Troubleshooting a Trailer Breakaway Kit that Drains the Battery When White is Connected

Question

Question:

when I connect the white ground wire it drains the battery

asked by: Wayne G

0

Expert Reply:

The white wire is the ground wire of the breakaway kits like part # 2028 that you referenced. When it is connected it is completing the circuit for the battery to the trailer wiring. The problem you are having would indicate that there is a circuit on your trailer wiring's 12 volt circuit that is drawing amperage from the battery. This shouldn't be happening unless your battery is run straight to the breakaway battery and not through the charger.

I would recommend you check the wiring of your setup to make sure the battery portion of the kit is wired properly to the trailer's wiring.

I attached a couple FAQ articles to the right that should be helpful.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

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…

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Answer 2

I spoke with my contact at Hopkins and he said on the Hopkins Trailer Break-Away Kit with Charger, part #HM20001, it is a gel cell battery so it can be mounted on its side. I am including a link to a FAQ page on trailer breakaway systems and a video…

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Answer 3

The auxiliary or back-up wire on a 7-way trailer connector like #HM20041, is used to power to things like interior trailer lights or other 12V accessories. It can also be used to power backup lights, but not many trailers are equipped with those.…

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Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 7

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 8

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 9

If your trailer has 7 wires running all the way back to the brakes, then yes, you can tap into the existing wiring. Each of your new brakes will have two wires for the brake magnet. One wire is for 12 volt power to the brake magnets and the other…

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Answer 10

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 11

Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not always have the best insulation or water protection. These days, more and more manufacturers are using…

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Answer 12

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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