Trailer brakes in sloped campsite

gande

I just set up my 2018 tab400 at a campsite in June Lake, California. The campsite is quite sloped front to back. The front A- frame of my trailer is just about on the ground to achieve front to back level. I have everything chocked up as much as possible. I’m wondering what happens if I pull the pin on the trailer brakes with the battery switched on. I’m assuming the trailer brakes will activate. Is there a downside to having it set like that for a couple of days? How much power do they use? Will I cause any damage? 

Marceline

I would think that it would draw a fair bit. Assuming that you're camping without shore power I wouldn't try it unless you have a battery monitor. When I've been in that situation I've run both trailer tires up on stacks of leveling blocks.

bergger

You will quickly drain your battery. Don't pull the pin. Just chock the wheels and maybe use some extra chocks or rocks for added comfort and security. 

pthomas745

I measured the emergency break away brakes at 6 amps. Some other threads have it a bit less, but in either case, that would be a fairly large draw from the battery.

rfuss928

The brakes will overheat and fail if left activated.  Often the cause of fires after unhitched accidents have waited for First Responders to arrive. 
Chocks is the best solution and the stabilizers will keep you secure once they are deployed.
BTW - I really miss the handbrake my DM T@B had...

gande

Thanks @Marceline @bergger @pthomas745
 @rfuss928. 

That’s pretty much what I figured on the battery drain. My main concern was the potential to damage the system as @rfuss928 indicated. 

My chocking and blocking got us through the night without rolling down the hill, so I think we’ll be ok.