Australasian Touring Caravan, Motorhome & Camping Club, Inc.

If your caravan, having electric brakes, has a Tekonsha breakaway switch (usually mounted on the "A" frame), it may be inoperative and corroded internally.

The makers recommend renewing it every 3 - 5 years as they are non serviceable.  The Tekonsha part number is 2010-P and cost approximately $24.75, at camec part number 000938 or your local caravan accessories supplier.

According to Australian Design Rule ADR 38, all trailers over 2,000 kgs. GTM (Gross Trailer Mass, being the maximum permissible laden weight on the wheels) must have a brake system on all wheels.  The system must be capable of automatically activating should the trailer become detached from the tow vehicle.  Under these circumstances the brakes must remain applied for at least 15 minutes.  The compusory breakaway system does this when fitted, and operating correctly.

One of our alert ATCM & CC members whose 5-year-old van had a brake problem, upon investigation also established and rectified the malfunctioning breakaway switch.

We urgently recommend if your caravan has a breakaway switch fitted you have it's operation (Unit, connection, circuit and battery) checked and/or replaced regularly within every 3-5 years by a reputable caravan service agent.