the battery is well discharged or at its end of life) the monitor will detect that and produce an alarm.
The Hayman Reese looks to be designed to pair with these brake controllers and has a dedicated display/alarm unit to be mounted in the cabin of the tug. I would think that that one would be OK.
On the other hand the Ctek model is just a volt meter and makes no claim to be the required type of monitor for the breakaway monitor. Coupled with the fact that you have to provide a remote monitor and it can too easily by syphoned off for other purposes I don't think it would qualify. I know straight voltmeters are not acceptable for the breakaway monitors (they just monitor the battery charger voltage and not the condition of the battery.)
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
I believe I had such a lock up yesterday at 100 kph. Luckily no one was behind me. The monitor in the car gave no indication of a fault.
It happened suddenly and I instinctively went for the brake pedal and felt that the abs system on the Landcruiser had activated.
After checking all appeared ok. The only thing I found was the multi pin trailer plug was not fully pushed in. The green led on the drawbar was blinking, it went steady when I pushed in the plug. I don't think this would have caused it, nor should it.
The vehicle gets serviced today so I will ask to have computer history checked for any anomalies.
I would like to get to the bottom of this as it was a frightening experience and enough to make one bail out of using such devices that can cause a tradgety.
All said and done it makes more sense to simply hardwire the break away directly to the house battery, more less likely to fail and you are generally monitoring the house battery every day, when using your van you would soon know if that battery failed, most vans these days have a house battery installed, those that dont would have to have the small battery thats in the break away system
-- Edited by WoolgoolgaRob on Thursday 19th of July 2018 09:27:23 AM
I am referring to my previous comments re brakes locking on at 100 kph.
The abs on the Landcruiser checks out by Toyota.
That leaves the break safe unit, anti sway unit and the brake controller.
I have travelled a further 500 kms since the incident and have had no problem.
I am just wondering if anyone has had the same thing happen to them.
I have a Tekonsha brake controller and thinking of upgrading to a red arc controller.
The connections on the anti sway unit and the break safe appear to be ok.
I am hoping it is a one off experience but it would be good to track down why it happened.
Im not familiar with your brake controller, l have a red ark installed ( the latest version) and have every confidence with red Ark, they are an Australian company that have very good support, their technology is right up the top with all of their components and have a good name throughout the industry.
As far as your failure is concerned I would suspect the controller could be the culprit, only needs a short to activate a relay, red arks unit can be installed at any angle ( TOW-PRO ELITE ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROLLER) the unit can be installed under the dash and the small controller button can be installed in the dash, it looks like part of the dash components and blends in well, doesnt look bulky or an add on. Most importantly it functions well in two modes, automatically or manual mode.
But before you spend any cash I would check out the wiring with a multimeter just to be certain theres not shortcuirt, and visually check the wiring right through to see if theres no exposed wires that can trigger the system when going over a rough patch of road that would potentially lock your brakes on, this may only happen on an odd occasion, something rubbing on the wiring due to vibration or expansion of metals that can cause a short, the wiring should be well insulated and grommets installed where sharp edges of metal penetrations through firewalls ect.occurs, also do the same on your van, follow it right through to the wheels.
i posted a couple of weeks ago about having had my van in storage for more than 9 months while I was working overseas. When I hooked it up for the first time my wife and I went over it pretty thoroughly with our preflight checks lights, tyres, connections, coupling, etc. etc. what we forgot to check was the brakeaway battery charge. As soon as I drove off there was an audible alarm coming from the dash area of the tug , being a brand new vehicle with a hundred different bells an whistles I had no idea what had gone wrong. Eventually the penny dropped and I checked the breakaway monitor which Jeep had fitted in a compartment in the dash that has a drop down door on it - sure enough the low battery light was on (as it was on the unit in the front boot of the van). I also had doubts about how useful these units were but realistically I could have taken off without a functioning breakaway system without that warning. I have had the monitor fitted on the last 2 vehicles but I was unaware you needed to have a label as I,ve never actually seen one. I would question the fact that a dealer in NSW wouldnt let you drive out of their yard without having a monitor fitted. They informed me when I ordered the van that it was the law in NSW to have one but they never bothered to ask me 6 months later when I picked it up if I had one.
we are back home safely now and have looked into the brake lockup event previously mentioned.
There were no more incidents for the rest of the trip plus I disconnected the anti sway device after travelling a further 1500 kms
The wiring on the car and van has been fully inspected and tested.
Although not proven 100% it looks like an intermittant fault on the power supply to the anti sway unit.
The caravan is being serviced at present and they are looking into the fault.The technician has said that an intermittant power supply to the anti sway unit could cause a problem. The ASU powers up and down frequently causing it to fail. I do recall the 12 pin trailer plug was out slightly when the incident occurred. Pin 2 powers the ASU. I could not believe that this could have caused it being a safety device but it seems the most likely.
The ASU is now powered from the Anderson plug which is a much more secure power supply.
Hopefully I can now put this to bed.
I also agree that the red arc controller is an improvement in terms of aesthetics, All the Auto electricians I have spoken to have never had an issue with the Teckonsha controller. It just looks bulky and can't be hidden out of view. I will probably upgrade anyway to the red arc controller just for the fitout.
I hope my comments on this issue can be viewed throughout this forum, I find it hard to navigate and pick up from where I left it. Maybe there is a better page to write comments of a safety problem.
