Troubleshooting Melted Trailer Breakaway Wiring

Question

Question:

I have what looks like a Hopkins HM20010 emergency brake disconnect switch on a new travel trailer that looks to have melted on one side. Could this be due to a faulty switch or wired incorrectly? I have pictures.

asked by: Brad P

0

Expert Reply:

Melted wires is typically due to a short. It's hard to say exactly what caused your short but you will need to check wiring of your breakaway setup, specifically where the wires connect to the battery, to see if you can find a short and fix as needed.

If I had to guess it sounds like the wire that attaches between the switch and the battery has a short to the frame of your trailer and that is what melted it.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Answer 1

Running a direct ground up to the trailer tongue or junction box would certainly work, but the only time I'd see that as being necessary is if the lamps were connected to a non metallic structure or a metallic structure that wasn't directly…

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Answer 2

If you are going to back your trailer in the water while it is still connected to the tow vehicle, you will need it to be waterproof. Whether or not it is water proof depends on the trailer, the construction, how it is wired, and if the taillight…

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Answer 3

The Digital Thermostat ACTH12 is a confusing thermostat since it can be used with heat pumps, heat strips and furnaces. First you will want to make sure you have the dip switches on the back of the controller set up correctly. If you are just using…

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Answer 4

We do offer the Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing, part #15123 for your trailer but I was unable to find a cross-reference for the Timken 09067 bearing you stated you need. You can measure the inner diameter and see if there are any bearings from the…

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Answer 5

Hey David, thanks for the picture. I was able to track down a spec sheet for your Dexter axle which I have included below. The 031-029-02 bearing is item #15123 and the 031-030-02 bearing is item #25580. For a bearing kit you can use part #BK3-110…

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Answer 6

Hey Vince, thanks for all of the info on your spindle. Based on that what you have it is actually a spindle for a 3,500 lb axle so you'd need a larger hub and drum like the part #84546UC3-EZ which is a 10 inch diameter hub/drum. Then for brake…

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Answer 7

Hello Jorge, thanks for reaching out, and congrats on the new Sienna! The Curt Class 3 Hitch #C22UR is the correct fit for your 2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum. The hitch will partially block the liftgate sensor, but it will still function. Basically the…

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Answer 8

To replace your NOK AD2527E seal you can use #168233. It has an inner diameter of 1.688 inches and an outer diameter of 2.332 inches. Based on what I could find on the NOK AD2527E the inner diameter is the same and the outer diameter is 2.328 inches.…

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Answer 9

If your 2009 Toyota Tacoma has the factory 7-Way connector at the rear of your vehicle the factory brake controller port is located underneath and left of the steering column, taped to another harness near the emergency brake pedal. There will be a…

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Answer 10

It is very unusual for 4-pole trailer wiring to get hot enough to melt the 4-pole plug. This wiring format carries only basic lighting signals, no trailer brake power, no reverse lights and no auxiliary 12V power. It would be much more common for an…

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Answer 11

Each lamp needs to be grounded either through its mounting studs being in direct contact with the trailer frame or by having a jumper wire ran from the lamp to the trailer frame. Ground the trailer connector at the front of the trailer, which will…

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Troubleshooting Melted Trailer Breakaway Wiring

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