What Separate Power Source Needed For Breakaway Switch

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Question:

I have a 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT with an under dash harness labeled Dk Blue-Aux Red/Blk-Batt Blue/Wht-Brk SW Orn-CHMSL and White-GND. I have the Tekonsha P3 90195 controller. I have power to the controller and all trailer lights work. Everything comes together in a seven pole junction box. Does the zip breakaway switch need it’s own battery source or can it be powered from the 12 v pole in the junction box?

asked by: Ted M

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

It looks like you have everything wired right so if everything is working then you are good to go on wiring. With regards to the power source, most states require a separate and dedicated power/battery source for your breakaway system so the 12V pole on your junction box will not work.

If you want an entire breakaway kit that includes a breakaway switch, I recommend the Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit, Item # 20099. This kit includes built-in battery charger, push-to-test LED battery feature, built-in charger that automatically refuels battery when connected to tow vehicle, and is side-loading. A top loading version is Item # 20400.

If you need the zip breakaway switch then I recommend the Fastway Zip Trailer Breakaway Switch With Coiled Cable, Item # FA80-00-2040, which will replace any breakaway device.

I have attached additional information a few videos for you to checkout.

expert reply by: Brint H

1

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Answer 1

If you didn't have a battery used with your breakaway system there'd be nothing to power the brakes in the event of a disconnect so you couldn't use just a switch like the part #FA80-00-2040 by itself. You'd instead…

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Answer 2

Typically people will let the breakaway battery run the breakaway system and then would use the accessory battery to power the interior lights etc. This tends to work the best since your breakaway battery needs to always be charged and interior…

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Answer 3

If you still have the plunger end that goes in the break away switch, then you can simply insert the plunger back into the switch and that should cut off the power to the brakes on your trailer. If you no longer have the plunger, then you can…

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Answer 4

In order to install a two wire breakaway switch like the Replacement Breakaway Switch with Cable and Pin part #3802348 to an existing trailer battery you will want to attach one of the wires to the brake output signal (usually blue) on the trailer…

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Answer 5

On this page (typically below the product links) there is a helpful link section that will have the install instructions fo the Hopkins Breakaway kit part #20400 that you referenced. I also attached an install video that shows the kit installed as…

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Answer 6

The correct replacement master cylinder kit we have for your Demco setup is the part #DM5918 which comes with the lock out replacement.

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Answer 7

A drop axle certainly can make it tough to reach the star wheel adjuster on a drum brake. The adjuster spoon tool we offer #W80630 has a 90-degree bend that will often let you get access to the adjuster even on a drop axle. Essentially you will need…

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Answer 8

So I have your hub narrowed down to a few different possibilities but we need to know what your bolt pattern is to know for sure. We have the part #84556UC3 for if your bolt pattern is 5 on 5 inch. We have the part #845476UC3 for if your bolt pattern…

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Answer 9

Thank you for purchasing from etrailer! You did a great job selecting compatible parts. When using Leaf Springs #e64SR with the #AP233 Equalizer Kit and the #H248 Hanger Kit, there should be 29-1/2" between the front and center hangers and…

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Answer 10

The amount of bow that's put into trailer axles like the #7359765 is based on about how much a trailer is typically going to weigh that has a 3,500 lb capacity. So there's a bit of approximation and obviously it can't be totally perfect…

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Answer 11

While we may have an option for you, we do not have the exact specs on your Allis grease seal part number 5013 29772. However, with the 1.6" ID and 2.5" OD measurements you provides, that is very close to our #58846. This particular grease…

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Answer 12

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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What Separate Power Source Needed For Breakaway Switch

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