Wiring 3-Wire Breakaway Switch as Replacement for 2-Wire Switch

Question

Question:

I have a 2 wire breakaway switch and got a 3 wire to replace it. I know the white is a ground but does it really matter which wire I connect where. will it still ooerate the same since this switch essentially works like a fuse?

asked by: Bill

0

Expert Reply:

You can absolutely wire up a 3-wire breakaway switch like the Hopkins LED Breakaway Switch with 7" Lead Wires # HM20059 to replace your 2-wire switch; the difference is that the 3-wire switch has a dedicated ground wire while the 2-wire switch grounds through its mounting hardware.

The Hopkins LED Breakaway Switch # HM20059 has the white ground wire, a blue wire which will splice into the brake wire coming out of your trailer connector and a black wire which will connect to the breakaway box.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

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Answer 1

The 3rd wire on a 3-wire breakaway switch like the Hopkins LED Breakaway Switch with 7" Lead Wires #HM20059 gets grounded to the trailer frame or tied in to the main ground on your trailers tongue. The only difference between a 2-wire and 3-wire…

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Answer 2

First, disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle so you can check the vehicle side connector. Using a circuit tester like part #PTW2993, test the functions of the connector; specifically check the right turn/brake, to make sure the signal is making…

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Answer 3

It sounds like you may have a short in your wiring on your trailer or on your truck. Check for any pinched, loose, or damaged wires and make the repairs as needed. If that all checks out then you can check the trailer connector on your 2001 as it may…

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Answer 4

This sounds like a ground problem on the right side. The turn signal not working makes sense because with the brake lights, there is a constant signal coming through which is enough to make the lights illuminate on both sides like they should. But…

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Answer 5

To install the Demco A-Frame Trailer Coupler #DM16680-52 that you referenced, you will want to use 3/8 inch, grade 5 bolts , approximately 1-1/2 inches long (depending on how you are installing the coupler). You will want to use 5 of these bolts per…

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Answer 6

The play you are feeling/hearing is most likely between the hitch ball and the latch of the coupler. If you look under the coupler you can see an adjustment bolt that uses an Allen wrench that will allow you to tighten the latch and get rid of the…

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Answer 7

The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K #23-468-469 are not designed to be manually adjusted in the way you are describing. There isn't really a way to back off the adjustment because…

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Answer 8

The bearing that you have on the trailer hub measures just under 1 inch (0.985) and we are not going to have a hub that accepts a bearing with an inner diameter of that size. This is common for the trailer kits like the Haul Master branded trailers.…

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Answer 9

I reached out to the manufacturer, Lippert, about the problems you were having and they told me the issue is your control module on the Kwikee 25 Series #LC3658373 being the wrong one. They said (rather bluntly): "You cannot use a Kwikee…

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Answer 10

We don't have a way of knowing the brakes that fit your 2005 Fleetwood Coleman Niagara trailer, but can tell you how to find out if the 4,400 lb Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit #K23-462-463-00 will fit. The only way to do this is to know your…

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Answer 11

Actually, there's a little more to it than that. The magnets on the #K23-478-479 are a little different, but the primary difference is the mounting bolt pattern. On a typical 3500 lb brake assembly, the mounting studs will all be 2-7/8 inches…

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Answer 12

Brake magnets for 12 inch brake assemblies should have an ohms reading that falls within the range of 3.0 to 3.8. The 3.7 ohms reading on your brake magnets does not indicate that the brake magnets need to be replaced. If you are experiencing…

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Wiring 3-Wire Breakaway Switch as Replacement for 2-Wire Switch

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