How to Release the Brakes on a Trailer Once the Break Away Switch Is Activated

Question

Question:

My breakaway switch cable did snag on some debris last night. It activated the brakes and now the trailer is sitting along Interstate 90. How can I get the trailer rolling again?

asked by: Joe R

0

Expert Reply:

If you still have the plunger end that goes in the break away switch, then you can simply insert the plunger back into the switch and that should cut off the power to the brakes on your trailer.

If you no longer have the plunger, then you can either remove the break away battery or cut one of the wires going to or from the break away switch. One wire is coming from the break away battery and the other is going to the brake circuit on the trailer. Cutting one of those wires will terminate the signal going to the trailers brake circuit. I have attached a photo showing where you can cut.

Do not cut the brake wire on the trailer, just the wire from the break away switch to the brake circuit on the trailer.

I have attached an FAQ article on break away switches for you to check out. You may also be interested in a replacement break away switch, # 3802348, to replace your current switch.

expert reply by: John H

0

click to enlarge

Jeffrey T.

3/1/2020

My cable got pulled out while in storage, I purchased a new break away system and cut the wires to install the new one. But, my brakes are still locked up and I cannot move my trailer.

Chris R.

3/2/2020

It's pretty odd that the brakes are still locked up after replacing the breakaway system on your trailer. I assume that they at least released after initially removing the old one (before wiring in the new switch)? If not, then something other than the breakaway switch is causing this. Check for a short on the tow vehicle's brake output circuit. Otherwise make sure all the wiring on the new breakaway switch is correct and that the pin is completely plugged in. Let me know what you find.

Jeff T.

3/2/2020

Thank you for the response. Apparently on my trailer, backing up about two feet is required to disengage the brakes, I did this this morning and they released. Pulled the cable, backed up to release and Im good to go and insured that the new system is working correctly.

Chris R.

3/3/2020

Great news! Just let us know if anything else comes up.

Robert Y.

10/2/2020

@JeffT We've owned a number of trailers over more than 50 years and most with electric brakes have required that you back up a foot or so to release them after they have locked. I would expect that. Just days ago when we evacuated for a fire here our brakes locked. I had to disconnect the plug at the truck and back up to release. Our brake control system apparently needs replacing as every time I plug it in the brakes lock. Going to take it apart today to check it.

Adrian

10/31/2026

Accidentally My Trailer Brakeaway Cable Go Out From The Little Box. When I See The Cable I Put Or insert Back Again. I Want To Know If I Can Run My Trailer With No Problem. When Happen The Battery Switch Off, but I Have Connect The Trailer To My Home Electrical plug. Please Let Me know The Process Asap

Claire H.

10/31/2026

If the breakaway pin was accidentally pulled, make sure that it's fully inserted and that the switch isn't damaged. Make sure that the battery is getting charged and connect the trailer to your truck. If you're saying the battery was off when the pin was pulled, it's likely that the brakes never engaged at all. To check the brakes, chock the wheels and pull the breakaway pin and listen for the magnets to click or the wheels to lock up and then immediately reinsert it. Don't leave the pin out for an extended period of time. Once you've checked those things, hook the trailer up to your truck and use the manual override on the brake controller to confirm that the brakes are functioning normally.

Answer 1

I currently have four different self-adjusting assemblies for your boat trailer with 10" x 2-1/4" electric drum brakes. You can choose from the following: -Terran Axle Electric Trailer Brakes #TX97ZJ (3,500 Axles) -etrailer Electric Trailer…

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Answer 2

The etrailer.com Self-Adjusting Brakes #AKEBRK-35-SA will replace both brakes on an axle, but do not come with the hubs. That being said, if the hubs are in good condition, they will not need to be replaced. When you remove the hub, you will need to…

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Answer 3

Hi Rusty; the Dexter #84546UC3-EZ and etrailer #AKHD-5475-35-K will both fit a 3,500 lb axle but they have different bolt patterns. You already ordered the Dexter in the past so I'm assuming your wheels are 5 on 4-1/2. For the same bolt pattern…

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Answer 4

Yes, you can switch from using a Tang Washer #5-101 to the Spindle Nut Kit #RG05-100. This kit includes 2 Retainers #6-190, 2 Nuts #6-191 and 2 D-Washers #5-23.

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Answer 5

Yes, you can simply use the nut retainer part #6-191 on your spindle nut instead of the tang washer setup and it would work just fine. The EZ lube fitting would not be an issue at all.

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Answer 6

A replacement tang-style spindle washer like part #5-101 is intended to be installed behind the castle nut and have its prongs bent down so that they prevent the castle nut from rotating on an E-Z Lube type spindle. The castle nut holds the washer in…

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Answer 7

I believe I found the video you are referring to and have attached it below. You will want to fast forward to the 4:45 mark to see the spindle castle nut procedure. As you mentioned you will basically just want to tighten the nut until it stops by…

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Answer 8

After you have your hub and bearings on your spindle you will then put on the washer, then the nut, and then the nut retainer (yellow piece) from the Nut Kit #RG05-100. The nut retainer helps to keep the nut from backing off and, ultimately, your…

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Answer 9

Pushing the pin back into the breakaway switch should allow the brakes of the trailer to release. You may have to back the trailer up slightly to get the brakes to release. If you have tried that and are still having problems you may need to replace…

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Answer 10

I spoke with my contact at Lippert regarding the Electric Trailer Jack with Footplate #LC285318 referenced in your question. For this jack they recommend 26 ft lbs of torque for the hardware that will hold the jack to your trailer. This is a very…

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Answer 11

Yes. The way that a breakaway switch such as #HM20010 works is that the pin inside holds two pieces of metal apart. Once pulled out it allows the 2 pieces of metal to touch completing the circuit between the breakaway battery and the trailer brakes.…

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Answer 12

There is a way to bypass the breakaway system of your trailer but I would only recommend you do so to get your trailer to a dealer so that it can be fixed. If you were to get pulled over and the breakaway system was to be tested you would get in…

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How to Release the Brakes on a Trailer Once the Break Away Switch Is Activated

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