Breakaway Switch Meltdown!
Don't let this happen to you...
Everyone,
I just found this thread on the Airstream Addicts group. It appears that some first time RV trailer owners aren’t aware of the breakaway switch and what it does.
What happened?
Apparently this was their first camper, and they pulled the plunger out of the Breakaway Switch when they disconnected the trailer. This applies current to the trailer brakes if the camper breaks away from the tow vehicle while driving.
Note that the cable must be connected to the tow vehicle hitch so that it pulls out the plunger on the switch if the trailer breaks loose while towing.
The plunger should only be pulled out for a few seconds during testing for electric brake operation. Any longer than that can cause damage to the breakaway switch or wiring. At the very least it will rapidly drain your battery.
How it’s wired
As you can see from the diagram below, the breakaway switch applies 12-volts DC directly from the RV battery to the electric brakes on your trailer axle(s). Any trailer over 3500 lbs should have electric brakes.
Let’s play safe out there… Mike
There was an article in RV travels (July 12) where some people say the breakaway switch can be used as an anti-theft device. The article was of course, very against the practice, as even if the switch could handle it, this was a good way to run down the house batteries.
It’s also good to note that the emergency braking system only works if the battery is charged and not disconnected. I assume that means the battery disconnect switch should be left in the “connected“ position while traveling in order for the brakes to engage if the break away switch is activated. Mike, is this the case for all travel trailers?