Do Trailer Breakaway Kits Have Diodes to Prevent Backfeeding

Updated 10/01/2018 | Published 09/30/2018

Question:

Bob, I have a 51foot step deck with twin 10k axles with electric brakes. The previous owner had a larger car battery to run the break away system. I am trying to hook it up and it is back feeding into the truck and powering everything when the truck battery disconnect is off. I understand why that is happening. What I dont know is this, is there a diode in a break away box to prevent the backflow of power? On another note, when the cord is pulled, will the magnets sound as loud as when the brakes are normally applied? I never have had success testing these things on other trailers. Thanks

asked by: Jason S

Helpful Expert Reply:

The breakaway kits we offer like the # 20099 do have one-way diodes built into the lid of the boxes so that when the trailer isn't connected the breakaway battery doesn't try to power the rest of the trailer. If you are using a car battery setup that would explain why that's happening. When the breakaway pin is pulled the brakes should activate and make just as much sound as if they were being activated with a brake controller. I attached a help article on troubleshooting breakaway kits for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C