Once a Trailer Breakaway Switch Pin has Been Pulled is the System Reusable

Question

Question:

once a breakaway has been pulled is it reusable ? thank you

asked by: Gaelen

0

Expert Reply:

Yes. The way that a breakaway switch such as # HM20010 works is that the pin inside holds two pieces of metal apart. Once pulled out it allows the 2 pieces of metal to touch completing the circuit between the breakaway battery and the trailer brakes. All you would have to do to reset the system is put the pin back into the switch. I have included a couple of helpful links on breakaway systems for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Paula

6/11/2020

My trailer breakaway pin came out when I was storing the trailer. I couldn’t put the pin back in all the way. Does the trailer need to be connected to power for the pin to reinsert?

Chris R.

6/15/2020

The trailer shouldn't need to be hooked up to push the pin back in. Make sure there isn't any debris inside the switch that could be preventing it from fitting all the way. Also keep in mind that most pins are "keyed", which just means that it'll only fit when in a certain orientation. Try rotating it a bit as you push it in to make sure you have it in the right position.

Rodney

11/13/2021

@ChrisR pulled pin put it back but brakes activated from truck for trailer want work now

Les D.

11/18/2021

@Rodney I think you are saying that you pulled the pin out of the break away switch, then reinserted it fully. However now the trailer brakes will not work when you press the brake pedal in the truck? When you say that, the trailer brakes do not work, is it that they don't engage, or that they engage but won't release? When you pull the pin, do you hear a hum at the brakes indicating they are engaged? Does your trailer have a small dedicated battery for the trailer brake away switch, or does it have a large battery for electrical equipment in the trailer,and the trailer break away switch works off of that? Have you checked the voltage on the brake away battery and/or the trailer battery? Have you used a continuity tester to see if the brake away switch is bad? Let me know. We can sort this out.

See All (8) Replies to Paula ∨

Caroline

7/18/2020

How difficult should it be to pull the emergency trailer pin out? I recently bought a used travel trailer and wanted to check it. I could not pull it out. Also, is there any maintenance that needs to be done to the system? You mentioned a battery. Does it have it’s own battery or is it hooked to the main battery?

Chris R.

7/23/2020

It should be a little difficult to pull the pin out (it's not something you want coming loose during travel) but with a good yank you should be able to get it out. A breakaway switch should have its own dedicated battery.

Caroline

7/23/2020

What kind/size of battery is used?

Chris R.

7/28/2020

You would just be looking for a small battery like the 5-amp hour Curt # C52023.

Answer 1

Pushing the pin back into the breakaway switch should allow the brakes of the trailer to release. You may have to back the trailer up slightly to get the brakes to release. If you have tried that and are still having problems you may need to replace…

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Answer 2

If you still have the plunger end that goes in the break away switch, then you can simply insert the plunger back into the switch and that should cut off the power to the brakes on your trailer. If you no longer have the plunger, then you can either…

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Answer 3

If you have electric brakes then the only thing you will need to do to reset a breakaway system would be to place the pin back into the switch. This will then release the brakes and allow the trailer to roll freely. You will not need to replace it…

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Answer 4

I went out to our warehouse and pulled the Bulldog Collar-Lok Coupler w/ High-Profile Latch, #BD028384 to get a measurement for you. The neck of the Bulldog coupler measures 8". I have included pictures which illustrate these measurements. The…

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Answer 5

Thank you for all of the pictures and information! The Atwood line of water heaters went out of business a number of years ago so to replace your water heater I highly recommend the Furrion RV Tankless Water Heater #FR48SR because it has superior…

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Answer 6

Hello Ly; it looks like the Scamp trailers use 2,200 lb torsion axles. I can't tell what kind it is since the axle tag isn't clear in any pictures so you will need to identify it. If you have a Dexter Torflex you can use the #K71-723-01 if it…

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Answer 7

Hey Michael! Lippert uses Lithium Complex grease on their axles. You will want to use a Lithium Complex grease like the LubriMatic LMX Industrial Strength Grease item #L11390.

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Answer 8

According to Lippert they use Lithium Complex grease on their 2k-7k axles. This means you can use a Lithium Complex grease like the LubriMatic LMX Industrial Strength Grease - 14 oz. Cartridge #L11390 for your bearings.

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Answer 9

Yes we do carry the replacement cap you would need for your Dexter Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator part #K71-651. For that you would need the part #K71-685-00.

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Answer 10

It sounds like there is a short somewhere in your trailer wiring that is causing the #K71-651 to run. Unless the actuator itself has an internal problem the only way it is going to activate is if it senses that a truck is connected. The black wire of…

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Answer 11

Below is the general process for bleeding an electric over hydraulic brake actuator like #K71-650. Fill reservoir with NEW brake fluid. Never re-use brake fluid that has been salvaged or removed from another system. Remove the key from the breakaway…

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Answer 12

This does happen every now and then, but you will need the Dexter Replacement Emergency Breakaway Cable Kit #DX64XR. This is specifically for the A-60 actuators, which the #DX56FR is. With that said, on the bottom or underneath side of the inner…

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Once a Trailer Breakaway Switch Pin has Been Pulled is the System Reusable

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