What Causes a Melted Circuit Board on Trailer Breakaway System

Question

Question:

Ive got a new 4place snowmobile trailer it did not come with the actual cable that plugs in to the lack box. The trailer still moved I could adjust the gain with the truck that seemed to be working like it should. I was going down the road with it and finally the brakes locked up like they should when the plunger is pulled out.this trailer has probably around 800 to 1000 miles on it by now. While I was sitting there I smelt something burning and it was the circut board in box that contains the rechagable battery.what would cause this?

asked by: Dan

0

Expert Reply:

I am sorry to hear about the issue you are having with your new snowmobile trailer. I cannot say for certain that I know exactly what issue caused the circuit board to melt but I suspect there was an issue with power jumping circuits most likely due to improper soldering connections on the board itself. In order to really narrow down what the cause of the issue is, it would be wise to take the trailer into a service center for diagnosis.

However, the fact of the matter remains that the breakaway system you have now is no longer functioning and it will need to be replaced. The most popular system we off by far is the Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger part # 20400 for top load or part # 20099 for side load which comes with a breakaway battery, pin/switch, breakaway battery charger, and tester to ensure the battery is being charged properly.

I have attached a generic breakaway switch wiring diagram for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Answer 1

The way you currently have the system set up will work just fine for you. However, if you want to use the 12-volt accessory feed from your 7-way to maintain (not charge) the trailer mounted winch battery, the battery would indeed need to be grounded…

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Answer 2

We don't have a 9 amp hour battery to swap into the battery box of the Engager but I do have a great solution for you. The Dexter Breakaway Kit part #34-285 is a kit that comes with a 9 amp hour batter and a box large enough to fit the battery…

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Answer 3

You can use electric brakes like part #AKEBRK-7-SA (for 5.2K - 7K axles) along with an electric breakaway kit like the Hopkins Engager #20400 to add a breakaway system to your 1999 Featherlite gooseneck trailer. Since I'm not quite sure the…

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Answer 4

On this page (typically below the product links) there is a helpful link section that will have the install instructions fo the Hopkins Breakaway kit part #20400 that you referenced. I also attached an install video that shows the kit installed as…

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Answer 5

If you already have a breakaway switch and trying to find its power source, It is possible that someone could have wired the breakaway switch directly to the main battery on the trailer but it does not come like that from the factory. The breakaway…

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Answer 6

You need an electric breakaway when you have electric brakes on your trailer. A breakaway system is required by law in most states for trailers that are equipped with electric brakes and have a GTW of at least 3,000 lbs. Hopkins Engager Breakaway Kit…

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Answer 7

The Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger - Top Load #20400 will absolutely work with your Sundowner 2 horse trailer. I've attached some videos to assist and have also attached the diagram and an article…

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Answer 8

The 12 volt accessory circuit of a 7-way can really only put a maintenance charge on a trailer battery that's large enough to power a winch and lights. What I would recommend is keep the breakaway battery charge setup through the 7-way since…

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Answer 9

The interior lights of your trailer would be powered by the 12 volt accessory circuit on the 7-way of your 2010 GMC Sierra. You will want to check the 1:00 position of the 7-way on your truck with a circuit tester like part #PTW2993 to verify if…

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Answer 10

All breakaway switches are designed to be wired to the positive terminal of a 12 volt battery and to the vehicles electric brake circuit. The switch can be wired to your trailer battery if you did not want to purchase a separate breakaway battery.…

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Answer 11

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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