Comparing Breakaway Kits for 2 Axle and 3 Axle Trailers
Question:
I bought a new breakaway system that is rated for up to 2 axles with brakes. It has a 5 amp/hr battery. My trailer is a triple axle. I started looking at systems rated for triple axles and they have the same battery. What’s the difference?
asked by: Andy
Expert Reply:
It honestly just boils down to what the manufacturer has tested and approved for each battery. For example, the Tekonsha Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit # 50-85-313 is rated for up to 3 axles while the Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit # 20099 is only rated for up to 2 axles.
Breakaway kits are designed to stop your trailer in a worst-case scenario. Since this is something that is used for emergencies only I highly recommend swapping out your current system with one that is rated for 3 axles. For some reason that manufacturer decided that the limit for their specific kit is 2 axles whether they don't to be held liable or there actually is a safety issue. It is always best to be safe rather than sorry.
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
Tekonsha Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger - Top Load
- Trailer Breakaway Kit
- Kit with Charger
- Top Load
- Single-axle
- Tandem-axle
- Triple-axle
- LED Tester
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Adding Electric Over Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Q&A: How To Choose Between a 1,000 Psi and 1,200 Psi Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator
- Article: Breakaway Kit Installation for Single and Dual Brake Axle Trailers
- Q&A: Where Do Each of the Wires of the Tekonsha Breakaway System part # 50-85-313 Run
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Article: Parts Required to Add Electric Over Hydraulic Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Q&A: Comparing Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Couplers # DM16080-95 & # DM15931-95
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Add Back Up Lights & 7-Way Connector on Boat Trailer
- Q&A: How to Choose the Correct Replacement Trailer Jack With Enough Ground Clearance on Rough Terrain
- Q&A: Which is Better, a Side Wind Trailer Jack or a Top Wind Trailer Jack
- Q&A: 86-1/2 Inch Long Axle Option For Grand Design Trailer