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Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Built-In Charger - Side Load - 7" Wire

Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Built-In Charger - Side Load - 7" Wire

Item # 20099
Retail:$72.39
Our Price: $49.49
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Trailer Breakaway Kit
Shipping Weight: 4 lbs
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Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Kit - 20099
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Breakaway system with built-in charger is designed to bring a trailer safely to a stop by activating its electric brakes should it become disconnected while being towed. Push-button tester lets you know if the rechargeable battery is fully charged. Great Prices for the best trailer breakaway kit from Hopkins. Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Built-In Charger - Side Load - 7" Wire part number 20099 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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  • Reviews (656)
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Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Kit - 20099

  • Kit with Charger
  • Side Load
  • Hopkins
  • Single-axle
  • Tandem-axle
  • LED Tester

Breakaway system with built-in charger is designed to bring a trailer safely to a stop by activating its electric brakes should it become disconnected while being towed. Push-button tester lets you know if the rechargeable battery is fully charged.


Features:

  • Breakaway system activates your trailer's electric brakes if the trailer disconnects from the tow vehicle
  • Push-to-test battery feature offers fast and easy battery testing
    • Test button with LED lights clearly displays battery status
      • Green = charged
      • Yellow = charging
      • Red = low battery
  • Built-in charger automatically refuels battery while trailer is connected to tow vehicle
    • Charges at 1/2 volt below voltage supplied by tow vehicle to prevent over-charging
    • Shut-off feature activates when battery is fully charged
  • Side-loading case is easy to access from the side
    • Weather-resistant construction protects battery from moisture and debris
    • Self-tapping screws included for simple mounting on your trailer's frame
  • Lockable lid deters theft (padlock sold separately)
  • Breakaway switch installs on your trailer's frame - drilling is required
  • Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant
  • 12-Volt rechargeable battery is included


Specs:

  • Application: single- and tandem-axle trailers with electric brakes
  • Case dimensions: 4-1/8" long x 5-5/8" wide x 5-1/8" tall
  • Battery capacity: 5 amp-hours
  • Mounting hole spacing:
    • 1-1/2" From center of hole to center of hole horizontally
    • 7/8" From center of hole to center of hole vertically
  • Lead wire length: 7"
  • 90-Day warranty


Note: A breakaway system is required by law in most states for trailers that are equipped with electric brakes and have a GTW of at least 3,000 lbs.



20119 Hopkins Engager Break Away System with LED Battery Monitor and Charger - Side Load - 5 amp/hrs - 7" Wiring

20099

Installation Details 20099 Installation instructions


California residents: click here


Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Built-In Charger - Side Load - 7" Wire - 20099

Average Customer Rating:  4.8 out of 5 stars   (656 Customer Reviews)

Breakaway system with built-in charger is designed to bring a trailer safely to a stop by activating its electric brakes should it become disconnected while being towed. Push-button tester lets you know if the rechargeable battery is fully charged.

by:

While Hopkins has made a similar product for ages, this newer iteration is less easy to use. Instead of an actual button, to check battery level, you have to push the plastic casing in, with your finger. I can’t do it. So, you essentially need a tool to check battery level. Lame. I wish my older version still worked.

Lewis

9/6/2023

After a year, it’s still functional, but the test “button” still sucks. Without a hard object like a took or a pocket knife handle,it’s impossible to depress the test button which is just a molded detent in the plastic case to see if the battery is charged. I rarely check anymore.

Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

10/27/2023

@Lewis We're sorry to hear that you're less than happy with the changes Hopkins made to the battery test portion of the break-away system. They tell us that the change was made in order to seal the battery box better against water intrusion.


by:

Easy installation at a fare price



by:

I will just make this short, overall it’s a good product, straight forward, easy to install. I wanted something that would keep my break away battery charged. With a built in battery charger and indicator this fit the bill. I however find that it is very susceptible to rain intrusion because there is no seal between the lid and battery box. The charge indicator light will come on and kill your battery, so because I needed this thing on the road, I dried it out and sealed it up with silicone. I did contact E-trailer and the where very helpful with my issue.



by:

I had made several purchases from Etrailer and I have always got great parts service and fast shipping. We all work hard in life to be able to enjoy our hobbies. Rather it be Camping, hauling your race car to the track or keeping your work trailers in good working order. It is nice to have a company that is there to help you maintain your equipment in a economical, knowledgeable,and friendly way. If you are looking for advice,quality parts and trustworthy service look no further. Thanks Will and etrailer for helping me get me rig back on the road and safer. You guys are the best!



by:

Got my breakaway kit in 2 days. It took 2 Hrs to install...works GREAT>>>>>it replaced the 7 year old dead batt and kit on trailer.
My trailer don't have a "power" wire for the charger..if your trailer does cut 30 min's off install time. As a professional truck driver
SAFETY FIRST on my trailer...and the Test button lets me know it is good to go.

SAFETY FIRST on my trailer...and the Test button lets me know it is good to go." />

by:

I bought this brake away system one year ago and have had zero issues. I like the display and the test button still works. Great product, this trailer lives outside uncovered..so far so good.



by:

Worked as advertised. Better case to seal out the weather



by:

all good, great service



by:

Arrived as scheduled. I was replacing stock unit so I only had to drill one hole and cut and splice wires. Very simple and easy installation. Product seems tough built and so nice now to check battery with the push of a button.



by:

Awesome service.



by:

Arrived within a couple of days, everything I thought it would be, took a hour to mount because I soldered and heat shrunk all connections. Everythng I've ever bought from etrailer has been quality parts.



by:

purchased 2 roof vents and a breakaway kit with charger.Very good quality and very good and quick service.Hopkins breakaway kit has battery with charge control and switch with cable and a great price. Ventline basic roof vents with screen and hand crank and a great price too!!!

Bader,dennis

10/8/2018

I have purchased these product previously and never had any problems with either. Thanks



by:

Installation was easy as this was a rep lacement.



by:

Was exactly what I needed for adding electric brake axles to my boat trailer. I'm very happy with this product and with the service from etrailer.com.



by:

Great customer service and website



by:

Bought this to replace the box that was torn up by thieves who stole my trailer. Previous box did not have the battery charge tester, so this is a nice upgrade. Very durable construction. Easy installation and instructions, which included a good drawing. Super fast shipping, which prompted me to order more items. Have dealt with etrailer.com in the past, and I am glad that I returned.

Gary

2/14/2014

Hi Patrick, thanks for the one year check-up.I have had no issues with the kit, it all works like it is supposed to. Thankfully, I havent had to test it for what it is designed for.



by:

Great customer service. A wrong item was sent. They went above and beyond to fix the situation



by:

I converted my car trailer from surge to electric and it could not have been easier
The box was perfect for my needs and has held up well for the first year
All the parts from one site at a great price!

Jay M.

4/25/2020

A year later and this product has held up and worked perfectly. Was easy to install and of good quality. I would buy this again if I had a trailer that needed one.



by:

Highly recommend. Own a 99 F250 7.3 diesel.

Easy
install. No issues. We have not had to use the break away aspect thankfully but have no worries that it would work well if the need ever arose.

We replaced our breakaway due to hitch failure on the truck. The bolts had loosened over time and one was missing. The whole hitch system fell to the ground under a full load at a red light. After my husband hyperventilated we were able to get traffic to stop and go 25 feet to safety.

We are very familiar with the need for a break away and highly recommend. What happened to us is rare and our mechanics are so paranoid now that inspection of hitch systems no matter the truck are fully inspected so far they have found and prevented five potential disasters.

All of our replacement items came from etrailer....hitch...ball..tongue and breakaway. We upgraded the weight limit of the hitch matching the weight to ball and tongue. We are currently saving to replace our jack to a more heavy duty easy use high weight bearing. When we do we will head to etrailer for our new jack.

Highly recommend this company and all of the associates we have talked to have been great.

Btw upgrading the hitch and tongue to handle weight has helped our hauling ability, ride and fuel. mileage.

Have a wonderful day



by:

The lid of the battery box was almost impossible to open due to little plastic latches that were very hard to depress to unlatch the lid. No instructions were included on that. When I got the battery box mounter (replacing a previously installed one) the lid flew off the first time on the road, despite my having pressed the latches home as firmly as possible. Don't bother!

Etrailer Expert

Jenny N.

4/15/2022

I will have our Customer Service team reach out to you.



by:

Item was a perfect replacement. Very similar to the original of the same brand, and even the mounting holes lined up perfectly. I've installed it on a 30 foot flatbed PT Trailer Gooseneck and it works great!

Art

6/18/2019

Product has been working flawlessly. Its been great!



by:

Well, you may not see the actual brake controller in these shots, but I wanted to display just how much etrailer product was used to restore this old trailer. Re-decked the trailer, new wheel bearings, added brakes on all 4 with this brake controller and battery powered emergency disconnect... new rust protection, primer and paint, new lights and wiring all the way around, new wiring harness/box, and new tire carrier. Nearly all product except the decking and paint was from etrailer. the customer support was fantastic, I highly recommend this company!



by:

Item came with NO installation instructions. Had to search, download and printout on my own. Item P/N was NOT listed on mfr's site but did find instructions under a different PN. No mounting hardware (screws) were provided. Item was successfully installed on Utility/Car Mover trailer and appears to work properly. Battery capacity is minimal (5VA) - will power a single axle brake (5 amps) for less than an hour. Tow vehicle battery charger (12v) circuit is mandatory. No provision for an external battery charger connection is provided. DO NOT TEST while electrically connected to tow vehicle - it will damage your Brake Controller. This is important because connecting the breakaway switch lanyard as recommended requires pulling the plug from the switch which back feeds 12v to the tow vehicle's brake controller. Must connect the lanyard BEFORE connecting the trailer electrical cable and vice-versa when disconnecting. Switch mounting plate is very thin and flimsy - easily bent when applying force necessary to reinsert breakaway plug. Must hold the housing while inserting. Do not install the battery housing or switch where subject to possible external physical impact forces or loads. They are both plastic and easily damaged.



by:

Items were poorly packaged. Grease caps were damaged. Grease seals were sized wrong. No instructions for breakaway switch. Brakes were not assembled properly causing significant time troubleshooting the issue. Called customer service, representative sounded insincere when apologizing. E trailer did send new grease caps, did not offer any compensation for incorrect grease seals. They also told me to contact Hopkins regarding an issue with the breakaway switch wiring. Overall good pricing, poor packaging, and mediocre customer service. After all the positive reviews, I expected more.



by:

The Hopkins battery box and break away switch showed up in record time with a fully charged battery. I also purchased a 7 blade plug / 24' 7 wire / 2 termination boxes. My old horse trailer has 18 various lights, some always hot, some on toggle, some running lights, stop and turn signals. I used 2 term boxes, front and rear, to help me in chasing future shorts but couldn't find a termination box at my local store. Etrailer had everything I needed to complete my project. I'm looking forward to purchasing trailer tires/rims from this company. The prices can't be beat, assuming free shipping.


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Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Kit

  • Should Trailer Brakes Hum While the Breakaway Pin Is Pulled
    Yes, when the pin on a breakaway system like the Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit part # 20099 is pulled that then sends full 12 volt power to the trailer brakes. When power is sent to an electric braking assembly you may very well hear sort of a humming noise and this is not uncommon at all nor it is an indication that a problem is present.
    view full answer...
  • Correct Battery Power Source for Trailer Emergency Breakaway System
    Towing laws vary by state and province and they can change at any time, so it is best to check with the highway authorities in the specific area you intend to travel. But even if it is not illegal to use the primary trailer battery to power the breakaway this is not a good idea for safety reasons. Such a remote power connection means longer wiring and that means more potential for something to get pinched, damaged or shorted. The benefits of a separate dedicated trailer breakaway battery...
    view full answer...
  • How to Release Brakes When Pin is Pulled on Trailer Breakaway System
    The brakes will release when pushing the pin back in of the Hopkins Engager # 20099.
    view full answer...
  • Using Trailer Mounted Battery to Power Both Winch and Break-Away System
    You can use a large marine battery to power your winch as well as the breakaway system, people do it all the time. However, it's not the best practice. You can connect the marine battery to the 12-volt accessory feed from the 7-way, but the circuit doesn't have enough capacity to charge a dead or nearly depleted battery. So, lets say you run down your battery from using the winch, didn't get around to recharging it using shore power, and your battery is nearly dead. Per DOT regulations,...
    view full answer...
  • Can Hopkins Engager Breakaway Kit Be Submerged
    The Engager Trailer BreakAway Kit with Charger and Tester part # 20099 is weather resistant but not waterproof. Which means that you would not be able to submerge the battery and box in water but it would withstand inclement weather. Ideally your best option would be to mount the battery in a location that is up high enough that it would not get submerged while backing the trailer in the water. Or at least close enough to the coupler that it would not get submerged. I attached an link on...
    view full answer...
  • How to Reset a Breakaway System After Pulled Pin
    If you have electric brakes then the only thing you will need to do to reset a breakaway system would be to place the pin back into the switch. This will then release the brakes and allow the trailer to roll freely. You will not need to replace it unless any of the components are damaged. If they were damaged then I recommend the Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit part # 20099 as a replacement. If you have hydraulic brakes then the process is a bit more involved and will...
    view full answer...
  • Troubleshooting Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Unit That Does Not Engage Trailer Brakes
    You can refer to the linked article on breakaway kit installation for help in confirming that your Hopkins unit is wired correctly. The two blue wires from the switch should be spliced to the trailer brake circuit and to the breakaway battery box, as shown in the linked diagram. Also be sure the ground and 12V power wires, white and black wire respectively, are connected securely. If it is wired correctly the issue may be that your breakaway battery is not fully charged. A fully-charged...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • How to Wire the Engager Breakaway Kit to Charge the Breakaway Battery
    The black wire on the Engager breakaway system # 20099 will be connected to a 12v auxiliary power wire coming off of the trailer connector. This wire is typically the number 4 black terminal in the 7-way connector, but you will need to test to determine if your plug is wired this way, as the auxiliary function can also be located on the center pin. Installing the black wire from the breakaway system to the 12 volt power source will allow the battery to charge when you have the trailer...
    view full answer...
  • Should Brakes Lock Up On 1998 48 Foot Kraft Trailer Lock Up When Breakaway Pin Is Pulled?
    When you pull the pin on a breakaway like the Engager Trailer BreakAway Kit with Charger and Tester # 20099 on your 1998 48 foot trailer, it should activate the electric brakes. It won't lock up the brakes, but it should quickly and safely add braking pressure to bring the trailer to a stop.
    view full answer...
  • Do Trailer Brakes Lock Up When Brakeaway Kit is Activated
    When the Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Built-In Charger # 20099 gets activated, your trailer brakes will immediately lock up. It sends the full 12 volts to your brakes to stop the trailer as soon as possible. This is assuming, of course, that the breakaway battery is fully charged, which should not be an issue with this kit due to its built-in battery charger. I have added a link to a video review of this kit for you to take a look at as well as a couple help articles...
    view full answer...
  • Attaching a Breakaway System to a Trailer and How to Test the System
    I attached an FAQ article that details how to test a trailer breakaway system. Basically, if you remove the pin from the breakaway system the brakes on the trailer should lock up. The breakaway switch cable needs to be secured to the vehicle bumper or frame. The cable can be attached in many different ways. The most common method is: Remove the cable pin from the breakaway switch. Wrap it around the safety chain loop and then back through the loop of the cable to basically make a slip...
    view full answer...
  • Troubleshooting Electric Trailer Brakes that Do Not Engage with Brake Pedal
    Are you getting power on the pin in the 5 O'clock position on the 7-way at the rear of your 2016 Ram 3500? This is the brake output circuit. That's the first thing you need to check to find if the problem is with the truck or the trailer. If there's not power on the brake circuit the problem is likely a blown fuse. You said you already replaced the 7-way. Was this on the truck or trailer? Whichever it was inspect the other one for corrosion and clean it if need be. If the truck is...
    view full answer...
  • Installation Instructions For Hopkins Engager Trailer BreakAway Kit
    I have attached the installation instructions for the Hopkins Engager Trailer BreakAway Kit, part # 20099. This kit includes a charger and an LED tester and will work with single and tandem axle trailers. I have also attached a link to an installation video for this kit you can check out. I attached a link to a drawing that shows how the wiring is run when you install the breakaway kit.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Why It's Not Recommended to Use Dump Trailer Battery for Trailer Breakaway
    It's not recommended to use a battery that powers the dump feature of your trailer for the breakaway battery since that battery could be drained when you'd need the breakaway. Legally also you have to use a breakaway battery setup like the Hopkins # 20099 which comes with a dedicated battery.
    view full answer...
  • Measurements of Battery Box For Hopkins 20099 Trailer Break Away Kit
    The Battery Box for the Hopkins Engager trailer break away system measures 5-5/8 inches wide by 5-1/8 inches tall by 4-1/8 deep. If you click the provided links, you can see a trailer breakaway system FAQ article and an install video that you might find helpful.
    view full answer...
  • Can Trailer's Breakaway Battery Switch Have Power From Battery and Trailer Wiring Ran to It
    Unlike AC power DC power can have two power sources ran to the same thing like you described without issue.
    view full answer...
  • How Does the Engager Breakaway System # 20099 Install
    The black wire on the Engager breakaway system # 20099 will be connected to a 12v auxiliary power wire coming off of the trailer connector. This wire is typically the number 4 black terminal in the 7-way connector, but you will need to test to determine if your plug is wired this way, as the auxiliary function can also be located on the center pin. Installing the black wire from the breakaway system to the 12 volt power source will allow the battery to charge when you have the trailer...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes Locking Up When Brakes Are Applied
    The lock up issue you are having shouldn't be related to the Engager Breakaway System part # 20099 that you have installed on your trailer. There are other factors to consider when dealing with trailer brakes that lock up. You either have the gain set too high on your brake controller or there is a short from the stoplight circuit to the brake output circuit and the brake assemblies are getting a full 12 volts everytime you step on the brakes. Typically corrosion in the trailer connector...
    view full answer...
  • Is 12V Battery Included in Hopkins Engager Trailer Breakaway Kit with Charger and Tester 20099
    Yes, the Engager Trailer BreakAway Kit with Charger and Tester # 20099 does include the breakaway battery. This kit includes the battery, a built-in automatic charger, the weather-resistant box, the breakaway switch and mounting hardware. I linked two videos for you; one is a review video showing what is included in the kit and the other is an installation video.
    view full answer...
  • Does Charged Light Always Stay Lit on Hopkins 20099 When Battery is Charged
    The green indicator light that shows the battery is charged will stay on all the time as long as the batter is fully charged.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Brakeaway System Function for Electric Trailer Brakes
    The Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Built-In Charger - Side Load - 7" Wire # 20099 is the most common system we carry for trailers. The breakaway battery is maintained through a connection from your vehicle 7-way so you will have that 12V power to apply to your electric trailer brakes when the pin is pulled. The battery will continue to supply power to the brakes until it is depleted at which time the brakes would no longer be energized so the magnets would stop...
    view full answer...
  • Does the Hopkins Engager Trailer Breakaway Kit Have a 5 amp Battery
    Yes, I spoke with my contact at Hopkins and he informed me that this Engager Trailer BreakAway Kit # 20099 is on a 5 amp circuit and should work well for you. I attached installation instructions for this product for you to check out also.
    view full answer...
  • Breakaway Battery Will Not Charge On Trailer with 2018 Ram 3500 Tow Vehicle
    If your trailer is wired correctly then the breakaway battery will receive a charge for the 12 volt circuit on the 7-way which is generally classified as the "Trailer Tow Battery" circuit on the vehicle side. I did not catch what vehicle you have but if it is a 2018 Ram 3500 which was referenced in the question you came from then the "Trailer Tow Battery" circuit should be in the power distribution center, a pink 30 amp fuse in the F30 slot. If you test the 1 o'clock pin on the vehicle's...
    view full answer...
  • Troubleshooting Breakaway Switch Not Working and Only Clicking When Plunger Is Pulled
    It sounds like the brakes aren't engaging when the breakaway switch on your Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Built-In Charger - Side Load - 7" Wire # 20099 is pulled, which would lead me to believe that either something is mis-wired, there is a loose wiring connection or there is a poor ground connection. On the breakaway system 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 and...
    view full answer...
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