Will Trailer Brakes Still Activate if Breakaway Battery is Dead
Question:
If the battery in my brake away device is not usable will my trailer brakes work while plugged into the tow vehicle ?
asked by: KLARKE
Expert Reply:
Your brake controller will still activate the brakes of your trailer if your breakaway battery is dead. In order to be compliant with the DOT laws you will need to charge the battery though.
A charger like the CTEK part # CTEK56353 would a great option to charge the battery if its dead. Once you get it fully charged though we have breakaway kits that have built in chargers like the Hopkins Engager part # 20099 which will keep the battery topped off as your tow.
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
CTEK MULTI US 7002 12-Volt Universal Battery Charger w/ Pulse Maintenance and Backup Power
- Battery Charger
- Battery Charger
- Car/Truck/SUV
- Motorcycle
- Trailer
- Lawn Mower
- Jet Ski
- 150 Ah
- Charges/Maintains
- 12V
- Wall Outlet to Vehicle Battery
- CTEK Power Inc
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Charging a Trailer Breakaway System Battery Using the 12 Volt Circuit on a 7-Way Connector
- Q&A: How to Wire 12V Battery in Enclosed Trailer to Power Trailer Lights Independent of 7-Way Connection
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Solar Panel Recommendation for Trickle Charge on Winch Battery
- Q&A: Adding a Battery on an Enclosed Trailer to Power Interior Lights
- Q&A: Will Towing Vehicle Provide Charge To Trailer Battery Through Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Installing a Battery on a Trailer and Wiring it to Run Interior Trailer Lights
- Q&A: 15 Inch, 5 Lug Trailer Wheels That are Made in USA
- Article: How to Charge a Trailer Battery While Driving: 3 Common Problems (And How to Fix Them)
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Article: Trailer Hitch Installation Tips
- Article: Which Sway Control Hitch is Right For Your Trailer?
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)