Is it Okay to Insert the Breakaway Pin After it Accidentally Became Unplugged

Updated 03/18/2020 | Published 07/17/2015

Question:

I accidently pulled the breakaway pin while my trailer was parked. The trailer was not plugged into the truck. I plugged the pin back in. Will I have a problem ?.

asked by: Larry B

Expert Reply:

You will have no problem at all. The pin on the breakaway switch simply closes or opens the circuit from the breakaway battery to the trailer brakes. In fact, many people like to test their trailer brakes by pulling the breakaway pin. As long as it is fully inserted, you are good to go.

If you broke the pin, cable or box, I attached a link to all of our replacement pins and cables and a link to our replacement switches for you to check out. Be sure to choose a pin with the same design as your previous pin. If you need to replace the entire switch, you can use any of the switches we have to offer.

expert reply by: John H

Wanda

3/17/2020

We just bought a 2018 tag along which originated from FL. I would like to pull pin and get an idea of the condition of the box. I can’t pull the pin out and am afraid to pull too hard. Should it be that hard to pull out? Thank you for your help!

Chris R.

3/18/2020

You do have to pull relatively hard when pulling out a breakaway pin by hand. They're designed this way so that it doesn't just pop out when hitting a bump in the road or going across rough terrain. A true breakaway scenario would haven no trouble ripping it out though. Don't be afraid to pull it too hard, you won't damage anything.