Brakeaway Kit which one?
Submitted: Wednesday, Dec 15, 2010 at 23:47
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Sailinghampster
Hi Team.
I am doing up an oldie but goodie and am in the throws of electrifying the braking system. (Caravan - 1988 22' Viscount that is).
I have :-
the tandem axels on 10" alko drums.
the tekonsha Prodigy P3 still in the packaging.
the brakeaway switch thingy somewhere in the ute.
I hope to bring the entire deal together somewhere between 2 ad 2.5 tonne.
I need the trailer mounted brakeaway kit but which one? Googling, Searching this
forum and sites like E Bay all coupled with my visits to the obvious vehicle parts supply store just all adds to the confusion.....
which one?
They range from a unit for $37 on ebay ex USA up to a direct from the man BS6000 Breaksafe unit for $320.
Tow vehicle 2005 GU ST 4.2 TD
Please throw me a clue.
P.S. My first thread... please be gentle.
Cheers
Reply By: Member - Ed C (QLD) - Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 00:44
Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 00:44
Bein' the tight-RRRs that I am, Id get the thirty-seven dollar one.................. ;-))
Got a link (or an Item No.) ??
:)
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Follow Up By: cycadcenter - Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 02:06
Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 02:06
Hi Sailinghampster,
Here is a direct link to the Ebay listing:
Breakaway Kit
Looks as though it would do the job, If they wont ship to Oz you can have it sent to me and I'll foward it on from San Diego
Bruce
Fallbrook USA
Childers Qld
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Follow Up By: Member - Ed C (QLD) - Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 02:33
Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 02:33
I thought it was >>
This one ;-))
The listing does state worldwide shipping, but no (international) shipping price quoted, so you'd need to inquire about that....
FYI, Here's another (identical?) unit (different seller) for $27 + $24 postage >>
Breakaway kit on ebay
Catch ya later.... Ed C
:)
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Follow Up By: Member - Ed C (QLD) - Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 02:51
Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 02:51
I just had another look at the $27 unit, and there's no mention of a battery included:(
In which case, the $37 unit may be the better bet (depending on postage cost;-)
:)
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Follow Up By: cycadcenter - Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 02:59
Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 02:59
Actually the thing I just thought of is actually shipping a battery to Oz. I presume it is a gel battery and wonder if it is legal to ship it.
There is a restriction on shipping lithium batteries I know.
I just did a trip to Oz and back and wanted to bring over a petrol leaf blower in my luggage, brand new never been started. The TSA web site said no go but on the listed of permitted items was up to 5 kg of live ammunition so long as it was declared. Go figure.
Bruce
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Follow Up By: Sailinghampster - Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 08:21
Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 08:21
Hi cicadcentre and Ed C,
Thanks for your input. More learning here. Have sent a message to the Batteriesinaflash crowd re :-
Ebay Trailer Breakaway Kit with Charger and Switch 42911 #390263806789
Await their reply with cheese on my tongue. (Baited breath.)
It is still beyond my understanding as to the price difference. What is it about the contraptions that justifies that?
Would welcome any comments on quality or anyones personal preference cause I don't mind spending more for a better machine..
Cheers
Yaaaaaah! Just spotted the insert link button... sorry about that.
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Follow Up By: Member - Ed C (QLD) - Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 09:42
Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 09:42
Well, the task of these devices is a very simple one... apply voltage to a piece of wire when the pin is pulled...
Also, it is something that, as long as "due care and attention" is exercised, is just going to sit there looking stupid ;-)
You can bet that even the expensive ones come from the same place (China), and IMO the price difference in most instances is simply "what the market will bear" (gouging)...
To be sure, there is the "what if...." scenario, but in reality, how many 'vans do you hear about becoming detached from the tow vehicle while driving down the highway ?? (back to the "due care and attention" thing)...
That's my take on it anyway, and I certainly wouldn't pay more than I had to, for such a device (YMMV).....
Catch ya later... Ed C
:)
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Reply By: Shaker - Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 09:46
Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 09:46
What break away switch do you have in the ute?
AS far as I know the break away system is all trailer mounted with only the cable shackled to the vehicle.
There is also no legal compulsion to fit a break away to an old trailer or van.
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Follow Up By: Sailinghampster - Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 14:23
Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 14:23
Heh Shaker,
Sorry to mislead you. Switch is lying loose were I left it shortly after purchase. Floating from floor on passenger side to glove box and is now probably in one of several milk crates in the back....
Cheers
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Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 10:11
Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 10:11
Just a thought
With such a safety related item does the unit have to comply with an Australian Standard to be legal.
I would spend the money and get one here that parts and service are available for.
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Follow Up By: Sailinghampster - Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 14:42
Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 14:42
Kia Ora Graham H,
You are probably right but which one and just how much does one pay.?
I think one of the first replies answers all. Just how often is this unit used. Yeah I know murphy's law may
well be invoked if I keep that tack.
What I was hoping for were some examples like :_
" I have an xyr brand that cost $ 58 and I am very happy with it having driven 532,002km and lost my trailer eleven times ."
Interesting question about the Australian Standard... Anyone got the answer??
Thanks for your reply
Cheers.
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Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 15:12
Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 15:12
They are like insurance You have it and hope like hell you never use it.
Same with a breaksafe.
I would make sure before buying from overseas.
Ask a supplier here if they have to comply with any regulations or green tick or whatever.
Nothing like totalling a van and finding insurance claim gets refused for saving $100.
As for above I doubt you will get many that have lost trailers more than once.
Interestingly in the much publicised case in SA a year or so ago the van and towbar detached from the car and didnt stop.
Probably because he was like thousands of others and had the breaksafe attached to the towbar.
I have
mine attached to a ring on the chassis totally separate from the towbar.
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Follow Up By: Shaker - Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 15:52
Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 15:52
In this case insurance wouldnt be refused because there is no requirement for the caravan to have a break away system.
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Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 15:56
Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 15:56
The ADR rules are than any van over 2001kg must have a breakaway system.
Only vans up to 2000kg are exempt
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Follow Up By: Shaker - Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 19:54
Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 19:54
I did say "in this case".
The OP said it is an old van & the ADRs are not retrospective.
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Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 20:06
Thursday, Dec 16, 2010 at 20:06
I would have thought that modifying the van and upgrading it may require an engineering plate Perhaps not.
Safer to have them though At least hes being sensible
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