How to Wire a Breakaway System
Question:
The charging system. After doing some troubleshooting I discovered I had voltage on the white wire. I only two wires coming from j box inside the channel on the frame. I looked inside and what a bunch of tangled mess. The black wire went from battery to the break away switch. Do that switch ever go bad? Does the charging system go through that switch?
asked by: Richard
Helpful Expert Reply:
The 12-volt circuit which is generally located in the 1 o'clock position on the vehicle's 7-way trailer connector will be used to maintain a charge on the battery for your breakaway system. This is usually a black wire, but you will want to use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to be sure. It should not travel through the switch itself.
I would not be able to confirm what color wire represents what function unless I knew the exact model of your breakaway system. However, most systems have 3 wires coming from the box and 2 wires from the switch. The three wires coming from the box are usually: black for the 12-volt power, white for ground, and blue for the brake output. The two wires coming from the switch are just spliced into the brake output to apply power should the trailer detach. I have attached a sample diagram for you below.
With that being said, I recommend replacing the system so you are able to ensure everything is in working order and is wired correctly. One of our most top rated systems is the Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit part # 20099. This system comes with everything you need including switch, pin, and battery. I have attached a review/install video on this system for you as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Built-In Charger - Side Load - 7" Wire
- Trailer Breakaway Kit
- Kit with Charger
- Side Load
- Single-axle
- Tandem-axle
- LED Tester
- Hopkins
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: RV Jack Pads
- Shop: Bottom Rail Trim for Enclosed Trailer - 93-1/2" Long x 3" Wide - Aluminum
- Shop: Z-Rail for Enclosed Trailer - 93-1/2" Long x 2" Tall x 1-1/2" Deep - Aluminum
- Search Results: door trim
- Search Results: bottom rail
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 2 Braking Modes - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Video: Hopkins 7 Way Molded Trailer WIre Connector Review
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Hopkins 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector - 11' Long
- Shop: SnapPad XTRA Jack Pads for Lippert Leveling Systems w/ 9" Round Jack Feet - Qty 4
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Wiring Junction Box
- Q&A: How to Wire a Trailer Break Away System and Connect Auxillary Battery and Brake Wires
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Video: Review of Redarc Trailer Brake Controller - Tow Pro Liberty Proportional Controller - RED24FR
- Search Results: redarc controller
- Search Results: redac
- Q&A: Can a Trailer Brake Controller be Added to 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 With Factory Tow Package
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Video: Hopkins Wiring - Trailer Connectors - HM20048 Review
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Search Results: redarc
- Search Results: redarc tow pro
- Search Results: 7 way wire junction box
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Installing an Electric Brake Controller on 2007-2013 GM Full-Size Truck or 2007-Present GM SUV
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: What Is Needed To Activate The Brakes On A Trailer