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Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Built-In Charger - Side Load - 7" Wire

Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Built-In Charger - Side Load - 7" Wire

Item # 20099
Retail:$72.39
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Trailer Breakaway Kit
Shipping Weight: 4 lbs
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Hopkins Kit with Charger - 20099
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Breakaway system with built-in charger is designed to bring a trailer safely to a stop by activating its electric brakes should it become disconnected while being towed. Push-button tester lets you know if the rechargeable battery is fully charged. Great Prices for the best trailer breakaway kit from Hopkins. Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Built-In Charger - Side Load - 7" Wire part number 20099 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Kit - 20099

  • Kit with Charger
  • Side Load
  • Hopkins

Breakaway system with built-in charger is designed to bring a trailer safely to a stop by activating its electric brakes should it become disconnected while being towed. Push-button tester lets you know if the rechargeable battery is fully charged.


Features:

  • Breakaway system activates your trailer's electric brakes if the trailer disconnects from the tow vehicle
  • Push-to-test battery feature offers fast and easy battery testing
    • Test button with LED lights clearly displays battery status
      • Green = charged
      • Yellow = charging
      • Red = low battery
  • Built-in charger automatically refuels battery while trailer is connected to tow vehicle
    • Charges at 1/2 volt below voltage supplied by tow vehicle to prevent over-charging
    • Shut-off feature activates when battery is fully charged
  • Side-loading case is easy to access from the side
    • Weather-resistant construction protects battery from moisture and debris
    • Self-tapping screws included for simple mounting on your trailer's frame
  • Lockable lid deters theft (padlock sold separately)
  • Breakaway switch installs on your trailer's frame - drilling is required
  • Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant
  • 12-Volt rechargeable battery is included


Specs:

  • Application: single- and tandem-axle trailers with electric brakes
  • Case dimensions: 4-1/8" long x 5-5/8" wide x 5-1/8" tall
  • Battery capacity: 5 amp-hours
  • Mounting hole spacing:
    • 1-1/2" From center of hole to center of hole horizontally
    • 7/8" From center of hole to center of hole vertically
  • Lead wire length: 7"
  • 90-Day warranty


Note: A breakaway system is required by law in most states for trailers that are equipped with electric brakes and have a GTW of at least 3,000 lbs.



20119 Hopkins Engager Break Away System with LED Battery Monitor and Charger - Side Load - 5 amp/hrs - 7" Wiring

20099

Installation Details 20099 Installation instructions


California residents: click here


Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Built-In Charger - Side Load - 7" Wire - 20099

Average Customer Rating:  4.8 out of 5 stars   (620 Customer Reviews)

Breakaway system with built-in charger is designed to bring a trailer safely to a stop by activating its electric brakes should it become disconnected while being towed. Push-button tester lets you know if the rechargeable battery is fully charged.

by:

While Hopkins has made a similar product for ages, this newer iteration is less easy to use. Instead of an actual button, to check battery level, you have to push the plastic casing in, with your finger. I can’t do it. So, you essentially need a tool to check battery level. Lame. I wish my older version still worked.

Lewis

9/6/2023

After a year, it’s still functional, but the test “button” still sucks. Without a hard object like a took or a pocket knife handle,it’s impossible to depress the test button which is just a molded detent in the plastic case to see if the battery is charged. I rarely check anymore.

Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

10/27/2023

@Lewis We're sorry to hear that you're less than happy with the changes Hopkins made to the battery test portion of the break-away system. They tell us that the change was made in order to seal the battery box better against water intrusion.


by:

I will just make this short, overall it’s a good product, straight forward, easy to install. I wanted something that would keep my break away battery charged. With a built in battery charger and indicator this fit the bill. I however find that it is very susceptible to rain intrusion because there is no seal between the lid and battery box. The charge indicator light will come on and kill your battery, so because I needed this thing on the road, I dried it out and sealed it up with silicone. I did contact E-trailer and the where very helpful with my issue.



by:

I bought this brake away system one year ago and have had zero issues. I like the display and the test button still works. Great product, this trailer lives outside uncovered..so far so good.



by:

Got my breakaway kit in 2 days. It took 2 Hrs to install...works GREAT>>>>>it replaced the 7 year old dead batt and kit on trailer.
My trailer don't have a "power" wire for the charger..if your trailer does cut 30 min's off install time. As a professional truck driver
SAFETY FIRST on my trailer...and the Test button lets me know it is good to go.



by:

I had made several purchases from Etrailer and I have always got great parts service and fast shipping. We all work hard in life to be able to enjoy our hobbies. Rather it be Camping, hauling your race car to the track or keeping your work trailers in good working order. It is nice to have a company that is there to help you maintain your equipment in a economical, knowledgeable,and friendly way. If you are looking for advice,quality parts and trustworthy service look no further. Thanks Will and etrailer for helping me get me rig back on the road and safer. You guys are the best!



by:

Installation was easy as this was a rep lacement.



by:

Great customer service and website



by:

Was exactly what I needed for adding electric brake axles to my boat trailer. I'm very happy with this product and with the service from etrailer.com.



by:

Great customer service. A wrong item was sent. They went above and beyond to fix the situation



by:

Arrived as scheduled. I was replacing stock unit so I only had to drill one hole and cut and splice wires. Very simple and easy installation. Product seems tough built and so nice now to check battery with the push of a button.



by:

Arrived within a couple of days, everything I thought it would be, took a hour to mount because I soldered and heat shrunk all connections. Everythng I've ever bought from etrailer has been quality parts.



by:

The lid of the battery box was almost impossible to open due to little plastic latches that were very hard to depress to unlatch the lid. No instructions were included on that. When I got the battery box mounter (replacing a previously installed one) the lid flew off the first time on the road, despite my having pressed the latches home as firmly as possible. Don't bother!

Etrailer Expert

Jenny N.

4/15/2022

I will have our Customer Service team reach out to you.



by:

purchased 2 roof vents and a breakaway kit with charger.Very good quality and very good and quick service.Hopkins breakaway kit has battery with charge control and switch with cable and a great price. Ventline basic roof vents with screen and hand crank and a great price too!!!

Bader,dennis

10/8/2018

I have purchased these product previously and never had any problems with either. Thanks



by:

Battery is dead

Etrailer Expert

Jenny N.

5/8/2023

Oh no! This is not common with this breakaway kit. I will have our Customer Service team reach out to you.



by:

Bought this to replace the box that was torn up by thieves who stole my trailer. Previous box did not have the battery charge tester, so this is a nice upgrade. Very durable construction. Easy installation and instructions, which included a good drawing. Super fast shipping, which prompted me to order more items. Have dealt with etrailer.com in the past, and I am glad that I returned.

Gary

2/14/2014

Hi Patrick, thanks for the one year check-up.I have had no issues with the kit, it all works like it is supposed to. Thankfully, I havent had to test it for what it is designed for.



by:

Highly recommend. Own a 99 F250 7.3 diesel.

Easy
install. No issues. We have not had to use the break away aspect thankfully but have no worries that it would work well if the need ever arose.

We replaced our breakaway due to hitch failure on the truck. The bolts had loosened over time and one was missing. The whole hitch system fell to the ground under a full load at a red light. After my husband hyperventilated we were able to get traffic to stop and go 25 feet to safety.

We are very familiar with the need for a break away and highly recommend. What happened to us is rare and our mechanics are so paranoid now that inspection of hitch systems no matter the truck are fully inspected so far they have found and prevented five potential disasters.

All of our replacement items came from etrailer....hitch...ball..tongue and breakaway. We upgraded the weight limit of the hitch matching the weight to ball and tongue. We are currently saving to replace our jack to a more heavy duty easy use high weight bearing. When we do we will head to etrailer for our new jack.

Highly recommend this company and all of the associates we have talked to have been great.

Btw upgrading the hitch and tongue to handle weight has helped our hauling ability, ride and fuel. mileage.

Have a wonderful day



by:

I converted my car trailer from surge to electric and it could not have been easier
The box was perfect for my needs and has held up well for the first year
All the parts from one site at a great price!

Jay M.

4/25/2020

A year later and this product has held up and worked perfectly. Was easy to install and of good quality. I would buy this again if I had a trailer that needed one.



by:

Well, you may not see the actual brake controller in these shots, but I wanted to display just how much etrailer product was used to restore this old trailer. Re-decked the trailer, new wheel bearings, added brakes on all 4 with this brake controller and battery powered emergency disconnect... new rust protection, primer and paint, new lights and wiring all the way around, new wiring harness/box, and new tire carrier. Nearly all product except the decking and paint was from etrailer. the customer support was fantastic, I highly recommend this company!



by:

Item was a perfect replacement. Very similar to the original of the same brand, and even the mounting holes lined up perfectly. I've installed it on a 30 foot flatbed PT Trailer Gooseneck and it works great!

Art

6/18/2019

Product has been working flawlessly. Its been great!



by:

Items were poorly packaged. Grease caps were damaged. Grease seals were sized wrong. No instructions for breakaway switch. Brakes were not assembled properly causing significant time troubleshooting the issue. Called customer service, representative sounded insincere when apologizing. E trailer did send new grease caps, did not offer any compensation for incorrect grease seals. They also told me to contact Hopkins regarding an issue with the breakaway switch wiring. Overall good pricing, poor packaging, and mediocre customer service. After all the positive reviews, I expected more.



by:

Item came with NO installation instructions. Had to search, download and printout on my own. Item P/N was NOT listed on mfr's site but did find instructions under a different PN. No mounting hardware (screws) were provided. Item was successfully installed on Utility/Car Mover trailer and appears to work properly. Battery capacity is minimal (5VA) - will power a single axle brake (5 amps) for less than an hour. Tow vehicle battery charger (12v) circuit is mandatory. No provision for an external battery charger connection is provided. DO NOT TEST while electrically connected to tow vehicle - it will damage your Brake Controller. This is important because connecting the breakaway switch lanyard as recommended requires pulling the plug from the switch which back feeds 12v to the tow vehicle's brake controller. Must connect the lanyard BEFORE connecting the trailer electrical cable and vice-versa when disconnecting. Switch mounting plate is very thin and flimsy - easily bent when applying force necessary to reinsert breakaway plug. Must hold the housing while inserting. Do not install the battery housing or switch where subject to possible external physical impact forces or loads. They are both plastic and easily damaged.



by:

The Hopkins battery box and break away switch showed up in record time with a fully charged battery. I also purchased a 7 blade plug / 24' 7 wire / 2 termination boxes. My old horse trailer has 18 various lights, some always hot, some on toggle, some running lights, stop and turn signals. I used 2 term boxes, front and rear, to help me in chasing future shorts but couldn't find a termination box at my local store. Etrailer had everything I needed to complete my project. I'm looking forward to purchasing trailer tires/rims from this company. The prices can't be beat, assuming free shipping.



by:

Great customer service!



by:

Bought this kit last year to replace the original unit on my car hauler that was simply a battery in a box. This unit wired in with very little effort. I especially like the indicator lights that show you the status of the battery when plugged into the truck and the test button is a great feature when it's just sitting. So far this unit is great and I hope that I never have to find out if it actually works...cause that would mean I lost the trailer! But I have a feeling if that ever occurs, I'm confident this unit will fiction as it should and bring the trailer to a stop! Highly recommend.



by:

Just what I needed at a fair price and fast shipping.


25
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See what our Experts say about this Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Kit

  • When Does Trailer Breakaway Battery Receive Incoming Power
    The Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit # 20099 (formerly BA10-150) will draw power from the tow vehicle while it is connected. This 12V power draw maintains the 5-amp-hour breakaway battery. When the trailer is not connected to the vehicle the breakaway battery will receive no charging power. The breakaway switch will not draw any power from the trailer breakaway battery when the trailer is disconnected unless the switch is pulled.
    view full answer...
  • Why Trailer Breakaway Systems Need Their Own Dedicated Battery
    Breakaway batteries shouldn't power other accessories even if the battery is larger. You really need the breakaway battery to be topped off at all times in case you need it. If you were to power other accessories you run risk of it being discharged in an emergency and it not able to work like it needs to. Typically people run two batteries for this. The breakaway like the # 20099 and then a deep cycle battery for everything else. Topping off the batteries with the 7-way circuit is possible...
    view full answer...
  • Does Charged Light Always Stay Lit on Hopkins 20099 When Battery is Charged
    The green indicator light that shows the battery is charged will stay on all the time as long as the batter is fully charged.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Why It's Not Recommended to Use Dump Trailer Battery for Trailer Breakaway
    It's not recommended to use a battery that powers the dump feature of your trailer for the breakaway battery since that battery could be drained when you'd need the breakaway. Legally also you have to use a breakaway battery setup like the Hopkins # 20099 which comes with a dedicated battery.
    view full answer...
  • Can Trailer's Breakaway Battery Switch Have Power From Battery and Trailer Wiring Ran to It
    Unlike AC power DC power can have two power sources ran to the same thing like you described without issue.
    view full answer...
  • How Does the Engager Breakaway System # 20099 Install
    The black wire on the Engager breakaway system # 20099 will be connected to a 12v auxiliary power wire coming off of the trailer connector. This wire is typically the number 4 black terminal in the 7-way connector, but you will need to test to determine if your plug is wired this way, as the auxiliary function can also be located on the center pin. Installing the black wire from the breakaway system to the 12 volt power source will allow the battery to charge when you have the trailer...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes Locking Up When Brakes Are Applied
    The lock up issue you are having shouldn't be related to the Engager Breakaway System part # 20099 that you have installed on your trailer. There are other factors to consider when dealing with trailer brakes that lock up. You either have the gain set too high on your brake controller or there is a short from the stoplight circuit to the brake output circuit and the brake assemblies are getting a full 12 volts everytime you step on the brakes. Typically corrosion in the trailer connector...
    view full answer...
  • Is 12V Battery Included in Hopkins Engager Trailer Breakaway Kit with Charger and Tester 20099
    Yes, the Engager Trailer BreakAway Kit with Charger and Tester # 20099 does include the breakaway battery. This kit includes the battery, a built-in automatic charger, the weather-resistant box, the breakaway switch and mounting hardware. I linked two videos for you; one is a review video showing what is included in the kit and the other is an installation video.
    view full answer...
  • How to Release Brakes When Pin is Pulled on Trailer Breakaway System
    The brakes will release when pushing the pin back in of the Hopkins Engager # 20099.
    view full answer...
  • Can Hopkins Engager Breakaway Kit Be Submerged
    The Engager Trailer BreakAway Kit with Charger and Tester part # 20099 is weather resistant but not waterproof. Which means that you would not be able to submerge the battery and box in water but it would withstand inclement weather. Ideally your best option would be to mount the battery in a location that is up high enough that it would not get submerged while backing the trailer in the water. Or at least close enough to the coupler that it would not get submerged. I attached an link on...
    view full answer...
  • Troubleshooting Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Unit That Does Not Engage Trailer Brakes
    You can refer to the linked article on breakaway kit installation for help in confirming that your Hopkins unit is wired correctly. The two blue wires from the switch should be spliced to the trailer brake circuit and to the breakaway battery box, as shown in the linked diagram. Also be sure the ground and 12V power wires, white and black wire respectively, are connected securely. If it is wired correctly the issue may be that your breakaway battery is not fully charged. A fully-charged...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • How to Wire the Engager Breakaway Kit to Charge the Breakaway Battery
    The black wire on the Engager breakaway system # 20099 will be connected to a 12v auxiliary power wire coming off of the trailer connector. This wire is typically the number 4 black terminal in the 7-way connector, but you will need to test to determine if your plug is wired this way, as the auxiliary function can also be located on the center pin. Installing the black wire from the breakaway system to the 12 volt power source will allow the battery to charge when you have the trailer...
    view full answer...
  • Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring Circuits that Dont Work With No Trailer Connection Error Code
    When a brake controller or vehicle states that it does not detect a trailer being connected that's typically related to the brake controller not being able to detect trailer brakes. Which the cause for this problem is almost always corrosion on the trailer connectors preventing the connection from being made. Since you are seeing issues with a few circuits I'd suspect the issue is also related to the ground circuit not being fully connected as well. A weak ground will also cause a trailer...
    view full answer...
  • Hopkins Breakaway Kit Recommendation for Replacing Kit on Jayco Travel Trailer
    If you are looking to replace your breakaway kit you'd be best served just replacing the whole kit with the part # 20099 as this way you have everything new and don't have to worry about trying to tie this into an older system. There's no reason to have a second kit though. If your current kit is fine there'd be no need to add a second one.
    view full answer...
  • What is Needed to Stop a Trailer if the Trailer Comes Uncoupled from the Tow Vehicle
    By itself, your brake controller will not stop your trailer if it becomes disconnected from your tow vehicle. Sounds like you are needing a trailer breakaway kit. The Engager Trailer Breakaway Kit with Charger, # 20099, is the product I recommend for your truck and trailer rig. This breakaway kit consists of a battery, a battery box, breakaway switch, and all the needed wiring to install on to your trailer. The kit is designed to activate you trailer brakes by pulling the plunger out...
    view full answer...
  • Will Having Breakaway Battery and Dump Trailer Battery Connected Cause Problems
    When two batteries are connected together they will attempt to balance the same voltage so if one battery was less charged than the other it would draw amperage from the other one till they both balanced out. It really won't hurt anything, but if you drain the dump battery from using the dump feature you will eventually drain the weaker breakaway battery too as it struggles to charge the larger battery. It would be probably your best option to have the two on separate charge wires.
    view full answer...
  • Breakaway switch layered pulled out and melted down. Now the rear trailer brakes are locked
    The Hopkins # 20099 Breakaway switch has a battery in the main box. Then the breakaway tab is pulled out the battery engages the electric brakes on the trailer. The brakes remain engaged until the breakaway tab is reinserted, or the batter runs out of charge, at which time the brakes release. Since a few days have past your breakaway battery has discharged. I would determine why some thing melted down and repair or replace those parts. I would also check the condition of your battery....
    view full answer...
  • Will a Breakaway System Still Send Power To The Trailer Brakes If the Charge Line Is Disconnected
    Yes, the breakaway battery must have a charge in order to send power to the trailer brakes and lock them up in the event of the trailer detaching from the tow vehicle. If the charge wire which is usually the 12 volt pin on the 7-way becomes disconnected then the breakaway battery will still hold a charge and send power to the brakes but it will loose this charge over time if the charge wire is not reconnected. The Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit part # 20099 comes with...
    view full answer...
  • Does a Breakaway Switch Require a Separate Battery
    I am not entirely sure I understand your question. In regards to a breakaway system, the switch needs to have a separate battery for power according to most state regulations. You will need to check with your state's DOT but it is safe to assume you will need a separate battery for the breakaway switch. The seperate battery is not needed because of the amount of power pulled through the switch but rather as a backup in case something were to happen to the trailers main power source. The...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Can Hopkins Engager Trailer Breakaway Kit # 20099 be Reset or Does it have to be Replaced
    You can reset the Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit # 20099 simply by putting the pin all the way back into the switch. The only time the system would have to be replaced would be if something was wrong with it and even then the subcomponents such as the switch, pin, box, and lid are all available as replacement parts. There have been times where people used a regular car battery with a breakaway system and that can cause problems. Basically, a regular car battery will...
    view full answer...
  • Does A Breakaway System Need To Be Reset After The Pin Is Pulled
    A breakaway system like the Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit part # 20099 will go back to working as normal once the pin is inserted back into the switch. There is nothing else that needs to be done to reset the system once you plug the pin back into the switch. That said, it might be a good time to make sure the brakes did indeed lockup when the pin was pulled because if they did not then the system is not functioning correctly and will need to be repaired or replaced.
    view full answer...
  • Is a Dead Battery Causing Fuses to Blow When I Plug In My Trailer
    There could be a couple causes of this. It could be the battery, since a dead battery can mimic an overload and cause fuses to blow but there also could be an issue with the wiring as you've noticed with the issues on the running and brake lights. I would start by taking the battery to get tested and replaced if needed, but I also recommend going through all of the wiring and making repairs where needed. I will also say that a trailer battery typically goes bad after this length of time,...
    view full answer...
  • Does the Engager Trailer BreakAway Kit with Charger and Tester, # 20099 Come with Instructions
    Yes, the Engager Trailer BreakAway Kit with Charger and Tester, # 20099, does come with instructions, which I have linked for you. There is also a wiring color code on the box lid. If you look at the second picture on the product page you will see the color code information. The more detailed wiring instructions found in the manual for the kit are as follows: 1. Splice one blue wire of the Break-Away Switch to the electric brake wire coming from the trailer side connector. 2. Connect...
    view full answer...
  • Troubleshooting Check Trailer Wiring Message on 2017 Chevy Silverado 2500
    I took a look at the owner's manual for your 2017 Chevy Silverado 2500 and it said that if the "Check Trailer Wiring" message appeared you have the Integrated Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) and it indicates there is a short in the wiring going to your electric brakes. You will need to go over that wiring and look for the short, paying attention to any broken, crimped or otherwise damaged wires.
    view full answer...


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