The override or inertia braking system is a type of braking system that is commonly used in caravans and trailers. The system uses the inertia of the vehicle to activate the brakes when the towing vehicle brakes are applied.
The system is easy to install and maintain and it does not require any adjustment or calibration.
The override or inertia braking system is mandatory in some countries, and it is recommended in other countries.
There are several advantages of an override or inertia braking system on a caravan when compared to a caravan with electric brakes:
Independent Braking: An override braking system allows the driver of the towing vehicle to control the braking of the caravan independently, rather than relying on the electric brakes on the caravan. This can be especially useful in emergency braking situations, where the driver can more easily maintain control of the caravan.
Reliability: An override braking system is generally considered to be more reliable than electric brakes, as they are less prone to mechanical failure and require less maintenance.
Simplicity: An override braking system is simpler than an electric brake system, as it does not require any additional wiring or components to be installed on the caravan. These wires can wear and tear over time.
Compatibility: An override braking system is compatible with a wider range of vehicles, as it does not require any special wiring or components to be installed on the towing vehicle.
Cost: An override braking system is typically less expensive than an electric brake system, as it requires fewer components and less installation work.
Ease of Use: An override braking system is more straightforward to use than an electric brake system, as it does not require any additional operation or adjustments.
It is worth mentioning that for certain heavier caravans, particularly those over 2,000kg, electric brakes may be required. However this regulation is Australia may be changing as other countries continually use the override or inertia braking system on their caravans up to 3,500kg.
