Why Does Engager Break-Away System On Horse Trailer Drain Battery On Vehicle and Trailer?
Question:
I have a Engager break-away system on a horse trailer I just bought. If I leave it hooked up to tow vehicle it draws the battery dead . If I unhook tow vehicle it draws trailer battery dead . I am going to put in a toggle switch to the break-away. There are three wires. White ground blue brake black lead . What wire should I connect the toggle switch to ? The black
asked by: Daniel H
Expert Reply:
The Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit # 20099 should not be draining the battery from your vehicle or from the breakaway battery unless the cable is pulled out. What could be happening is the breakaway Battery # HM20008 is unable to hold a charge and when connected to your vehicle it is trying to charge the battery which kills the vehicle battery. But when disconnected since the battery cannot maintain a charge it also dies very quickly.
If you still want to use a toggle use one like the Buyers # 337SW911 or a Disconnect # SE63FR use it on the ground(white) wire as this will be much safer than having it on one of the power wires.
Products Referenced in This Question
Buyers Products Toggle Switch with 2 Blade Terminals - Recessed Panel Mount - 12 Volt
- Accessories and Parts
- RV Exterior Lights
- RV Interior Lights
- RV Light Fixtures
- Wiring
- Switches
- Toggle Switch
- Buyers Products
more information >
Breakaway Kit Replacement 12 V Battery
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Breakaway Kit
- 12V Battery
- Hopkins
more information >
Seaflo Encased Battery Disconnect Switch with Key for Boats and RVs - 1,250 Amps
- Accessories and Parts
- Battery
- Disconnect Switch
- Seaflo
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 >
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Daniel
4/3/2024
Thank you for getting back to me with an answer, greatly appreciated !!