Breakaway Brake Information
In New Zealand a trailer over 2500kg is required to be fitted with a breakaway system.
Overview
Breakaway brake units are essential for electric braked and electric over hydraulic braked trailers, as they activate the trailer brakes automatically if the trailer detaches from the tow vehicle.
The breakaway unit consists of a switch box with a removable pin that is connected to a cable. The box is attached to the trailer drawbar and the cable is secured to the tow vehicle with a shackle or hook.
Battery
A small rechargeable battery (or the system can be connected to the house battery on caravan) on the trailer provides power to the breakaway unit and when the pin is removed from the box (when the trailer disconnects from the tow vehicle) full power is applied to the brakes immediately.
The brakes will remain on until the battery runs out of power or the pin is reinserted into the box.
It is important to check the battery charge regularly, especially if the trailer is not used often. If so, remove the battery and charge it on a mains charger before any trips. You can also configure the system to have the tow vehicle charging the battery when connected to the trailer.
Testing
To test if the breakaway unit and battery are functioning properly, immobilize the trailer and lift the wheels up. Pull the breakaway pin while someone spins the wheels. They should stop instantly. Also, the cable should be in good condition and replaced if it is kinked, frayed or damaged. If the damaged part fails before the breakaway pin can be pulled, the brakes will not work.
Contact us about this product
Contact us about this product
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Orders are dispatched once payment has been confirmed. For courier deliveries, orders placed before the 1:30pm weekday cut-off are typically processed for the next available dispatch.
Delivery timeframes:
- Standard NZ courier: Dispatched the next working day after payment confirmation.
- Rural deliveries: Allow up to 5 working days.
- Large or bulky orders: Sent via bulk freight and may take 5-10 working days.
- International Airmail: Typically 3-14 days, with a maximum parcel weight of 20kg.
- International Courier: Available at an additional cost, with tracking included and a delivery target of 2-6 days. Maximum parcel weight is 30kg.
We accept returns of unused items in their original packaging within 14 days of purchase. Please contact us first to obtain a return authorisation before sending any items back.
Once your return is received and approved, a refund or store credit will be issued.
Please note:
- Special-order or imported items may not be eligible for return. In some cases, returns may be considered if the customer covers any associated freight costs.
- Refunds for credit card and PayPal purchases are subject to a 3% non-refundable transaction fee.
- Most returns incur a 10% restocking fee, capped at $25.
- Original shipping costs are non-refundable.
- Electrical items that have been used, damaged, or returned without their original packaging cannot be returned.
- Boat rollers and certain products supplied from the Rubbermark warehouse are subject to a 15% restocking fee.
For full details, please see our complete Delivery & Shipping Policy
Return Policy
Return Policy
We accept returns of unused items in their original packaging within 14 days of purchase. Please contact us first to obtain a return authorisation before sending any items back.
Request a return here.
Once your return is received and approved, a refund or store credit will be issued.
Please note:
- Special-order or imported items may not be eligible for return. In some cases, returns may be considered if the customer covers any associated freight costs.
- Refunds for credit card and PayPal purchases are subject to a 3% non-refundable transaction fee.
- Most returns incur a 10% restocking fee, capped at $25.
- Original shipping costs are non-refundable.
- Electrical items that have been used, damaged, or returned without their original packaging cannot be returned.
- Boat rollers and certain products supplied from the Rubbermark warehouse are subject to a 15% restocking fee.
For full details, please see our complete Returns Policy:
Payment & Security
Payment methods
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