Guide to caravan electric brakes

Need to install or update your caravan electric brakes but not sure where to start looking? In this guide, we’ll break down the legal requirements in Australia and explain how electric brakes work.

We’ll also walk you through the things you need to consider when choosing a caravan electric brake system and reveal why Elecbrakes are typically the easiest and most effective solution (particularly if you plan on hiring out your caravan to others!).

Do you need electric brakes to tow a caravan?

Under the Australian National Towing Regulations, any caravan with a gross trailer mass (GTM) of 750kg or more must be fitted with independent brakes (most people use electric brakes). Further, any caravan of more than 2,000kg GTM is legally required to be fitted with electric brakes.

Most modern caravans come standard with electric brakes. However, if you have an older model of caravan, it is important to check the GTM and ensure that the caravan’s braking system complies with regulations. Failing to do so could result in penalties and your caravan being taken off the road.

Also, note that caravans and trailers exceeding 2,000kg GTM must also have a breakaway system (i.e. an emergency brake system). This system will automatically turn on the electric brakes in the event that your caravan becomes uncoupled from the tow vehicle. The breakaway system must be capable of keeping your caravan’s brakes applied for 15 minutes.

How do caravan electric brakes work?

Electric brakes require you to install a control unit in the driver's cabin of your tow vehicle and a magnet on the drum of your caravan brakes.

When you put your foot on the brake of your tow vehicle, the brake controller sends an electrical signal via the adapter plug to the electric brakes on the caravan. This sends a voltage signal through the electric brake magnet, which in turn creates a magnetic field that drags on the drum and causes the brake shoes to spread, slowing the caravan.

The stronger the voltage signal received by the electric brake magnet, the stronger the magnetic field created and the faster the caravan will brake.

Choosing the best caravan electric brakes

There are various options when it comes to selecting the right caravan electric brakes for your situation. Check out the factors to consider below:

Mounting

Different styles of electric brake controllers are mounted in different ways. Most controllers need to be installed under or on top of the dashboard in the tow vehicle. This can be difficult and costly and will most likely need to be done by a professional.

That said, Elecbrake offers a wireless controller that is mounted on the trailer itself rather than in the tow vehicle. This means that any suitable vehicle can tow the trailer without having to first install a brake controller in the driver's cabin. More on this below!

Voltage

Caravan electric brake controllers come in two voltages: 12V and 24V. It is important that you choose a voltage that matches the power source in your towing vehicle (i.e. the battery). Most caravan electric brake controllers are designed for 12V tow vehicles.

Number of axles

Electric brake controllers are designed to suit a specific number of axles on the caravan: single, tandem or triple. The more axles the controller can handle, the more power it can provide. As such, a triple axle controller can be used if towing a single or tandem axle caravan.

Proportional vs non-proportional

Proportional brake controllers sense the rate of the tow vehicle's deceleration and apply the electric caravan brakes at a proportional rate. There is a direct relationship between the deceleration of the tow vehicle and the caravan, making for a smoother towing experience. However, proportional brake controllers tend to cost more.

Non-proportional brake controllers apply the electric caravan brakes at a fixed rate, making for a slightly less smooth towing experience. However, the brake controller can be adjusted by the driver to suit different driving conditions. As such, non-proportional electric brake systems tend to cost less.

Display

Different styles of electric brake controller have different display units. It is a personal preference as to which kind of display you find easiest to use. Simple and affordable controllers might simply use a knob to adjust the brake power and a coloured LED to indicate that the system is working. More advanced controllers might have a digital display that indicates how much brake power is being delivered and a menu to adjust the system.

What are the benefits of Elecbrakes?

If you are thinking about installing caravan electric brakes, we highly recommend the Electric Brake Controller from Elecbrakes.

Most caravan electric brake systems require you to install the controller in the dashboard of the tow vehicle (a job that needs to be done by a professional). This means that the only vehicle that can tow the caravan is the one that has the controller installed. If you want to tow the trailer with another vehicle, you need to install a second brake controller in that vehicle as well.

Elecbrake is different. They offer a wireless electric brake controller that is mounted on the caravan trailer itself (rather than in the tow vehicle). This means that any vehicle with the correct towing capacity can tow the trailer that the Elecbrake unit is attached to. This is particularly handy if you plan on hiring out your caravan to others (see below).

The Elecbrake controller can be installed on the caravan trailer in just ten minutes and requires no specialist knowledge or skill. Simply attach the unit to the drawbar of the trailer, connect the trailer to the adapter plug and insert it into the tow vehicle socket.

Then download the Elecbrakes app and follow the instructions to calibrate the phone to the electric brakes on the caravan. From then on, you can use the wireless Elecbrakes remote that comes with the unit to control the system from the driver’s seat.

For more information, see this Elecbrakes NBN interview on Camplify’s Vimeo.

Towing a hire caravan with your own vehicle

If you are interested in caravan hire, it is critical that you give careful consideration as to whether or not your tow vehicle requires an electric brake controller to be installed. If the caravan you are hiring uses the Elecbrakes system, you don’t have to worry about this.

What’s more, when hiring a caravan you should also consider your vehicle's towing mass. To confirm the towing mass (or towing rating) of your vehicle, look at the towing section in the vehicle manufacturer’s handbook. The rating will include a trailer weight capacity and a trailer ball weight capacity, both of which must not be exceeded.

Please make sure you check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your vehicle and any legal requirements in your state before setting off.

Earn a return on your caravan

There’s a quick and easy way to start earning a return on your caravan electric brakes - rent out your caravan on Camplify when it’s not in use!

Instead of letting your caravan sit idly in the driveway, hire it out and make money from the comfort of your own home. Holidaymakers want caravan rentals with electric brake systems that are easy to tow and make for a safer experience.

Why Camplify?

Each year, heaps of Aussies earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their campervan through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.

And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:

• Comprehensive hire insurance.

• 24/7 NRMA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.

• Dedicated customer support.

• It’s completely free to list your van.

If you’re interested in making money from home after you retire from the van life, why not try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year.