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Post Info TOPIC: breakaway switch: DIY simple install
Is a seperate battery needed for the break-away switch? [14 vote(s)]

Yes, if caravan does not have a battery
21.4%
No, unless your caravan has no battery
28.6%
Yes
35.7%
No
14.3%
boyadine


Newbie

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Posts: 4
Date:
breakaway switch: DIY simple install
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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?



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Masak-Masak Caravan
PeterD


Guru

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Posts: 4730
Date:
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First thing first, what is the current rating of the switch? Is it something more than just a small rated switch designed to trigger a more substantial switch?

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?

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PeterD
Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top
Retired radio and electronics technician.
NSW Central Coast.

 
macka17


Guru

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Posts: 3066
Date:
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Most proper swith assy's come with a power pack.

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.....

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spice


Senior Member

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Posts: 116
Date:
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Does not have to have own power pack, can be connected to house battery, Rod

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Kebbin


Guru

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Posts: 943
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Question is fixed all answers are correct depending on the supplied device.

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Kebbin
macka17


Guru

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Posts: 3066
Date:
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Thank's Rod.

I just like covering the old rump.

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spice


Senior Member

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Posts: 116
Date:
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No worries maccka, checked with RMS (old RTA) and they said it did not worry where the power came from as long as there was a battery in the van, Rod

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boyadine


Newbie

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Posts: 4
Date:
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Can anyone here recommend a break-away kit without a separate battery that applies the electric brakes AND the brake lights too? Thanks. 



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Masak-Masak Caravan
Cruising Cruze


Guru

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Posts: 2138
Date:
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Here you go Macka for the people that are intrested

www.caravansplus.com.au/pdf/Engager%20Break-Away%20Kit%20Installation%20Instructions.pdf


Cheers John

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rockylizard


Guru

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Posts: 9575
Date:
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Cruising Cruze wrote:

Here you go Macka for the people that are intrested

https://www.caravansplus.com.au/pdf/Engager%20Break-Away%20Kit%20Installation%20Instructions.pdf

Cheers John

This link should work.

Cheers - John



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2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto - 2008 23ft Golden Eagle Hunter
Some people feel the rain - the others just get wet - Bob Dylan
macka17


Guru

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Posts: 3066
Date:
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Thank you John's.

That sq one is the one I got.
$74 del.
gave wrong price b4 sorry.

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