Can a Trailer Breakaway System be Run off of Existing Trailer Battery

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Question:

Why do you need a second battery for the breakaway switch? Why cant the breakaway switch be wired to the large battery on my camper? Of course Im assuming that I dont fully deplete the battery by using the lights in the camper for very long. I normally either use an electric hook-up at the campground or use a generator to power the camper. I can keep a trickle/float charger hooked up to my camper battery when not in use to keep it charged. I have not had very good luck with small batteries such as is in my atv and lawnmower. I suspect that Ill be buying a small battery for the breakaway switch every year at best.

asked by: Kenny W

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Expert Reply:

A breakaway kit can be wired in one of two ways to the trailer brake system. The first way would be to use the Engager Trailer BreakAway Kit with Charger and Tester, item # 20099 , and splice off of the power wire that maintains the trailer's battery on the trailer to charge the battery included in the kit (see instructions). This is the recommended method of installing a breakaway kit since many states require that a breakaway kit with separate power supply be used.

The second option, not recommended, is to use the existing battery for the trailer. This method will provide breakaway power to the trailer brakes if, when a breakaway occurs, the battery has the power to engage the trailer brake magnets. Since this situation could fail, due to the battery being discharged, I do not recommend wiring a breakaway switch in this manner.

I attached an FAQ on trailer breakaway systems for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

Hi David; this is pretty common and all you really need is to throw in some simple diodes #RM-690. These will only allow power to flow in one direction so it will stop any backfeeding and power drain. It sounds like everything is in-line so you can…

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Answer 2

Trailer wiring generally uses 16 gauge wire, part #16-1-1. However, with a long trailer like yours you may want to go with a larger like 14 gauge #DW07550-1 or even 12 gauge #12-1-1. Each size is sold by the foot. You will need to have the lights at…

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Answer 3

Basically you'll be wiring the 12 volt accessory circuit you have now that is charging the current battery also to the breakaway battery so that the charge circuit charges both batteries. Aside from that you'd wire up the breakaway like the…

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Answer 4

In order to know exactly what brakes/hub + drums you need, we need to know how many lugs you have on your Axis axle, but we also need to know the distance between the lugs. The most common setup for a 5-lug axle is a 5 on 4-1/2 inch. I went ahead and…

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Answer 5

For your enclosed box trailer, it is best to let the breakaway battery run the breakaway system and use the accessory battery to power your trailer's interior lights (or other parts). This is the best option because your breakaway battery needs…

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Answer 6

Yes the Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kit with Breakaway Switch, 0.5-Amp Charger, 5 Ah Battery, and Wire Loom #3802336 is a great replacement for your current breakaway setup. This kit comes with a breakaway switch, a 0.5 amp charger, a 5-amp hour…

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Answer 7

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…

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Answer 8

So it sounds like you are trying to use the Curt Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger #C52044 to charge an auxiliary battery on your enclosed trailer to power lights, and it makes sense that this would not work. This kit…

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Answer 9

A trailer breakaway kit like #34-285 will apply full power to your electric trailer brakes in the event of the vehicle and trailer suddenly being uncoupled. Such kits consist of a breakaway switch and cable, a breakaway battery and a box to contain…

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Answer 10

The lid of the Junction Box part #3375601101 that you referenced does not have an O-ring or seal built into it. The lid has a pretty deep channel though that fits to the base of the box well enough that it does a decent enough job keeping moisture…

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Answer 11

I attached a diagram showing how a breakaway switch, like part #420000, would be wired to a trailer mounted battery like the one on your Loudo dump trailer. With this type of setup you would not want to pull the breakaway switch with the trailer…

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Answer 12

We've got the exact replacement breakaway system battery you're looking for. You'll need the Hopkins #HM20008. As you can see in the provided photo, the #HM20008 is a direct replacement.

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Can a Trailer Breakaway System be Run off of Existing Trailer Battery

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