Can Trailer Breakaway Kit be Used without a Battery

Products Featured in This Question

Fastway Zip Coiled Trailer Breakaway Cable - 4' Long

(69)

$20.87

Hopkins Engager Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Charger, LED Tester, and 5 Ah Battery - Side Load

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$52.39

Question:

Can this break away switch just be wired directly to brakes

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

If you didn't have a battery used with your breakaway system there'd be nothing to power the brakes in the event of a disconnect so you couldn't use just a switch like the part # FA80-00-2040 by itself. You'd instead need to use a whole system like the # 20099 and you'd be set.

I attached a help article that covers more info on these for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

click to enlarge

Paul

4/24/2024

Jameson, So I have a battery that powers the trailer including electric brakes. Isn't there a switch that does need built-in charger or system battery box? thanks Paul

Jameson C.

4/25/2024

@Paul Your trailer brakes shouldn't be powered by the battery box unless you are referring to the breakaway system which does power the brakes. A switch is what gets pulled that allows the breakaway battery to power the trailer brakes. I attached a couple help articles on breakaway kits that you might find helpful as well.

Helpful Links

faq-tb-11-06-test-trailer-breakaway-system.aspx

faq-trailer-breakaway-kit-installation.aspx