Brakes Not Activating When Breakaway On Dexter Breakaway Kit # 34-285 Is Pulled  

Question:

Expert Reply:

I contacted our representative at Dexter about the issue you were having with the Dexter Breakaway Kit # 34-285 on you 36 foot tandem axle gooseneck trailer. The Dexter representative informed me that the Breakaway Kit is not designed to lock up the brakes, but to stop the trailer.

If you have electric brakes on your trailer, you will have to roll the trailer about a foot or two for the electric magnet in the brakes to activate.

If, after rolling the trailer the brakes do not activate when the breakaway is pulled, you will want to check over the electrical system of the trailer. You will want to check to make sure there is power going to the battery. There should be at least 12 volts of power from the battery. The black wire should be connected to the Black 12 volt wire on the trailer connector. If there is power to the black wire, you will want to check to make sure the battery is charged. If the battery is not charged, the battery will need to be replaced.

You will also want to check the voltage at the trailer brakes to make sure the brake assemblies are getting power. You will want to make sure that you have good clean ground connections and everything is grounded correctly.

Another thing you can check is stopping the trailer with the brake controller. If the trailer brakes are activating and stopping fine with the brake controller then the problem is more than likely with the Breakaway Kit.

I have linked an FAQ Article on trailer breakaway kits that you may find as a good reference.

expert reply by: Reno H

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