Comparing Trailer Breakaway Switch Kits

Question

Question:

Need battery kit w/ tester/push to testinch feature for 2012 Fleetwood/Coleman Bayside rated for 3000# GVW w/electric brakes, but not pre-equipped w/breakaway switch, hauling w/GMC Sierra 1500 over rough and hilly terrain. BUT FIRST: . e Trailer offers 4 brands ... in reading your prior customer queries, what makes kits better for single/tandem vs. triple axle trailers. . The Engager TM appears under several brands including Hopkins, TAP, RedLine, etc, but not Tekonsha brand/Cequent group. Is The Engager used by many companies under different store labels? P.S. We are a satisfied repeat customer. Thanks.

asked by: Peg

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Expert Reply:

Some different brand names of trailer breakaway kits do originate from a common source, and this is also true for items like jacks, landing gear and steps. There really is not a lot to distinguish one from another, since their component parts are virtually identical: a battery, a box, a charger and a switch. The one part that can make a difference is the battery itself. A higher output battery can power brakes on more axles. Hopkins Engager Trailer BreakAway Kit # 20400 can handle 1 or 2 axles with brakes while Curt Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway # C52042 can handle 3 axles with electric drum brakes.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

If a thief has the time and opportunity they usually get what they want. If a thief was dedicated enough to breaking into your trailer that he would go the lengths you described to defeat the #BLDL-80 he would probably also find other ways (much…

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Answer 2

I am not entirely sure I understand your question. In regards to a breakaway system, the switch needs to have a separate battery for power according to most state regulations. You will need to check with your state's DOT but it is safe to…

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Answer 3

The auxiliary or back-up wire on a 7-way trailer connector like #HM20041, is used to power to things like interior trailer lights or other 12V accessories. It can also be used to power backup lights, but not many trailers are equipped with those.…

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Answer 4

I spoke with my contact at Hopkins and he said on the Hopkins Trailer Break-Away Kit with Charger, part #HM20001, it is a gel cell battery so it can be mounted on its side. I am including a link to a FAQ page on trailer breakaway systems and a video…

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Answer 5

The white wire is the ground wire of the breakaway kits like part #2028 that you referenced. When it is connected it is completing the circuit for the battery to the trailer wiring. The problem you are having would indicate that there is a circuit on…

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Answer 6

I really wish we had the chance to install the Kat's heater #KH13150 so we could provide an install video or pictures but the best is the following written instructions: To install the heater you will first need to drain the cooling system. Then…

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Answer 7

To charge a battery through the 12 volt accessory circuit of a vehicle and trailer wiring does take some time. If the battery was in a pretty low state of discharge it would not surprise me that it's still charging. If you wanted to charge the…

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Answer 8

The break away system on a trailer would typically have its own battery, like that shown with part #20400. The reason that pulling your break away switch does not actuate your brakes is that it is not wired correctly. The break away switch should be…

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Answer 9

It sounds like something is miswired or there is a loose connection or poor ground somewhere. On the Engager the brake output wire from the trailer connector will go to a blue wire on the breakaway switch. You will just be tapping into this wire, the…

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Answer 10

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Answer 11

The trick to finding a circuit to use for an isolation solenoid like the part #PK5231201 so that the circuit is only active when the key is on is to find a circuit that is only on when the key is on. Common circuits to use are radio, power antenna,…

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Answer 12

It sounds like you are just needing the Hopkins Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole #37185. This will plug right into the 4-Way flat on your tow vehicle and provide a 7-Way to connect with your trailer. Since you are only needing to power the lights…

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