The breakaway controller for your caravan or trailer is designed to apply the electric brakes on your rig in the event that your caravan or trailer is accidentally separated from your tow vehicle. The breakaway controller battery is charged from your vehicle while towing but if it becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle in an emergency, the breakaway battery will provide the power to operate the van brakes. As the breakaway battery has a critical job, it’s important to test the breakaway battery every three months or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Use our quick guide to test the battery:
- Push the test button on the unit. You should get a response from the indicator lights that show the unit is operating.
- Check that the charging light indicates that the breakaway battery is charging when connected to the car battery and when the caravan is plugged into power.
- While connected to the tow vehicle pull out the breakaway pin and slowly drive forwards testing that the brakes are activated on the caravan.
The breakaway battery needs to be replaced every two years. At the RV Service Centre we stock replacement breakaway batteries and can fit them while you wait to ensure your breakaway controller will work if ever (but hopefully not) needed.
