If Breakaway Switch on Trailer is Left Unplugged with Battery Drain

Question

Question:

I just stored my trailer for a few months and it is a new unit. I also disconnected and stored my battery. But I did not plug my breakaway switch back into my trailer and it will not be put back for a few months since I live a couple of hours away from where I stored it. Will this cause me a problem with the unit since the battery is disconnected. The unit is a 2017 Jayco SLX Flight, 195RB. Thanks,

asked by: Tony D

0

Expert Reply:

If the battery you disconnected from your trailer is also the battery that powers the breakaway system then having the pin pulled on the switch won't be an issue. If you left the breakaway battery installed on the trailer then the pin being pulled will drain the battery.

If the battery stays totally dead for a few months it would need to be replaced most likely.

We have three replacement breakaway batteries. We have the Curt part # C52023, the Hopkins part # HM20008, and the Tekonsha part # TK2023.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Answer 1

The TorkLift Cannon Hitch Extension #TLE1642 is designed to work with trucks that have a 3" factory cross bar style trailer hitch receiver. To my knowledge I have only ever seen those on the 2017 and newer Ford F-350's. I believe…

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Answer 2

If your breakaway system uses the same batteries as the rest of your trailer it wil drain the batteries when the pin is pulled since that will activate the trailer brakes at full voltage. To prevent the drain for the time being you'll want to…

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Answer 3

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 4

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…

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Answer 5

The running light circuit on your trailer connector, typically a brown wire as you note, is not suitable for charging a breakaway battery. A dedicated 12V auxiliary power feed to your trailer is suitable for maintaining a breakaway battery (but not…

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Answer 6

The trailer breakaway kits we currently offer are very similar to each other and differ only in a few available features and the location to which they are designed to mount. I recommend going with a kit that includes a charger, like the Hopkins…

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Answer 7

First it is important to know that the battery on the Engager break away kit #20099 will only be charging as long as the 12 volt circuit is providing power. If you shut off the vehicle and disconnect the trailer it will not be charging. When there is…

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Answer 8

Yes, you can use Curt weight distribution shank #C17123 with the Curt 17002 round bar weight distribution system. The shank offers up to 12-3/4 inches rise of 8-1/2 inches drop. The holes to adjust the head are spaced 1-1/4 inches apart on center.

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Answer 9

I recommend using the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control #RP66075 and Gen-Y Torsion Weight Distribution Shank #325-GH-1102 for your 2021 Ford F-250. The Reese System #RP66075 is rated for trailers with a tongue weight of…

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Answer 10

The breakaway kits we offer like the #20099 do have one-way diodes built into the lid of the boxes so that when the trailer isn't connected the breakaway battery doesn't try to power the rest of the trailer. If you are using a car battery…

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Answer 11

It is permissible to have your trailer breakaway and water pump wired in the way you describe - under certain circumstances. As long as your water pump battery is substantially larger in current capacity than the breakaway battery, and as long as…

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Answer 12

For starters, a breakaway switch will need to have a separate and independent battery according to most state regulations so it may be beneficial to check with your local DMV or DOT before proceeding. The Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer…

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