Can a Break Away Kit be Powered by a Trailer Mount Winch Battery

Updated 12/19/2011 | Published 12/17/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Replacement Break-Away Switch, 44" Lead Wires

(62)

$18.70

Hopkins Engager Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Charger, LED Tester, and 5 Ah Battery - Side Load

(746)

$60.86

Question:

I have a car trailer with a winch and a 12 volt battery to power it. Im trying to determine what I would need to make a breakaway work. Im thinking that all I need to do is wire in a break away switch to the battery that I have and to the brakes. What would I need to set up a break away kit to this trailer?

asked by: Aaron D

Expert Reply:

A break away kit that is DOT approved requires a battery that can provide a certain amount of power to apply the trailer brakes should the trailer become disconnected from the towing vehicle. I do not recommend that you share the winch battery with the breakaway system but instead have a dedicated break away battery.

Having a dedicated battery in a break away system will ensure that it provides the 15 minutes of braking required by Department of Transportation. Our most popular system is the Engager, # 20099. This system comes with a built-in charger and battery life indicator. I have included a link to the installation details for you.

Please note that you should fully charge the battery before using the system.

expert reply by: Michael H