How Much Force does it Take to Pull the Pin on a Break-Away Kit Switch

Updated 07/13/2010 | Published 07/11/2010

Question:

I attempted to test the breakaway switch on my daughters horse trailer, but I was unable to pull out the pin in the switch. How much pressure should it take to make the pin come out? I dont know what brand the breakaway system is, so does it make a difference which switch should be used to replace this one?

asked by: William R

Expert Reply:

It is a simple switch, so brand compatibility should be a non-issue. When the pin is pulled, two pins are allowed to contact and complete the circuit to engage the brakes. Any switch should work fine.

I pulled the Hopkins Switch, part # HM20010, to test it out. It does take a good tug to pull it out and close the switch. You should not need to use two hands, but it should not easily slide out. You do not want the pin coming out when you hit a hard bump.

I would not repeatedly pull the switch out, but once or twice to test it should be fine.

expert reply by: Patrick B