bing tracking image
  1. Trailer Breakaway Kit
  2. Hopkins
  3. Single-Axle
  4. Tandem-Axle
  5. Kit with Charger
  6. Battery Included
Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Charger, Battery, and Installation Hardware
Hopkins

Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Charger, Battery, and Installation Hardware

$54.09
Retail:$71.18
You Save: 24%
Trailer Breakaway Kit
zoom in icon
slider vertical icon
zoom out icon
Comment field cannot be left empty.
Name field cannot be left empty.

Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.

Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.

Product Images

In Use/Installed

Need help with installation?
Locate installers near me
This breakaway kit comes with everything you need to bring your single- or double-axle trailer to a stop should it become disconnected from your vehicle. Includes hardware to mount to your trailer frame or jack post. Great Prices for the best trailer breakaway kit from Hopkins. Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Charger, Battery, and Installation Hardware part number HM20001 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
  • All Info
  • Reviews (68)
  • Q & A (0)
  • Photos

Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Kit

  • Single-Axle
  • Tandem-Axle
  • Kit with Charger
  • Battery Included
  • Side Load
  • Hopkins
  • 5 Ah
  • Electric
  • Tester Not Included
  • 48 Inch Long

This breakaway kit comes with everything you need to bring your single- or double-axle trailer to a stop should it become disconnected from your vehicle. Includes hardware to mount to your trailer frame or jack post.


Features:

  • Makes sure your trailer safely stops if it separates from your vehicle
    • When the pin gets pulled from the switch, a signal is shot back to your trailer brakes to activate
  • Battery charger ensures the system's battery is always charged
    • Prevents overcharging to prolong battery life
  • Mounts to your trailer jack post with included U-bolts
    • Can also be mounted to your trailer frame with self-tapping screws (sold separately)
  • Protects battery from rain and debris with durable, plastic case
    • Lid can be secured with padlock (sold separately) to deter battery theft
  • Includes breakaway switch, battery box, battery, charger, wiring, and installation hardware
  • Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant


Specs:

  • Application: single- and tandem-axle trailers with electric brakes
  • Battery:
    • Voltage: 12V
    • Type: sealed lead acid
    • Capacity: 5 amp-hours
  • Breakaway cable length: 48"
  • Breakaway switch:
    • Dimensions: 3 long x 1-1/2 wide
    • Lead wire length: 7-1/4"
  • Charger cable length: 25"
  • Battery box dimensions: 6-1/4" long x 3-1/4" wide x 5" tall
    • Battery box mounting holes:
      • Center to center vertically: 2-7/8"
      • Center to center horizontally: 5-7/8"
  • 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.


Quick Tips:

  • When you store your trailer, be sure to keep the pin plugged into the breakaway switch. If the pin's removed for an extended period of time, dirt and moisture can get into the switch and cause corrosion that could keep it from activating when you need it.
  • A breakaway system needs to be able to apply the trailer brakes fully for at least 15 minutes. In general, the heavier your trailer, the higher amperage battery you'll need for the breakaway.


20001 Hopkins Trailer Break-Away Kit with Charger - Side Load - 5 amp/hrs

Item # HM20001




California residents: click here


Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.7

68 reviews
This breakaway kit comes with everything you need to bring your single- or double-axle trailer to a stop should it become disconnected from your vehicle. Includes hardware to mount to your trailer frame or jack post.

by:

fast delivery and very good product



by:

Excellant product and you can't beat the price offered here.



by:

good price, matched origonial, good delivery time



by:

$5 cheaper than the local trailer place. Looks to be ok time will tail.



by:

like i said before i will never go anywhere but e trailer to buy parts.once again excellent all around....



by:

Easy to InstallInstructions are easy to read. Hardware that comes with unit is sufficient to install in most cases...



by:

etrailer did it again this company is great. great products at a good price.they make ordering and shipping easy. the instructional videos are a big help.
i forgot to order this on my first order and called them back 20 minutes later. they sent it with first order and saved my extra shipping charge . great people to deal with.
i will order more stuff soon.



by:

Easy enough to install. Put it on a home built trailer. Can't say that I've had to use it but it seems to be built well enough. I did check it after install and it applied the brakes but I was in the drive way and not going down the highway at 50+ MPH. And hope I don't ever have to use it in those circumstances.



by:

Ordered this on Tuesday - arrived on Thursday... awesome delivery time!

Bought this to put on my 1996 Coleman/Fleetwood Shenandoah popup camper since for some reason ours didn't come with a breakaway kit. Wanted to mount the battery and charger box on the tongue of the trailer, but the supplied U-bolts that came with the kit will NOT go all the way around the rectangular frame rails of the trailer tongue. Ended up going to the local big-box hardware store and buying some threaded rod and made my own mounting brackets. Instructions included are very easy to follow. Only thing I saw that was missing in the kit that you'll need for installation was a package of tap-splice connectors for connecting the breakaway switch and the battery and charger to the existing trailer wiring.



by:

I was able to quickly install this breakaway kit as all the screws and clamps were included. Clamping the breakaway box onto the jack was the easiest way to install. The wiring instructions included with the kit were easy to follow. No Problems with the install. Everything is working great!



by:

Just as ordered. Installed, tested and it worked just fine



by:

The products were acceptable quality and the customer service was UNEQUALED, EXEMPLARY, GREAT, etc.

The trailer overhaul job went well and we hauled a capacity load almost 1500 miles in some difficult road conditions, stopping only for fuel and to sleep.

We'll use your products again.



by:

I have not installed this yet but have looked over everything I received with this kit. I couldn't be happier with the it. There are only a few pieces needed that aren't included and they are choice of electrical connectors and a seat tapping screw to attach the switch itself. Everything else is in the box. The instructions are clear and easy to understand. I will be attaching this to the trailer Jack on a 1962 Airstream Ambassador.



by:

I ordered electric brakes and breakaway kit I place my order on Wednesday afternoon and could have taken advantage of free shipping but to the option for 2 day delivery.because we are at the very end of reconditioning our flatbed trailer and I want it out of the shop the parts ordered arrived the next day matched up perfectly and the trailer is out of my shop and the next project is in. I buy all my trailer replacement parts at etrailer due to their prompt and courteous service



by:

Order was complete and delivered in a timely manner. Only problem (minor) was the 7way pigtail was not wired to color code. Had to use test light to get 3 of the wires in correct location. Could be a problem if someone wasn't comfortable with ringing out wires.



by:

Great products with fast free shipping (large enough order. I just installed the tow package on my suburban and it was easy when following the videos. It was nice to have everything already gathered and ready to go. Not having to go but ring terminals, wires, zip ties, screws and testers made a daunting project simple.



by:

Top shelf products, excellent selection, awesome prices. Converting a tandem trailer to electric brakes, these guys had it all from bolt on coupler to the new drums! Love these guys!



by:

Everything arrived within 3 shipping days, installation simple and clean. Even though it was by email, customer service interaction was extremely impressive, everything from order receipt acknoledgement through confirmation of delivery.



by:

Excellent customer service! Upgraded my free shipping to 3-5 day!
I just placed my second order and will definetly buy from again!



by:

Great pricing and i appreciate that it's made in U.S.A. One of the brake adjustment tension cables arrived detached from its swedge end.I just re-crimped the end and all went together smoothly. I will definitely will use E-Trailer again.



by:

Great service and delivered 3 days early!
Have
ordered parts from etrailer several times and ALWAYS had good results
The parts I ordered this time was cheaper than ANY other web site and fast delivery
I live in rural Montana so can't get some parts local
I recommend etrailer every time



by:

The products I purchased were as stated with no problems or missing parts. The delivery was expedited at no additional cost which allowed me to complete my trailer ahead of schedule. The staff were helpful and displayed an interest is assuring that my order was taken care of personally. Well done!



by:

Rebuilding a utility trailer, this break-away box will fit perfectly for the installation.



by:

Outgoing, helpful, easy to talk to. Very quick to help and solved problem. Made process extremely easy. Thank you so much, very happy and satisfied customer. Second time around shopping at etrailer . Definitely will come back for future orders ! Thanks again Juanita for everything!



by:

As always , this is exactly as expected. Shipping took just a little longer than normal. But with what’s going on in this world , I can accept that . I’ll be back for future needs


25
68
Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Kit

  • Trailer Breakaway System Recommendation for a Tri-Axle Trailer
    If all 3 of the trailer axles have brakes you will need one with enough amperage to be able to apply the trailer brakes on full for at least 15 minutes. The Tekonsha system, # 50-85-313 will work with 1 to 3 axles. I have included a link to a video review for you. Another option is # 2028. I have also included a link to an FAQ article on installing a breakaway kit.
    view full answer...
  • Can Breakaway Pin be Pulled to Help Prevent Trailer From Being Stolen
    At first glance that is a great idea but if you want to keep a trailer from being stolen your best defense is installing a lock or multiple locks so that potential thieves see that your rig is more challenging than the next. You mentioned Blue Ox but the only thing they have with a breakaway kit is the Patriot # BLU37TR which installs in a towed vehicle that can be locked so I believe you are referring to a kit like the Hopkins # HM20001 which installs on a trailer. Either way, the stored...
    view full answer...
  • Tow Dolly Recommendation for Towing 2018 Toyota RAV4
    The Roadmaster Tow Dolly part # RM-2050-1 would be a great dolly to use to tow your 2018 Toyota RAV4. Your wheel size would not be an issue either. This comes with wheel nets that will fit well and brakes so you'd be set. The Roadmaster Tow Dolly # RM-2050-1 does not come equipped with a breakaway system but you can certainly add one. I recommend the Hopkins # HM20001, because of how easily it installs. They aren't a requirement but it would be a great idea.
    view full answer...
  • How to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a 2017 Covered Wagon 6x12 Single Axle Enclosed Trailer
    I would love to help you add electric drum brakes to your 2017 Covered Wagon 6x12 Single Axle Enclosed Trailer. In order to make sure you get the correct parts, I would need to know the serial number on your axle. In order to obtain this you would need to crawl underneath and look for a white tag on the center of the axle and locate usually a "SN #". Once you can provide this to me I would then be able to verify all the parts you need. I also recommend taking a look at the help article...
    view full answer...
  • How to Add Brakes to a Cargo Trailer
    Hey Cassie! I am not going to be much help with the lift on your dump trailer but I can definitely get your cargo trailer set up with brakes. I am going to need some information though. In order to add brakes you'll need to change your hubs. Identifying which ones you need is going to require you taking one off and looking at the bearings. There's going to be part numbers stamped on the sides of them. I'll need both those part numbers and the lug pattern on your wheels. Once you get...
    view full answer...
  • Can Trailer Be Towed if Battery in Breakaway Kit is Dead
    Your trailer's brakes will not lock up from the battery in a breakaway kit, like the Hopkins Brake Master # HM20001 being dead. If the breakaway battery is dead there won't be any power supplied from the system and it wouldn't have any impact on your brakes. Your breakaway battery should be tested before towing. If it's dead then it will not be able to do it's job of engaging your trailer's brakes in the event your trailer is separated from your tow vehicle.
    view full answer...
  • Can the Trailer Breakaway Battery be Used to Power a 12 Volt Interior Light
    You will want to use a standard 12 volt deep cycle trailer battery to operate the interior light. You will NOT want to use a trailer breakaway battery. The breakaway battery is not designed to power other trailer accessories or lighting, it is just designed to operate the breakaway system. The DOT regulations state that a trailer breakaway system needs a dedicated battery. To keep the trailer battery charged you will need to run a 10 gauge power wire like the, part # 10-1-1, from the 12...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Wiring, Junction Box, And Breakaway Kit For 18-Ft Tandem Flat Bed Trailer
    To re-wire your 18-ft trailer you will need a few things. I recommend installing a junction box like part # PK52248. You can run your trailer connector like part # H20044 to the junction box and use the terminals in the box to run the wiring to the trailer. For 7-way jacketed wire I recommend part # DW04914-1. This is sold by the foot. The junction box will also make it easier to install and use a breakaway kit like part # HM20001. This kit includes a charger and a weather-resistant...
    view full answer...
  • Can 12V Feed from Vehicle 7-Way Overcharge Trailer Battery
    You don't need to install any other parts in line with your 12V trailer battery line. Because the current being sent through the 7 pin power wire is so low, it acts more like a trickle charge to simply keep your battery topped off. It is not powerful enough to actually provide a full charge to your trailer battery, so it couldn't overcharge it even during a long trip. The Breakaway Kit Battery Charger # 20011 is used to prevent overcharging the smaller battery in a breakaway kit, like...
    view full answer...
  • Will a Breakaway Kit Damage the Brake Controller if Tested with the Trailer Connected
    I would disconnect the connector before testing so that you do not back feed power to the Prodigy controller. This is the best way to ensure there is no damage to the controller and to be sure the breakaway system is functioning properly. The breakaway is designed to work when the trailer has detached from the vehicle so the electrical connection would be severed. Most Brake controllers are protected from back feed so if you did test the breakaway with the trailer connected you should...
    view full answer...
  • How to Connect Breakaway Kit to Trailer Wiring Harness
    Thank you for all of the information! One of the common misconceptions with trailer wiring is that you just match up the colors so you are definitely not alone in that regards and I'm glad that you were able to correct the issue. Connecting your trailer brakes to a breakaway kit like part # HM20001 can be a little confusing as well if you aren't familiar with it but we are here to help. I am attaching a few pictures to show how your trailer breakaway wiring needs to be connected along...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for Image 2 for
  • Can Trailer Brakes Lock Up if a Breakaway System has a Dead Battery
    No, if the breakaway battery on the trailer is dead and the pin is pulled out of the switch then no power would be sent to the trailer brakes and they would not lock up. If they do lock up then the brakes must be getting power from another source or the battery isn't dead. I recommend checking the wiring for shorts and corrosion and fix any pinched or damaged wires as needed. If you suspect the breakaway system is bad I recommend replacing it. One of the most popular systems we carry is...
    view full answer...
  • Should the Cable on Hopkins Break-Away Kit # HM20001 Engage Trailer Brakes If Safety Chains Break
    The breakaway cable on the Hopkins Break-Away Kit, part # HM20001, should engage the trailer brakes if the trailer becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle and the safety chains fail. So you will want the breakaway kit to be the last line of defense against a runaway trailer. As far as length of the breakaway cable, that will be determined by where the breakaway kit will be installed on the trailer. I am including a link to a FAQ page on breakaway kit installation and a link to a video...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed for Installation of Electric Brakes on a Coleman Pop-Up Camper With 8 Inch Wheels
    The 8 inch diameter wheel on your Coleman Fleetwood pop-up camper is not large enough to accept an electric brake hub and drum assembly. Seven inch brake assemblies like # 23-48 that you selected work with the Trailer Hub & Drum Assembly, item # 8-257-5UC3, which will fit in wheels starting at 10 inches in diameter. You would need to upgrade your wheels and tires to either a 5.30-12 load range c wheel and tire combination, or a 205/65-10 load range c wheel and tire to meet the capacity...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Difference Between Hopkins Breakaway Battery Kits HM20001 and 20099
    The big difference between the Hopkins Engager breakaway kits is that the # HM20001 does not have a charge status display on the lid like the part # 20099 does. The # 20099 allows you to press a button and know what the charge of the battery is like.
    view full answer...
  • Theft Prevention Recommendations for a 5th Wheel Trailer
    You could remove your breakaway switch pin while your trailer is in storage, however, a determined thief will get what they want in the end. If he went through the trouble to break in and attempt steal your trailer, it would not be a problem for him to simply cut the wires from the breakaway switch. Cutting the wires from the breakaway switch would be fast and easy. Another factor to consider is that the battery will only last for a short time and it will drain completely. Leaving the...
    view full answer...
  • Switching From Surge to Electric Brakes on 1996 U-Haul Trailer
    Assuming you're right about the current drum size you will need 10" brake assemblies, not 12". You can use the Electric Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-35-SA. These fit a 4-bolt brake flange pattern and are typically found on 3,500 lb axles. I recommend verifying this with what you have to be sure. You will also need to add the # H20046 for wiring and the # HM20001 for a breakaway. You can lock out your surge coupler to avoid replacing it. If you don't have a 7-way on your 2000 Chevy Express...
    view full answer...
  • What is Difference Between Breakaway Kit for Trailer that's Rated for Tandem Axles and Quad Axles
    The difference between a trailer breakaway system that can work on a trailer with up to 3 axles and one that can handle up to 4 axles is the battery the kit has and the amount of amp hours it can provide since the more brake assemblies there are the more amps it takes to activate them all. The part # 3802311 is a 10 amp hour setup that could work on 4 axles whereas the kit you referenced # HM20001 has a battery with only a 5 amp hour rating and that's why it's rated for use with 3 axle...
    view full answer...
  • How to Reset the Hopkins Trailer Break-Away Kit with Charger # HM20001
    You are correct. The system does not have to be reset electrically to allow for normal trailer operation. Instead, like you said, the pin, or what separates the contacts, needs to be put back into place. What happens is, if the trailer detaches from the tow vehicle, the mechanism separating the pins is pulled out. This allows the contacts to touch which in turn engages the break away system to stop the trailer.
    view full answer...
  • Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes That Stop Working When It Rains
    I'll start this off by saying that I don't think the issue has anything to do with the breakaway switch or junction box, It sounds to me like the rain is causing a short on your wiring and this is what is causing your brakes to go out; since you just had new leaf springs put on the 5th wheel trailer it's possible that something was damaged during the repair process. I would first examine the ground wire connection on your trailer-just because that's an extremely common cause of shorts...
    view full answer...
  • How To Move A Trailer With A Dead Breakaway Battery
    On most breakaway kits such as the Hopkins Brake Master part # HM20001, you will not need to cut or splice any of the wires to move the trailer with a dead battery. If your power supply is not active, then the only effect is that the breakaway system will not send power to your trailer's brakes in a breakaway situation thus allowing for free movement of the trailer. Even if the battery is dead, the brake controller will still allow you to activate your trailer's brakes To prevent further...
    view full answer...
  • How Much Force does it Take to Pull the Pin on a Break-Away Kit Switch
    It is a simple switch, so brand compatibility should be a non-issue. When the pin is pulled, two pins are allowed to contact and complete the circuit to engage the brakes. Any switch should work fine. I pulled the Hopkins Switch, part # HM20010, to test it out. It does take a good tug to pull it out and close the switch. You should not need to use two hands, but it should not easily slide out. You do not want the pin coming out when you hit a hard bump. I would not repeatedly pull the...
    view full answer...
  • Battery Charger for Trailer-Mounted Auxiliary Battery
    A trailer breakaway battery charger kit like # 20011 will be needed only on a trailer that does have electric drum brakes and a breakaway system like the Hopkins # HM20001. For maintaining a trailer-mounted battery that supplies power to lights, vents, etc you can use the 12V power circuit in the 7-way connector. This 12V feed is carried on the pin at the 1-o-clock position as you view the 7-way socket. Please refer to the linked photo and article. This 12V feed has enough power to maintain...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • What is the Function for the 3 Wires Coming out of the Charger
    The 3 wire component is the charger and receives 12V power from the vehicle connector and charges the breakaway battery. Now the blue wire coming off the charger will go out to the breakaway switch. I included a video on a similar charger # 20011 for you to look at. It will have the same functions as your charger.
    view full answer...


< Previous



Do you have a question about this Trailer Breakaway Kit?


Info for this part was:

Employee Zack K
Video Edited:
Zack K
Employee Chris R
Video Edited:
Chris R
Employee Lindsey S
Updated by:
Lindsey S
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Alexander C
Updated by:
Alexander C
Employee Brian T
Updated by:
Brian T
Employee Sabrina W
Updated by:
Sabrina W
Employee Robert G
Expert Research:
Robert G
Employee Patrick B
Expert Research:
Patrick B
Employee Michael H
Expert Research:
Michael H
Employee Jeff D
Expert Research:
Jeff D
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee John H
Expert Research:
John H
Employee Cole B
Installed by:
Cole B

At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.


<