Check Your Breakaway Brake Switches

ScottG · June 4

As part of your pre-season maintenance routine, I suggest checking the operation of your breakaway brake switch. This is easy to do, but also easy to overlook.

With the battery connected, pull the pin from the switch box. There should be a notable voltage drop, and the wheels should lock up.

When I tested mine this year, I got nada. Sometimes I could get it to engage by banging on the switch housing with a wrench. I'm guessing the internal contacts are corroded.

Replacement switches are easy to come by for as low as $10. The biggest challenge to installation would be splicing in the new switch wires.

rydfree · June 4

Mine did a self test last year as I was pulling my old RV through a tight parking lot. When I turned very sharp to get into a parking space the cable caught on the tongue latch and stopped my TV dead cold. I was like WTF, did I hit something, lol.

The coiled wire leads are much better IMO and do not hang down and less likely to catch on something.

Amazon.com: MECMO Trailer Breakaway Switch 5ft Brake Away Coiled Cable Large Carabiner, RV Camper Trailer Emergency Electric Break Switch with 5 Feet Stainless Steel Spring Towing Wire Safety Lanyard w/Pull Pin : Automotive

BillCB · June 5

Yeah - I did an involuntary test too, by having wound up too much of the slack in the cable. Stupid but a lesson learned.

ScottG · June 11

I've been lucky so far with the regular lead, but I can see the advantage of the coiled version. Might be an upgrade in the near future.

I just swapped my switch out yesterday. Pretty simple job if you can splice wires or crimp ring connectors. The wires on the replacement I bought were just a tad short, so I had to do both.

rydfree · June 11

You can buy the coiled cables separate if you do not need the switch. I bought the 2 pack and have one in the box for a spare.

Amazon.com: Rnigs 2Pcs Trailer Brake Away Cable, 6FT Trailer Breakaway Coiled Cable for RV Trailer Emergency Camper Breakaway Switch : Automotive

Check Your Breakaway Brake Switches

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