When it comes to travelling with a trailer, caravan or camper in tow, making sure you have the correct braking system in place is vital to avoid a serious accident.
With safety at the forefront of any travel, here is how to tell if you need an electric brake controller.
To find out more keep reading our blog below or get in touch with the team at Canberra Towbar Fitters on (02) 6113 0549.
When do you need an Electric Brake Controller?
You only need an electric brake controller if electric brakes are fitted to your trailer, caravan, or camper.
Using a brake controller lets the trailer or caravans brake system know how much braking power is needed to stop, allowing the electric brakes to take care of most of the braking power without relying on your vehicle to use all its power to stop or slow the caravan or trailer down.
Why do you need one?
It is a government requirement to have brakes fitted to at least one axle of any trailer, caravan or camper that has a weight between 750kg and 2000kg.
For a trailer, caravan or camper that has a weight from 2000kg up to 4500kg, the requirement is to have brakes fitted on all wheels. These are most commonly electric brakes which must have an electric brake controller. Also a break-away system must be fitted which means the brakes can still be applied if the trailer, caravan or camper accidentally detaches from the tow vehicle.
Installing an Electric Brake Controller
An electric brake controller is an essential piece of safety equipment. Having it professionally installed ensures correct compliance with the regulations.
If installed incorrectly, it can render your brake system on your trailer, caravan orcamper as ineffective, resulting in no brake application and having potential for an accident.
How to tell if you need an Electric Brake Controller
If you’re unsure if or how any of this applies to you and your vehicle, please speak to our experienced team at Canberra Towbar Fitters for the best advice.
Drop in and see us at Unit 2, 36 Hoskins Street, Mitchell, contact us via phone on (02) 6113 0549 or enquire online here.
At Canberra Towbar Fitters, we do more than just towbars, we can help you with anything you need to get out on the road, doing what you love.
Whether it’s a towbar, trailer, bike rack, roof racks, a roof pod box or even brake controllers, we can provide expert advice and installation.
We’ve been servicing all of Canberra for over 25 years and offer a free mobile service for select services, so we can come to you at home, work, or anywhere else you park your car.
Using quality products from trusted brands with impressive warranties including Hayman Reese, Trailboss, Cosmopolitian Towbars and TAG, you know you’re in safe hands with Canberra Towbar Fitters.
Contact our friendly team to today to discuss your towing needs on 02 6113 0549 or enquire online.
