BRAKES AND HANDBRAKE
BREAKAWAY SWITCH
By law*, all trailers with an ATM of 2000kg or greater must have a “Breakaway System” to halt the trailer in the
event it becomes detached from the tow vehicle whilst traveling. Your caravan is fitted with this system with the
switch mounted on the drawbar with a steel wire lanyard to connect to your tow vehicle. In the event that the
caravan becomes detached, the lanyard will pull the pin from the breakaway switch and the onboard batteries
will activate the brake system. The lanyard must be attached to a solid part of the vehicle. It is a mandatory
requirement that power be supplied by the tow vehicle to the breakaway power source while towing. This is done
via the 50amp Anderson Plug on the drawbar. Consult a qualified auto electrician to ensure this is fitted to your
tow vehicle.
In NSW there is an additional requirement that the breakaway power source be monitored from the driver
position with a minimum of a “visual alarm” for low battery voltage. Consult a qualified auto electrician to
ensure this is fitted to your vehicle.
*Each state can have different laws in regards to brakeaway systems.
It’s important to check what is required in your state.
CAUTION:
• DO NOT CONNECT THE BREAKAWAY LANYARD TO THE SAME POINT
AS THE SAFETY CHAIN SHACKLES.
• DO NOT USE THE BREAKAWAY AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE HANDBRAKE
AND DO NOT REMOVE THE PIN AS AN ALTERNATIVE SECURITY MEASURE.
REMOVING THE PIN WILL RAPIDLY DISCHARGE THE BATTERIES.
• IT IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT THAT THE BREAKAWAY BATTERY
SOURCE BE CHARGED DURING TOWING.
• NSW REQUIRES A BATTERY MONITOR VIEWABLE FROM THE DRIVERS
POSITION WITH A MINIMUM OF A VISUAL ALARM FOR LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE
Breakaway Switch
Anderson Plug
PARKES SERIES
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