How to Wire a Breakaway Switch to the Trailer Battery

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Question:

How do you wire a break away switch to your trailers battery without using a break away box?

asked by: Lyle

0

Expert Reply:

In order to install a two wire breakaway switch like the Replacement Breakaway Switch with Cable and Pin part # 3802348 to an existing trailer battery you will want to attach one of the wires to the brake output signal (usually blue) on the trailer and the other wire to the trailer battery. The wires are non-polarized so it doesn't matter which wire is attached to battery/brake output signal.

However, most states require that the breakaway switch be wired to a separate independent battery on the trailer and not the one used for other functions such as appliances or lights. Therefore, it may just be better to replace the entire system with something like the Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit part # 20099 which comes with an independent battery specifically for the breakaway switch.

I have attached an install/review video of this kit for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

0

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Saul H.

6/21/2025

Hi Conner, I am installing a fast way breakaway switch to my tent trailer. It has a 7 way pin that charges the battery while being towed. My ? is since the two wires are not polarized, one is connected to the blue brake wire and the other is connected to either wire that is connected to the trailer battery. I know I have to disconnect the 7 pin when not towing or both batteries will be drained. Am I correct? Thanks

Reply

Jerred H.

6/23/2025

@SaulH No, you don't need to disconnect anything while you're not towing your trailer. You vehicle is going to automatically turn off of all power to the 7-way connector after it's been turned off. There's only draw on the brake controller wire when your vehicle is activating the brakes. The accessory circuit that charges your battery will be inactive once the power to the 7-way is turned off by your vehicle.

Reply

Answer 1

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…

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Answer 2

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 3

Hey Michael, thanks for reaching out! The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes #23-468-469 are an excellent choice, and will pair nicely with the Dexter Trailer Hub & Drum Assembly #84546UC3-EZ. This hub and drum comes pre-greased to…

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Answer 4

There is not a designated location on a 5th wheel hitch like #RP30144 for the emergency Breakaway Kit #20099 cable. Most people will connect that cable to the tethered pin that locks the jaws of the head in place near the handle. You can see this at…

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Answer 5

Hey Butch, thanks for the picture of your axle tag. The Hydrastar Disc Brake Kit w/ Actuator for Tandem Axle Trailers item #HSE7K-T1 is exactly what you need. These rotors will fit your 7,000 lbs Lippert axles perfectly. They have 1/2" lug studs…

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Answer 6

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 7

Are there any visible signs of wear on the magnets like exposed windings then that would indicate they need replacing. Magnets can go bad without showing visible signs of wear though. To see how to troubleshoot them check out the help article I…

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Answer 8

Yes, it does Mike. There's enough of a gap between the mounting bracket and the back of the lid on the Bright Way Push-to-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit item #3802308, that the lid will open up all the way. What kind of trailer do you have?

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Answer 9

The two wires that come from the breakaway switch #3802348 need to be connected to power and the brake signal switch. The black wire needs to have power. Once you have that connection made you then can locate your brake signal wire from your brakes…

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Answer 10

If you didn't have a battery used with your breakaway system there'd be nothing to power the brakes in the event of a disconnect so you couldn't use just a switch like the part #FA80-00-2040 by itself. You'd instead need to use a…

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Answer 11

I have just what you will need. I have linked an FAQ article that explains the various ways to wire a winch. You will need the second half of the page titled Option 2: Wiring the Winch to a Separate, Trailer-Mounted Battery. I have also included a…

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Answer 12

You can put a maintenance charge on your trailer battery with the 12 volt accessory circuit of the 7-way. The 1:00 position of your 7-way carries this circuit. You would just need to run a length of 10 gauge wire like part #10-1-1 (sold by the foot),…

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How to Wire a Breakaway Switch to the Trailer Battery

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