WiTi revolutionises wireless trailer braking

West Australia-based WiTi is claiming an industry first with its recently released wireless trailer braking system, that also doubles as a unique caravan security device that literally stops thieves in their tracks.

“There’s nothing like in the market at the moment, it’s totally unique,” Wi-Ti's Tony Maddison said.

“Essentially what it does is converts the lighting and the braking signals from your vehicle and transmits them wirelessly to your caravan or trailer."

Madison has a 30 year background in IT and electronics and got the idea after struggling with wear-and-tear of conventional trailer plug connectors during his off-road travels with a camper trailer.

“I was forever pulling out that bloody cord; the seven pin trailer plug was the first thing that would go on any trip that I did,” he said.

Works with existing brake controllers

According to the WiTi website, the wi-fi enabled system "replaces the wired connection between a tow vehicle and caravan with an advanced wireless interface consisting of a primary unit in the tow vehicle and a secondary unit in the trailer or caravan".

It's designed to support all electric brake controllers, although the WA business plans to introduce its own brake controller in the near future.

The patent-pending system can also be used as a security device, where the caravan is immobilised through application of the brakes when movement is detected or a thief tries to tow the caravan away. At the same time the indicator lights flash and an alarm sounds.

Two years in development, the full Wi-Ti kit costs $699, or you can buy just the trailer anti-theft unit for $459. Wi-Ti reckons it's as easy to install as a conventional 7-pin connector.

The wireless system also works in tandem with a tow vehicle already fitted with a conventional trailer plug, so more than one trailer can be towed by the same WiTi-equipped vehicle.

All-in-one wireless system?

An integrated breakaway system is also available for an additional $69, and it's likely other technology will be incorporated, like electronic stability control and bi-directional communication so that information about trailer brake lights or fridge temperatures can be monitored remotely.

"All that type of information will eventually be able to be fed back to the app in the tow vehicle," he said.

The WiTi technology will be demonstrated at the upcoming Perth Caravan and Camping Show, and is now available at a number of outlets in WA as well as online.