Will a Breakaway Kit Damage the Brake Controller if Tested with the Trailer Connected

Updated 04/15/2010 | Published 04/14/2010

Products Featured in This Question

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

(68)

$54.09

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$159.00

Question:

I have a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller, it works great. I just bought a Hopkins 20001 Break-Away-Kit. After installing the break-away-kit, do I need to make sure the truck is not connected to the trailer before testing the break-away-kit,on behalf of the possible damage to the Prodigy brake controller ?

asked by: Randy S

Expert Reply:

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 not have any problems with the controller or related circuitry.

expert reply by: Robert G