Towing a caravan isn’t just about having a big enough vehicle and a strong tow ball—it’s also about stopping power. And when it comes to slowing down safely, especially with a heavy load behind you, electric brakes can make all the difference.
So, do you legally need electric brakes to tow a caravan in Australia? The short answer is: yes, in most cases. But there’s a bit more to it than that, especially when you factor in load limits, driving conditions, and insurance requirements.
Whether you’re planning weekend getaways or checking out caravans in Heatherbrae for your first big lap around Australia, understanding how electric brakes work—and when they’re mandatory—should be at the top of your checklist.
Let’s break down what’s required, what’s recommended, and how electric brakes actually help keep you in control on the road.
What Are Electric Brakes and How Do They Work?
Electric brakes are a system fitted to trailers and caravans that help slow the van down in sync with the towing vehicle. Instead of relying entirely on the car’s brakes, electric brakes apply stopping force directly to the caravan’s wheels.
The setup usually includes:
- Brake magnets inside the caravan’s drum brakes
- A brake controller mounted inside the tow vehicle
- Wiring that connects the controller to the trailer via a 7- or 12-pin plug
When you hit the brakes in your car, the controller sends a signal to the magnets, which apply friction to the brake drums in the caravan. The harder you brake, the more braking force is applied to the caravan.
It’s a smooth, coordinated system that helps prevent swaying, jack-knifing or overloading your car’s brakes.
When Are Electric Brakes Legally Required?
In Australia, trailer braking requirements are regulated by national standards and enforced by each state and territory. The rules are fairly consistent across the board:
- 750kg and under (loaded): No brakes required
- 751kg to 2000kg (loaded): Must have brakes on at least one axle, usually electric
- Over 2000kg: Must have brakes on all wheels and an independent emergency breakaway system
So if your caravan weighs more than 750kg fully loaded—which most do—you legally need some form of braking, and electric brakes are the most common choice.
Breakaway systems become a legal requirement above 2000kg, which means the trailer must be able to brake itself if it becomes detached. This adds another layer of safety, especially on highways or steep descents.
Why Electric Brakes Are Better Than Override Brakes
You might come across override brakes, especially on smaller trailers. These use mechanical force from the tow ball to apply braking—basically, when the car slows down, the forward movement of the trailer activates the brakes.
Sounds clever, but it has major downsides:
- Delay in braking response
- Poor performance on long descents
- No ability to adjust braking strength
Electric brakes, by contrast, offer full control. You can fine-tune the response with your dashboard controller and even apply trailer brakes manually if you feel the van swaying.
This level of control is especially valuable when towing on gravel, through hilly terrain or in wet conditions. It’s also what most caravan manufacturers recommend.
Installing Electric Brakes: What You’ll Need
Installing electric brakes isn’t just about chucking a controller in your glove box. It involves a few moving parts, and it’s usually best done by an auto electrician or caravan service centre.
You’ll need:
- Electric brake controller – usually mounted near your steering wheel
- Wiring loom – to connect controller to trailer plug
- 12-pin or Anderson plug – to carry power and brake signals
- Electric brake system – fitted to the caravan’s axle(s)
The controller is the brains of the operation. Brands like Redarc, Tekonsha and Elecbrakes are popular in Australia. Some are hardwired, others are wireless with remote control.
Expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $1,200 for a full setup, including parts and labour. It’s not a cheap add-on, but it’s a one-time investment in safety and compliance.
Does Your Tow Vehicle Need to Be Upgraded?
Not always, but it’s worth checking. Some newer vehicles already come pre-wired for electric brakes or have factory towing kits. Others need a full install from scratch.
Make sure your vehicle’s GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) and GCM (Gross Combined Mass) can legally handle the caravan you plan to tow. Electric brakes help with stopping, but they don’t change the legal load limits of your rig.
Also, if you’re towing over 2,000kg, you’ll need a brake controller capable of triggering a breakaway system. Not all models are built for that.
Speak to a mechanic or caravan dealer if you’re unsure—especially if you’re switching to a heavier van or towing long-term.
What Happens If You Tow Without Electric Brakes?
Aside from the safety risks, towing a caravan that requires electric brakes without them is illegal. You can be hit with:
- Fines and demerit points (varies by state)
- Increased stopping distances
- Higher risk of sway or instability
- Reduced insurance coverage in the event of a crash
In the event of an accident, you may be deemed at fault if your caravan wasn’t fitted with legally required brakes—even if the other driver was to blame.
Insurance companies will look closely at towing compliance. If you’re found to be non-compliant, your policy may be voided or a claim denied. That’s a risk not worth taking.
Real-World Example: Avoiding Disaster on the New England Highway
Tom and Jodie from Tamworth tow a 2,100kg van behind their Isuzu MU-X. They had a basic controller installed a few years ago but hadn’t touched it since.
Coming down a steep descent on the New England Highway, they noticed the van starting to push into the back of the car—especially when cornering.
After a nervous stop, Tom adjusted the brake gain on the controller and instantly noticed the difference. The van pulled up evenly and the car handled like normal.
Since then, they’ve upgraded to a more advanced controller with proportional braking. The lesson? The right setup can make or break your trip—literally.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Rules?
If your van weighs less than 750kg fully loaded, no brakes are required. This usually only applies to ultra-lightweight campers, teardrop trailers or small luggage pods.
Some older caravans or custom-built trailers may have override brakes instead of electric. While legal under certain weight limits, they’re not ideal for long-distance or highway towing.
There are no exemptions for recreational use or infrequent trips. Whether you’re towing 10km or 1,000km, the law still applies based on weight.
When in doubt, assume you need brakes—and make sure they’re working.
FAQs
Can I tow a caravan without electric brakes?
Only if the caravan’s loaded weight is under 750kg, which is rare for most modern vans. Anything over that and you’re legally required to have brakes fitted—usually electric.
Towing without brakes when they’re required not only puts you at risk of fines, but also endangers everyone on the road. Electric brakes help your vehicle stop more efficiently and keep the caravan stable.
So while there are a few exceptions for ultra-light trailers, most caravan setups will need them. It’s best to check your caravan’s ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) before hitting the road.
Do electric brakes work automatically?
Yes, once installed correctly, electric brakes activate in sync with your vehicle’s braking system. When you press the brake pedal, the controller sends a signal to apply braking force to the caravan.
The amount of force depends on your controller settings—most let you adjust the gain (how strongly the brakes apply). Some systems also have manual override levers so you can apply just the trailer brakes if needed.
As long as the wiring is in good condition and the controller is calibrated properly, electric brakes work seamlessly in the background without you needing to think about it.
What is a breakaway system and do I need one?
A breakaway system is a safety feature that automatically activates the caravan’s brakes if it becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle. It prevents a runaway trailer situation.
Legally, if your caravan weighs over 2,000kg, a breakaway system is mandatory in all states and territories in Australia. The system typically includes a battery mounted on the van and a pull-cable that activates braking if detached.
Even if not legally required, some people choose to fit one as an extra safety precaution. It’s peace of mind, especially when towing through mountainous or high-speed areas.
Can I install electric brakes myself?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended unless you’re experienced with auto electrics. The system involves multiple components—controllers, wiring, connectors, brake hardware—and needs to meet legal standards.
Most people choose to have it done professionally. That way, you know it’s compliant, calibrated correctly and won’t let you down under pressure. Incorrect installation can lead to brake failure, poor performance or even voided warranties.
If you’re confident with tools and wiring, it can be a DIY project—but always test thoroughly before towing.
Do electric brakes improve fuel efficiency?
Not directly, but they reduce wear and tear on your vehicle’s braking system and suspension, which can help with overall running costs.
When your caravan shares the braking load, your tow vehicle doesn’t have to work as hard—especially when descending or pulling up at traffic lights. This reduces brake pad wear and improves stopping distances.
While fuel savings are minimal, the big win is better control, safer handling and longer lifespan for both your car and caravan components.
Safer Towing Starts with the Right Braking Setup
Towing a caravan without electric brakes isn’t just a legal misstep—it’s a risk to your safety and others on the road. Whether you’re planning long-haul road trips or local camping weekends, the right braking system gives you control, confidence and compliance.
Electric brakes aren’t just a tick-the-box requirement—they’re a game-changer for towing performance. Get them installed properly, understand how they work and don’t cut corners when it comes to setup or maintenance.
Start your journey with confidence — visit 7th Street Caravans or give our team a call on 02 4012 6009 for friendly, local advice.