Can a Trailer Become Unhitched While Driving

Updated 04/09/2015 | Published 04/08/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock - 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - Stainless Steel

(293)

$37.37

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 8-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs

(3914)

$31.79

Question:

When diving with trailler can hitched comes off?

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

When towing a trailer there are several mechanical connection points: where the ball mount such as # C45010 meets the hitch receiver and locks with a padlock like # C23519; and where the trailer coupler joins the hitch ball. Some trailers may require safety chains as a safety measure or if the trailer has brakes there will be a breakaway kit on the trailer to engage the trailer brakes automatically in the event of the trailer becoming uncoupled from the hitch ball.

An example of a breakaway kit for trailers with electric brakes is Hopkins # 20099. Trailers that use hydraulic brakes will have a breakaway built into the hydraulic coupler.

expert reply by: Adam R