Brakeaway System Function for Electric Trailer Brakes

Question:

What would cause the brakes to stop working if the brake away switch were to be pulled accidently. Where found and reconnected the brakes dont work.

asked by: Jim W

Expert Reply:

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 working until energy was applied again.

If the battery is not maintained properly, the amount of time and voltage at which the brakes will be applied when the pin is pulled will be much lower. I've attached a couple articles to help further.

expert reply by: Jason S