Batteries
Submitted: Monday, Mar 25, 2013 at 21:27
ThreadID:
101293
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3
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wheaga
Our caravan has electric brakes. When the caravan is parked without being connected to the tow vehicle, is it necessary to have the battery switched "on" in the van to activate the electric brakes. I do ensure the van's hand brake is engaged however as an additional insurance, I would like to ensure that the electric brakes are activated as well. PS I also have chocks for each wheel.
Cheers
Wheaga
Reply By: Member - Rosco from way back - Monday, Mar 25, 2013 at 21:44
Monday, Mar 25, 2013 at 21:44
Mate
I don't think the brakes will work without being connected to the tow vehicle.
Just rely on the wheel chocks and handbrake.
AnswerID:
507579
Reply By: Member - Michael N (QLD) - Monday, Mar 25, 2013 at 21:53
Monday, Mar 25, 2013 at 21:53
Hi wheaga
The electric brakes on your caravan assist your tow vehicle in stopping the combined weight of the vehicle and van when moving. When you are parked up at a caravan park or
free camp the hand brake and chocks stop the caravan from rolling off the site. The electric brakes do not function when you are disconnected from your vehicle.
Mick
AnswerID:
507582
Follow Up By: Member - johntoyo - Monday, Mar 25, 2013 at 22:54
Monday, Mar 25, 2013 at 22:54
Hi wheaga, the only time your brakes will work on the van when disconnected from the tow vehicle is if you pull the break away pin. Then your battery in the break away unit activates the brakes, that is until it goes flat if not connected to power. Not what the system is designed for and not recommended. As others have said, hand brake and chocks are the way to go.
Good caravaning.
FollowupID:
784880
Reply By: Member - J&R - Monday, Mar 25, 2013 at 22:55
Monday, Mar 25, 2013 at 22:55
Caravan and trailer brakes are intended for low duty cycle us, ie occasionally, not all the time. You will overheat the blocks if you try to lock them on for longer than about 2-3 minutes.
AnswerID:
507588