Trailer Breakaway System Battery Requirements for 5th Wheel
Updated 11/14/2016 | Published 11/12/2016
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Does the electric safety brake work on my 2015 F350 through my electrical system that runs the lights and the slides without the trailer having any backup battery in it at all. I hope campers from a Transport company and a guy told me I have to have a backup battery in the trailer. But then I had another guy tell me that the electric breakaway system will work just plugged into my truck and not on an extra battery. Which one is true thank you
asked by: Charlie L
Helpful Expert Reply:
A trailer breakaway system must have a dedicated battery on the trailer. If it did not have its own battery the breakaway system would not operate if the trailer connector disconnected from the vehicle. A dedicated breakaway battery is required so that an uncoupled trailer's brakes will activate to bring it to a stop, but a second backup battery on the trailer is not required.
I linked our main page for trailer breakaway kits. We offer basic kits like # C52026 and kits with a built-in battery charger/tester like # 20099.
I also linked two helpful articles on trailer breakaway systems.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Trailer Running Lights Do Not Work but Brake Lights and Turn Signals Do Work
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: How to Test Brake Controller without Trailer Connected
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Trailer Turn Signals Both Blink when Just Left Turn Signal is Activated
- Q&A: Trailers Right Tail Light Stays on Even While Unplugged
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Right Side Trailer Lights Not Working, Left Side Working Correctly
- Article: Brake Controller Installation for 2007 (New Body Style) - 2013 GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado
- Article: Installing an Electric Brake Controller on 2007-2013 GM Full-Size Truck or 2007-Present GM SUV
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Troubleshooting 4 and 5-Way Wiring Installations
- Q&A: Troubleshooting A Thomas Payne Recliner That Will Not Recline
- Q&A: Can I Use a 4 Way Vehicle Connector with 7 Way Adapter and the Curt Echo Brake Controller?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)