Thread: trailer breaks/kits

Originally Posted by No.3

The other interesting thing with TB-Class trailers is the breakaway rule, requiring a breakaway switch and a battery setup that operates the brake system long enough to stop the trailer. Now that's great in theory, but the rules are a bit ambiguous on the use of safety chains with a 2501-3500Kg trailer meaning that some inspectors are requiring crossed safety chains (which should be for the 2001-2500Kg weight class) which effectively makes the breakaway system useless and leaves potentially 3500Kg's flopping around on the back of the (usually lighter) tow vehicle. I'm not sure why they are doing this, as the rules are meant to be interpreted in the safest manner and for me the breakaway system is much better than the crossed chains in that weight class.

The reason for this is, recommending safety chains being used in conjunction with breakaway (NZTA Verm in 2021) was to add safety to oncoming traffic if the trailer was to disengage with the tow vehicle and cross into the path of another vehicle. Electric drum brakes are prone to imbalance and with breakaway activated can veer off the path of travel, if indeed the breakaway works at all.