Can I Wire a Toggle Switch on My Breakaway System

Updated 12/10/2018 | Published 12/09/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Fastway ONEstep XL Wheel Chocks for Tandem Axle Trailers and RVs - 16" to 30" Long - Qty 2

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$144.42

Fastway ONEstep Wheel Chocks for Tandem-Axle Trailers and RVs - 16" to 24" Long - Qty 2

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$112.41

Question:

Hello, I purchased all the needed parts from etrailer to rebuild my dump trailer. I love etrailer! This included new brake assemblies and a breakaway switch. When using a dump trailer on an incline I know you need to chock the truck front wheels or trailer wheels to keep the truck from rolling as weight is lifted off the trucks rear wheels. Instead of a wheel chock my trucks front wheel or the trailer wheels could I put a toggle switch temporarily closing the circuit on the breakaway switch thus locking the trailer tires while dumping? Would this damage any of the components? If I could activate the brakes this easy I would use that system every time I dumped even if on a flat surface.

asked by: Kenneth

Expert Reply:

There would be no way to install a toggle switch on a breakaway system to activate the circuit at your leisure. The circuit is normally open until the breakaway pin is pulled and then it becomes normally closed which causes power to be sent to the brakes. This all happens inside the breakaway switch and I cannot recommend you modify this for your application. I guess you could then pull the breakaway pin each and every time you tilt the bed of your trailer but this would wear out the pins inside over time and then possible cause the system not to work when it is actually needed. It is also illegal in most states to alter a breakaway system in any way.

I know this is not the answer you were looking for but modifying the breakaway system is a huge safety risk that I cannot recommend. Instead, I recommend a set of easy to use wheel chocks for the trailer, the Fastway ONEstep XL Wheel Chocks part # FA84-00-4840 or part # FA84-00-4150-2. I have attached a review video for you.

expert reply by: Conner L