In this regard, it will be satisfactory if any trailer-mounted battery is constantly charged by the towing vehicle and a warning device is fitted to warn the driver (from the normal driving position) if the trailer battery charge falls to such a level as to render the trailer brakes incapable of meeting the requirements. It is essential … that an energy source, such as a battery, be carried on the trailer and that means to be provided to ensure that the battery is maintained in a fully energised condition. This is the Australia-wide regulation, but to these must be added the additional requirements of one state.įor trailers registered in NSW there is the additional requirement as laid out in NSW Roads and Maritime Services Vehicle Inspectors Bulletin 6: Under these circumstances, the brakes must remain applied for at least 15 minutes. The brake system must cause immediate application of the trailer brakes in the event of the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle. Under Vehicle Standards Bulletin VSB1, issued by the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development and covering the technical requirements for the construction and operation of trailers, the following is stated:Įvery trailer over 2 tonnes GTM must have brakes operating on all wheels. The principle is simple: A cable connection between the trailer’s drawbar and the towing vehicle pulls out a pin from the breakaway unit if the trailer becomes separated from the hitch, causing the battery-operated system to apply the electric brakes and bring the trailer to a halt, and to remain active for at least 15 minutes afterwards to hold the trailer until the trailer is secured. ![]() In such an alarming situation there would be a high risk to other road users, as well as to the occupants of the towing vehicle should a large trailer become loose on a roadway, especially at high speed, and so there are very specific regulations covering all trailers with a Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) exceeding 2000kg.Īs a basic safety requirement it is mandated that for all trailers over 2 tonnes in GTM that there is an automatically operating emergency brake system which applies the brakes should the trailer become separated from the tow vehicle. There are a number of obligations undertaken by all caravan owners when they tow a large caravan or trailer on Australian roads, not the least being the towed trailer’s capacity to stop in a safe and timely manner in the event of the trailer becoming separated from the towing vehicle while in motion.
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