Breakaway Switch
The breakaway switch activates a breakaway kit.
Should the tow vehicle and Trailer accidentally separate, the breakaway kit engages the electric brakes at full power for at least 15 minutes.
Water Ingress
Naturally, the pin in the breakaway kit is positioned to face the vehicle. Inadvertently, water and dirt can enter the pin orifice, causing the copper terminals to short out.
When this occurs, the electric brakes will lock. If you are unaware, there is an extra load on the tow vehicle, the electric brakes will be destroyed.
The only way to release power from the breakaway is to disconnect the switch or cut a wire from the switch and isolate the cable. This action places the switch into the off position.
Drive to the nearest town and have the brakeaway switch replaced. A boot cover helps reduce water ingress into the breakaway switch housing.
Breakaway Replacement Parts
Remedy
Remove the pin and shake the switch. This may remove the problem.
Reinsert the pin and listen for the magnet to engage. If the agent does not engage the brakes with the pin inserted, you have cleared the problem and can continue your journey.
Caravan and Trailer onboard Battery Kit
It is essential to note that an independent, designated, or separate breakaway battery system is not required.
In other words, the caravan or camper’s onboard 12V battery is often used as the breakaway battery, provided it can apply 12VDC to the electric brakes.
Furthermore, the onboard caravan battery will be larger than the minimum requirement and have a capacity equal to or greater than that of the smaller unit.
The breakaway switch activates the trailer brake system for 15 minutes in cases where the Trailer was detached from the vehicle while travelling.
Warning
Disconnect the trailer plug when testing the breakaway kit. Failure to do so may severely damage the vehicle’s Electric brake controller.
Additional information
Weight | 0.5 kg |
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Dimensions | 15 × 10 × 10 cm |
Our Service Lifetime Warranty
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
Couplemate™ is a manufacturer and vendor of high-quality towing, trailer, and caravan components. Couplemate™ Core Goods and Custom Work are guaranteed to be free of defects for the service lifetime of the product when used as intended.
Warranties are non-transferrable and Couplemate™ requires satisfactory proof of purchase prior to issuing a remedy. The full Couplemate™ Warranty Policy can be found in the Terms & Conditions: Section 8 – Consumer Guarantees & Warranty.
Warranties are in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law. If something is wrong with your order, please contact our team.
60-Day Returns
After 60 years of experience, we know that life has its unpredictable moments.
All Couplemate™ orders (online, over the phone, or in-store) have a 60 day period for change-of-mind returns and exchanges. There are some items that can’t be returned and some returns may incur a 15% restocking fee.
You can view our full policy for change-of-mind returns here.
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