Do I Need to Replace the Brakes On a Trailer After Driving with the Breakaway Pin Pulled

Question:

Bison gooseneck horse trailer emergency break pin pulled loose. My Ram threw a alert code but I ignored it until I got off highway. By then there was smoke coming from under tires. Im guessing I traveled a mile or so. Did I burn my brake pads up? Also, pin was only unplugged for 2 miles at the most. Do I need a new battery or is it ok? Thank God for fire extinguisher!!

asked by: Simone

Expert Reply:

In order to see what damage was done while driving with the breakaway pin pulled, you will need to remove the hub/drum and inspect the shoe lining as well as any other mechanical components. If you indeed drove a few miles with the pin pulled then most likely you will need to replace the braking assemblies because of the pad wear. For this, the Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # AKEBRK-35-SA for 3,500 lb axles or the Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # AKEBRK-7-SA for 5,200 - 7,000 lb axles are our most common replacements.

In regards to the breakaway battery, this would not need to be replaced as a result of the breakaway pin being pulled but if the pin is loose inside the switch then you may consider replacing the system with the Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger part # HM20001.

expert reply by: Conner L