What is Needed to Stop a Trailer if the Trailer Comes Uncoupled from the Tow Vehicle

Updated 05/08/2017 | Published 05/05/2017

Question:

If my trailer breaks away from the vehicle and I have a brake controller installed, will the brake controller stop the trailer?

asked by: Dick

Expert Reply:

By itself, your brake controller will not stop your trailer if it becomes disconnected from your tow vehicle. Sounds like you are needing a trailer breakaway kit.

The Engager Trailer Breakaway Kit with Charger, # 20099, is the product I recommend for your truck and trailer rig. This breakaway kit consists of a battery, a battery box, breakaway switch, and all the needed wiring to install on to your trailer.

The kit is designed to activate you trailer brakes by pulling the plunger out of the breakaway switch when a trailer becomes disconnected. The switch will divert the 12-volt charge from the battery to fully activate your trailer brakes.

The kit includes a battery charger to guarantee that you battery will be fully charged up and an LED battery test light to tell you what the charge status is on your breakaway battery.

I have included an installation video that shows a typical installation of this breakaway kit on a trailer.

expert reply by: Jared P