Troubleshooting Trailer Break Away System
Question:
I have a question about the wiring on my trailer breakaway switch. The trailer has a winch and 12 volt battery installed in the trailer, there is no small battery tied into the breakaway wiring as i have seen on other trailers. The breakaway switch wires - one is grounded to the trailer frame, the other is spliced into the brake wire going to the trailer tires. When I test the switch the brakes to not engage.
asked by: Jim H
Expert Reply:
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 wired so that it is a normally open circuit that closes when the pin is pulled. When the pin is pulled, the circuit closes, allowing voltage to travel to the trailer brakes. One leg of the switch should be wired to the positive terminal of the break away battery, and the other leg tapped into the brake circuit (see provided diagram.)
Once you have everything wired as shown in the diagram, the system should work fine for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger - Top Load
- Trailer Breakaway Kit
- Kit with Charger
- Top Load
- Single-axle
- Tandem-axle
- LED Tester
- Hopkins
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins Pull to Test Breakaway Switch with 48" Long Cable
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Breakaway Kit
- Switches
- Hopkins
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Lippert High-Speed Power Stabilizer Jack - Black Waterproof Switch Kit - 30" Lift
- Search Results: stl
- Video: Hopkins LED Breakaway Switch Installation
- Shop: Hopkins Pull to Test Breakaway Switch with 48" Long Cable
- Search Results: am90083
- Shop: Americana Trailer Wheel Center Cap - 5.12" - Chrome
- Search Results: se58fr
- Search Results: m170a
- Search Results: mcl36ab
- Search Results: converter
- Search Results: power converter
- Shop: Optronics LED Clearance or Side Marker Light w/ Reflex Reflector - 6 Diodes - Square - Amber Lens
- Shop: Unitized Oil Seal
- Shop: Camco RV and Marine Septic Safe Toilet Tissue - 2 Ply - 500 Sheets - 4 Rolls
- Shop: Kodiak Ceramic Brake Pads - 9,000 lbs to 10,000 lbs
- Video: Curt RockerBall Shock Absorbing Hitch Ball Review C40047
- Video: Gen-Y Glyder Shock Absorbing Ball Mount Review
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: RV Interior Lighting
- Article: Testing Brake Controls
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: etrailer Trailer Brakes - Electric Drum Brakes - AKEBRK-35-SA Review
- Q&A: Electric Trailer Brakes not Working
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Video: Review of Dexstar Tires and Wheels - Wheel Only - AM20428
- Video: etrailer Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drums Installation - 2020 K-Z Sportsmen Classic Travel Trailer
- Video: Review of etrailer Trailer Hubs and Drums - Hub with Integrated Drum - AKHD-545-35-EZ-K
- Q&A: Wiring Diagram for Trailer Breakaway Kit