How to Install an Aftermarket Breakaway Switch on the Demco Stay-IN-Play

Published 08/17/2018

Question:

I am installing a Demco Stay in Play Duo break system that I just bought from you. It is going on my 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. The Demco break away isnt going to fit without a lot of work, so I want to use the Hopkins breakaway that is already installed for my Brake Buddy Vantage. I need reassurance on how to wire it. The Demco instructions say the blue wire goes to the blue wire on the operating unit, and the black/orange wire goes to brown wire on the operating unit and the 12 volt positive terminal. The Hopkins has a black wire and a blue wire. They wired into a plug that fits into the top of the brake buddy. So which wire goes to the blue wire and which wire goes to the brown.12+ ? How can I figure this out? Thanks!

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

The Hopkins Replacement Break-Away Switch part # HM20010 has a normally open circuit which means there will not be any current that passes through the breakaway switch while the pin is intact. Once the pin is pulled the circuit then becomes closed and power is able to pass through the switch and send power to the trailer brakes. It does not matter if you hook the blue wire on the switch to the blue wire on the Stay-IN-Play or the black wire on the switch to the blue wire on the Stay-IN-Play. The switch will operate the same regardless as it is a one way normally open circuit.

expert reply by: Conner L