Breakaway Switch Cable is Too Short on Car Mate Trailer with Hopkins Engager Breakaway System

Updated 07/12/2018 | Published 07/10/2018

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Fastway Zip Trailer Breakaway Switch with Coiled Cable - 6' Long

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Question:

I have a new Car Mate trailer with a Hopkins Engager brake controller. I must replace the supplied power cord and connector that runs from the controller to the tow vehicle. It was much too short, to begin with, and it has now been rendered unuseable. What replacement cord could be used and how would I hard-wire it to the Hopkins Engager?What cord do you recommend for replacement? Do you have a video tutorial on how to install the wiring to the Hopkins controller?

asked by: Jay

Expert Reply:

The Hopkins Engager is a line of breakaway systems which are different than brake controllers. A brake controller mounts in the tow vehicle cab whereas a breakaway system mounts on the trailer. None of the electrical wiring from the Engager should be running to the tow vehicle.

It should be getting a maintenance charge from the 12 volt circuit from the trailer connector which plugs into the mating connector on the vehicle. The only part of the system that connects to the tow vehicle is the cable for the breakaway switch.

The standard cable length is 48 inches. If this 48 inches is not enough then you may want to consider moving the switch closer towards the front of the trailer. This would be the easiest solution. Another option is to replace the switch with # FA80-00-2060. It can be used with your system and will provide a total length of 6 feet (72 inches) of cable length. I have included a couple of links that will help you including a video showing installation of a Hopkins Engager system.

expert reply by: Michael H