Camec 040119 - User Manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Camec Customer Care:
Phone: 1 300 4 CAMEC Fax: (03) 9799 6488
1 300 4 22 6 32 Email: camec@camec.com.au
www.camec.com
Issue date:
JULY 2017
CAMEC BREAKAWAY SYSTEM
SINGLE OR DUAL AXLE
(P/N 040119)
IMPORTANT: PLEASE HAND THIS LEAFLET TO VEHICLE OWNER
The breakaway unit is designed to apply the trailer brakes & brake lights in the unlikely event the trailer is
separated (break away) from the tow vehicle.
NOTE: Please make certain that the cable from the breakaway switch is attached to the rear of the tow vehicle
using a secure anchor point. Do not hook cable to tow ball or safety chain anchor.
AFTER INSTALLATION
The Camec break-away unit is supplied with the battery disconnected. Once you have completed the installation
of the unit as per the wiring diagram above, please ensure you connect the battery.
TESTING THE BATTERY
Following installation, please ensure you check the battery and charge if required (see charging notes below). To
test the battery, set the charge switch to the centre OFF position to make certain that you are not connected to
any external charging or battery sources, then press the test button on the front of the unit to check the battery
level. If the Fully Charged green LED illuminates this indicates the battery is charged.
If the red Recharge LED illuminates, please ensure you charge the battery by selecting Battery Charger or
Alternator setting. Check the inline external fuses to make sure they are intact before setting off.
“More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au"

Summary

Installation and Initial Checks

After Installation

Connect the breakaway unit battery after completing the wiring installation.

Testing the Battery

Check battery charge level using the test button; green LED indicates fully charged.

Battery Charging and Maintenance

Charging the Breakaway Battery

Charge via tow vehicle or trickle charger; use appropriate settings and monitor charging LED.

Battery Life and Replacement

Replace the breakaway battery every 2 years; contact CAMEC for replacement parts.

System Operation and Safety

In-Vehicle Battery Monitor

Install a remote battery monitor to check the internal battery charge level.

Break-Away System Test

Regularly test the system by activating the breakaway pin to check brakes and lights.

Not a Parking Brake Warning

Never use the breakaway system as a parking brake; misuse voids warranty.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Installation
5. Battery Testing
6. Charging
7. Break-Away System Test (Regular Maintenance)
8. Important Usage Notes
9. Maintenance Features

The CAMEC Breakaway System, designed for single or dual axle trailers (P/N 040119), is a safety device intended to apply trailer brakes and brake lights automatically in the event of a trailer detaching from the tow vehicle. This system ensures that the trailer comes to a safe stop, preventing potential accidents.

Function Description:

The core function of the CAMEC Breakaway System is to act as an emergency braking mechanism. When the trailer separates from the tow vehicle, a cable connected to the breakaway switch is pulled, activating the trailer's electric brakes and brake lights. This immediate activation helps to bring the runaway trailer to a controlled stop. The system is powered by an internal 12V 5AH SLA battery, which must be maintained in a charged state for the system to operate effectively.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Part Number: 040119
• Compatibility: Single or Dual Axle Trailers
• Battery Type: 12V 5AH SLA battery
• Charging Methods:
  • Tow vehicle auxiliary line (black wire from vehicle)
  • RV's charging system (via black/white wire connection)
  • Dedicated battery trickle charger
• Indicators:
  • Green LED: Fully Charged
  • Red LED: Recharge!
  • Yellow LED: Charging
• Controls:
  • Charge selector switch (Battery Charger, Alternator, OFF positions)
  • Test button

Usage Features:

Installation:

After installation, it is crucial to connect the internal battery, as the unit is supplied with the battery disconnected. The wiring diagram illustrates the connections:

• Vehicle Plug: Connects to the tow vehicle's electrical system, providing signals for in-car voltage meter (purple), brake lights (red), brake (blue), 12V black auxiliary (black), and white ground (white).
• Breakaway System Connections:
  • White wire: Ground
  • Orange Chassis Switch Wires: Connect to the trailer's chassis switch.
  • Blue wire: Brakes
  • Red wire: Brake lights
  • Black wire: Alternator charger
  • Black/White wire: Float/Battery charger
• Breakaway Switch Cable: This cable must be securely attached to the rear of the tow vehicle using a secure anchor point. It is explicitly stated not to hook the cable to the tow ball or safety chain anchor, as this could compromise its effectiveness.

Battery Testing:

Regular battery testing is essential to ensure the system's readiness.

1. Set the charge switch to the center "OFF" position to disconnect from external charging sources.
2. Press the "TEST" button on the front of the unit.
3. Observe the LED indicators:
   • A green "Fully Charged" LED indicates the battery is adequately charged.
   • A red "Recharge!" LED signifies that the battery needs charging.

Charging:

The system offers multiple charging options:

• From Tow Vehicle: Connect the black wire from the breakaway unit to the tow vehicle's auxiliary line. Limit charging time to 5 hours when towing to prevent overcharging.
• From RV's Charging System: Connect the black/white wire from the breakaway unit to the RV's charging system.
• Dedicated Trickle Charger: Use a "zero volt pickup" style charger, especially if the battery is completely flat. Select "Battery Charger" on the charge selector switch and confirm the yellow "Charging" LED illuminates. If it doesn't, check internal fuses and the charger's functionality.
• Charge Selector Switch: Use this switch to select the appropriate charging method (Battery Charger or Alternator). The yellow "Charging" LED will illuminate to indicate active charging.
• Recharge Time: Fully recharging a flat battery may take several hours. If the car/alternator charging system cannot fully recharge a flat battery, switch the charge selector to "Battery Charger."

Break-Away System Test (Regular Maintenance):

This test should be performed regularly to confirm the system's operational status.

1. Disconnect the trailer plug from the tow vehicle.
2. Verify that all internal and external fuses are intact.
3. Pull the break-away pin from the break-away switch (attached to the frame).
4. The electric brakes and brake lights of the RV should activate, confirming the system is working correctly.

Important Usage Notes:

• Not a Parking Brake: The CAMEC Breakaway System is not designed to be used as a parking brake. Using it for this purpose will quickly drain the battery, releasing the trailer's brakes and voiding the warranty.
• Battery Condition: The internal battery's condition must be checked before every trip. Ensure it has sufficient charge or is charged prior to departure.
• Remote Battery Monitor: In some regions, a remote battery monitor is legally required to check the internal breakaway battery's charge level from the tow vehicle. The CAMEC Remote Battery Monitor (P/N 041764) can be used for this purpose. Connect the purple wire from the breakaway unit to the in-car Battery Monitor. When the brake is depressed, the monitor will display the battery status.

Maintenance Features:

• Battery Replacement: The 12V 5AH SLA battery should be replaced every two years, regardless of its test condition. The replacement battery part number is 041767. Contact your local distributor or CAMEC PTY LTD for replacements or information.
• Fuse Checks: Regularly check the inline external fuses to ensure they are intact, especially if charging issues arise or during system tests.
• Troubleshooting Charging: If the yellow "Charging" LED does not illuminate during charging, check the internal fuse first, then verify the charger's functionality. If the battery does not hold its charge, it may need replacement.

The CAMEC Breakaway System is a critical safety component for trailers, providing peace of mind by ensuring emergency braking in the event of a separation. Proper installation, regular testing, and diligent battery maintenance are paramount for its effective operation.

Camec 040119 Specifications

General

Brand	Camec
Model	040119
Category	Automobile Accessories
Language	English