Troubleshooting Trailer Break Away System

Question

Question:

I have a question about the wiring on my trailer breakaway switch. The trailer has a winch and 12 volt battery installed in the trailer, there is no small battery tied into the breakaway wiring as i have seen on other trailers. The breakaway switch wires - one is grounded to the trailer frame, the other is spliced into the brake wire going to the trailer tires. When I test the switch the brakes to not engage.

asked by: Jim H

0

Expert Reply:

The break away system on a trailer would typically have its own battery, like that shown with part # 20400. The reason that pulling your break away switch does not actuate your brakes is that it is not wired correctly.

The break away switch should be wired so that it is a normally open circuit that closes when the pin is pulled. When the pin is pulled, the circuit closes, allowing voltage to travel to the trailer brakes. One leg of the switch should be wired to the positive terminal of the break away battery, and the other leg tapped into the brake circuit (see provided diagram.)

Once you have everything wired as shown in the diagram, the system should work fine for you.

expert reply by: Mike L

0

click to enlarge

Answer 1

In the diagram that you referenced, that I also attached here, the brake output circuit is a separate circuit that carries power to the trailer brakes totally separate from the brake light circuits. Also, the 12 volt power source is a separate…

view full answer...

Answer 2

There are a number of reasons why the brakes on your trailer may not be working. Lets start with the easiest things to check. First, check the vehicle and trailer connectors for corrosion. This can cause a short inside the connector and the brake…

view full answer...

Answer 3

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…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The length of wire desired depends on your vehicle connection and your personal preference. You want enough slack for turning, but not so much for dragging as you mentioned. A little extra slack isn't a problem and not enough could lead to stress…

view full answer...

Answer 5

When using an air suspension system like part #F2071, the amount of air you keep in the air bags will vary. It is recommended to keep at least 5 psi in the system but you want to inflate the system so that the motorhome will be level front to rear…

view full answer...

Answer 6

If your 2001 Dodge Ram 1500, 4-wheel drive, is standard height (not lifted or lowered either from the factory or aftermarket) and the distance from the outside of the frame to the inside of the tire is at least 7-1/2 inches, then you can use…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust electric trailer brakes can be manually adjusted. There are a couple teeth of the adjustment wheel that are exposed just under the lever that you referenced. I have attached a photo showing the teeth. You will likely need a…

view full answer...

Answer 8

It sounds like something is miswired or there is a loose connection or poor ground somewhere. On the Engager the brake output wire from the trailer connector will go to a blue wire on the breakaway switch. You will just be tapping into this wire, the…

view full answer...

Answer 9

The black wire from the break away switch will connect to the blue wire from the break away box, as shown in the provided diagram. By 'brake wires' I'm assuming you're speaking of the wires connected to the brake magnets on your brake…

view full answer...

Answer 10

The best way to power the interior lights in your trailer is with its own independent battery. You will not want to use the breakaway battery. The breakaway battery is only designed to operate the breakaway and will drain extremely quickly,…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Some different brand names of trailer breakaway kits do originate from a common source, and this is also true for items like jacks, landing gear and steps. There really is not a lot to distinguish one from another, since their component parts are…

view full answer...

Answer 12

If you have already added the fuse and the trailer charge circuit is not activated in the 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty with factory integrated brake controller, then you want to make sure the trailer is connected and you press the brake according to a…

view full answer...

Troubleshooting Trailer Break Away System

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching