Push to Test Trailer Breakaway System Shows Charging/Depleted Battery when Connected to Tow Vehicle
Published 10/29/2015
Question:
I have a 2015 chevy 2500 and a UPG breakaway kit. When connected to the truck the battery shows yellow charging. I have left it connected for days and still shows yellow. When I push the test button it shows red recharge. I pulled the battery and put a multimeter on it and its 12.3 volts. It makes me think there is a power drain when its connected to the trailer. When I disconnect the box from the trialer the test light will show green. Im confused. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Trailer is a featherlite 8533 horse trailer.
asked by: Nathan J
Expert Reply:
Push to test type of breakaway systems seem to give false readings some times when they are connected to the tow vehicle. There could be a short somewhere in the system that, when connected to the tow vehicle, is causing some slight power draw.
The most likely culprit is a dirty or corroded trailer connector or wiring. Make sure that both the vehicle side and trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside where the wires attach and outside on the pins. You can also inspect the wiring on the truck and trailer as needed and fix any pinched or damaged wires.
