Is Trailer Breakaway Battery Kit a One-Time Use?

Question:

I have a guy at work telling people that a break away on a trailer is a one time use. I have pulled the pin on my trailer and the battery recharges. Is this just something someone started to keep Dot from checking the system? I dont know of any other way to test. Thank you.

asked by: Dan L

Expert Reply:

Maybe there was some miscommunication which is where the confusion is coming into play. Trailer breakaway kits, like the Hopkins Engager # 20400, are definitely not a one-time use as they are designed to recharge as you saw in your system.

With that being said, the charging system is a bit slower with them so if you were to pull the pin like you did then you'll want to wait a while before you start towing your trailer so you can ensure the battery is at full capacity prior to towing. The batteries are designed to hold the brakes for a full 15 minutes so if the battery isn't at full level then it won't hold the brakes for the 15 minutes and that's where you'll get in trouble with DOT specs.

Just make sure your battery is full prior to towing and you're good to go!

expert reply by: Jon G