Troubleshooting Trailer Breakaway Switch and Grounding Wire On 14-Foot EZ-Dump Trailer

Updated 03/21/2013 | Published 03/19/2013

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Question:

I have an EZ-Dump 14-foot dump trailer. I needed a new breakaway switch and installed one according to the wiring diagram. I tested the switch by unplugging the truck side of the 7-wire harness and pulled the plunger and it seems to engage the brakes. I also had to make a new ground for the common trailer ground. I ran into something weird, to me at least, while testing for a good ground location. While the plunger is pulled out of the breakaway switch sending 12 volts to the brakes and the ground disconnected, I can get a 12-volt reading from the trailer frame. I have never seen this before. When I attach the ground it makes a slight arc but everything works as it should. Is that just completing the circuit? Any ideas or help would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Richard C

Expert Reply:

After speaking to my contact in the electronics department at Cequent, I have discovered what could be the source of the problem. If the ground is disconnected, the breakaway battery ground is disconnected, and if the trailer is not attached to a tow vehicle, the 12-volt current you are detecting in your trailer frame is the current that should be going to your ground.

Try the test again with these issues resolved and the problem should take care of itself. If you continue to have the problem, you may have a short in the ground wire. Check the ground wire on the trailer side with a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 and also check the length of the ground wire for any nicks. I have provided a link to our FAQ on testing breakaway systems.

If this situation continues, please let me know and I will research this further.

expert reply by: Brandon M