Can Breakaway Switch By Itself Be Used If Trailer Already Had Battery

Question:

I have a 2001 coleman tent trailer with a GVW of almost 3000#. I dont think that there was a switch on it but what I would like to know is what trailer brake away switch would be sufficient enough for my trailer and if just a simple switch is good enough or one with a battery? Also, why would I need a battery and charger box when just a simple breakaway switch would be enough? I am hooked up to a charging system from my TV so I would think that it would take care of the charging end. I had noticed that there were multiple choices of brake switches and only one or two had just the simple breakaway switch with no battery. What is the significants of the extra battery and charger? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Ray

Expert Reply:

If you have a battery already on your trailer that's getting a charge and would be adequate to hold the brakes of your trailer in the event of a breakaway you could wire just a switch from it to your brake output circuit, and you'd be fine. For that you'd only need a switch like the # FA80-00-2040 for a kit with a coiled cable or part # 3802348 for a kit with a straight cable.

The battery setups like the part # 20099 would only be needed if you also needed a battery to power the system.

expert reply by: Jameson C