BMPRO TrailSafe: Emergency Trailer Break-Away Safety System Explained
Picture this: you’re driving down the highway, family or mates in tow, caravan or work trailer hooked up, and suddenly—something goes wrong. The trailer breaks away. For most, that’s the stuff of nightmares. For those on the fireground or hauling vital gear, it’s a risk that can end a shift before it even starts. Whether you’re getting your home and rig ready for holidays, or you’re part of a crew preparing for the next deployment, knowing your trailer won’t become a runaway hazard is critical.
That’s where the BMPRO TrailSafe Emergency Trailer Break-Away Safety System comes in. In this guide, you’ll find out exactly how it works, why it matters, who should have one (hint: it’s not just the pros), and practical advice for safe towing and emergency prep—at home, on the road, and on the frontline.
One of the smartest ways to keep your trailer, caravan, or fire unit safe is with a
Emergency Trailer Break-Away Safety System
that automatically activates your trailer brakes if it detaches—protecting you, your crew, and everyone else on the road.
What is the BMPRO TrailSafe Emergency Break-Away System?
Let’s break it down. The BMPRO TrailSafe is a clever little device that automatically applies your trailer’s electric brakes if the trailer becomes disconnected from your tow vehicle. Instead of your trailer running wild—potentially causing a crash or putting others at risk—it’ll come to a controlled stop. The system is legally required for trailers over 2 tonnes ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass), but honestly, it’s smart safety for anyone hauling heavy loads, from horse floats and work trailers to caravans and mobile firefighting units.
Here’s the heart of it: The TrailSafe unit has a built-in battery, charging circuit, and a pull-cable (usually called a break-away switch). If the cable gets yanked out during a breakaway, the system instantly supplies power to your electric trailer brakes, bringing the trailer to a halt. No panic, no uncontrolled chaos—just a calm, automatic safety response.
Why Break-Away Safety Matters—For All Aussies
Trailers come loose more often than most people think. It only takes a failed coupling, a dodgy pin, or even a pothole to send things sideways. Out on the fireground, a breakaway can put entire crews at risk, cut off vital water supply, or damage expensive gear. On the highway or even just pulling into the driveway, a runaway trailer is a real threat—to your family, neighbours, or strangers passing by.
Whether you’re towing for work, heading away for holidays, or supporting emergency operations, break-away systems take the “what if” out of the equation.
How the BMPRO TrailSafe System Works—Made Simple
Everyday Use (At Home, On the Road)
- TrailSafe is installed on your trailer or caravan—not your car.
- A steel cable (the break-away switch) runs from TrailSafe to your tow vehicle.
- If the trailer detaches, the cable is pulled free—instantly activating the trailer brakes using the built-in battery.
- The brakes stay engaged for up to 20 minutes, so you have time to react and recover the trailer.
On the Fireground (Crews, Incident Teams)
- Before deploying, crews check the TrailSafe system is charged and the break-away switch is correctly attached.
- During rapid response, it adds a safety net—stopping runaway trailers in crowded or rugged environments.
- It’s a backup if fatigue, rough terrain, or fast hook-ups lead to a missed check.
How to Prepare—Setting Up BMPRO TrailSafe Properly
At Home or the Depot
- Mount the TrailSafe unit on a sturdy part of your trailer, well clear of moving parts or road debris.
- Secure all wiring using cable ties, not just loose tape.
- Connect the break-away cable so it pulls straight in a breakaway—not at an angle or wrapped around the hitch.
- Plug in the charge cable to keep the backup battery topped up when not in use.
- Press the test button before every trip. Green means go, red means charge the battery.
Before Every Tow—Public & Firefighters
- Check the break-away switch cable is attached firmly to your vehicle, not to the tow ball or chains.
- Inspect the cable for fraying, rust, or sharp bends. Replace if damaged.
- Confirm the battery indicator light is green—this is your backup power.
- Test the system: Pull the cable briefly to check the brakes activate, then reset.
- For fire crews: Add this check to your pre-deployment gear list. A missed cable can spell disaster when moving between locations.
Responding to a Trailer Breakaway—What to Do Next
If You’re on the Road (Public)
- Stay calm. The brakes should hold the trailer steady.
- Pull over safely, activate your hazard lights, and check traffic before exiting.
- Assess the trailer for any hazards—hot brakes, leaking fluids, or nearby vehicles.
- Reattach the trailer securely and check the break-away cable is reset and undamaged.
- Test the system again before continuing your journey.
If You’re on the Fireground (Crews)
- Alert your crew—safety comes first, especially in active areas.
- Secure the trailer quickly, check for damage, and report any faults to the incident controller.
- Replace or repair the break-away cable on the spot if possible.
- Log the incident in your crew’s safety report for future learning.
Planning for Recovery & Long-Term Trailer Safety
For Households & Regular Travellers
- Keep a spare break-away cable and basic repair kit in your trailer or glovebox.
- Log your monthly checks in a simple maintenance diary or phone app.
- Include TrailSafe checks on your packing list for any long-distance trip.
- Talk over your trailer safety plan with anyone who’ll be towing or borrowing your rig.
For Fire Crews, Work Teams & Community Groups
- Add break-away system checks to your pre-departure and demobilisation checklists.
- Store a charged backup battery or charging cable in your crew vehicle.
- Nominate a team member to check cables before each shift change or deployment.
- Log all incidents and near-misses—learning from little things stops the big ones.
Common Mistakes & Lessons from the Road (and Fireground)
- Not resetting the break-away switch after testing—the trailer brakes stay locked and you won’t get far!
- Attaching the cable to a weak spot (like safety chains or a plastic panel) instead of a solid part of the tow vehicle.
- Letting the battery run flat. It’s an easy miss if you don’t check the light regularly.
- Ignoring frayed or rusty cables. If it looks dodgy, replace it before your next trip or callout.
- Skipping the break-away test when tired, busy, or in a rush. (This is often when things go wrong!)
- Assuming “it’ll never happen to me.” The best-prepared crews and families are the ones who plan for surprises—and catch them early.
Who Should Use a Break-Away Safety System?
- Anyone towing a trailer, caravan, boat, horse float, or work rig over 2 tonnes.
- Firefighting, emergency response, and community support crews (especially water carts and equipment trailers).
- Families heading off for school holidays or the big lap—especially on unfamiliar roads.
- Tradies, landowners, renters, and anyone helping out after storms or bushfires.
Remember: Even if your trailer is under the legal limit, a break-away system is one upgrade you’ll never regret. It’s peace of mind for you, your team, and everyone you share the road with.
guide to affordable bushfire protection upgrades
for more practical safety tips that work for both homes and rigs.
More Resources for Safer Towing & Fireground Readiness
- Power Outage Preparedness List
—covering gear, lighting, and backup planning for all situations. - Caravan Emergency Evacuation Plan
—your go-to checklist for holidays or fire evacuations. - Australian Towing Safety Regulations (gov.au)
—official rules and legal requirements for all trailer owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the BMPRO TrailSafe system hard to install?
No, it’s designed for easy installation on most trailers and caravans. If you’re handy with basic tools, you can do it at home. For firefighting or fleet trailers, a team member with wiring experience or your regular service crew can fit it in under an hour.
Q: Does the system work if my trailer battery is flat?
TrailSafe has its own backup battery, separate from your main trailer battery. As long as it’s charged (check the light!), it’ll activate the brakes even if the main system is flat or disconnected.
Q: Do I need a break-away system if my trailer is under 2 tonnes?
Not by law, but it’s a smart safety upgrade. Even smaller trailers can be dangerous if they detach, especially in traffic or on rough ground. It’s peace of mind for a small cost.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake people make with break-away systems?
Skipping the pre-trip test, letting the backup battery run flat, or attaching the cable to a weak spot. Build a routine—test, check, and replace parts as needed.
Q: Any special tips for emergency services or fire crews?
Absolutely—add break-away system checks to your shift change and demob lists, and log every cable replacement or battery change. One missed check can sideline a trailer at the worst time. Don’t let it be you!
Q: Can I use TrailSafe on a horse float or boat trailer?
Yes, TrailSafe works on most electric brake-equipped trailers, including horse floats, boats, campers, and more. Always check your wiring matches the system, and do a test before heading out.
Take five minutes today to check your trailer’s break-away safety system—or chat with your crew about towing safety before the next trip. One check could make all the difference.
