Can I tow without a battery?- answered

lino · April 2019

I need to move my T@B and store it off site for a few weeks and I removed the battery for the winter

Can I tow it without a battery and still use the trailer breaks and lights? Will the 7 pin provide current I would need?

ScottG · April 2019

In short, yes. Trailer brakes and lights are powered by the tow vehicle through the 7-pin connector.

However, if you experience a total separation of the trailer from the tow vehicle a functioning connected T@B battery is required in order to activate the trailer's emergency breakaway brake system.

lino · April 2019

Thanks ScottG, sounds like I should put it back in to be safe

ChrisK · April 2019

Only if you have a newer T@B with electric brakes. My 2014 has surge brakes. No electrical needed.

Sharon_is_SAM · April 2019

Good point @ChrisK. The TaB owner’s club here has generations and now different models to consider! I always forget about those surge brakes. @lino, what year TaB and brakes do you have? Can you update your signature line?

lino · April 2019

Mine is 2016 model
Not sure what types of breaks I have

ScottG · April 2019

Definitely electric brakes on a 2016. Dutchman era T@Bs had surge brakes as did (I think) some of the earliest PV/nuCamp models while they were using up remaining inventory.

Marceline · April 2019

ScottG said:

Definitely electric brakes on a 2016. Dutchman era T@Bs had surge brakes as did (I think) some of the earliest PV/nuCamp models while they were using up remaining inventory.

I don't think it was "remaining inventory." I have a 2013 with surge brakes and the frame looks very different from the Dutchman T@Bs.

ScottG · April 2019

Could be they just changed suppliers early on. I thought I'd heard the "remaining inventory" thing somewhere, but I tend to remember a lot of things that didn't actually happen... :-)

Photomom · April 2019

We store our T@B in a friend’s barn 20 miles out in the country in the winter. We figure the chances of the trailer coming off the hitch and breaking both safety chains on our way there or back are pretty slim. If we were towing in a populated area we’d probably make a different choice.

lino · April 2019

I’m going to put the battery in for sure
Just going to need help lifting it in because I can’t until my hand heals

Can I tow without a battery?- answered

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