When do You Need a Breakaway Battery Charger and How Does it Function

Updated 06/21/2021 | Published 06/10/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(747)

$72.04

CTEK US 0.8 Universal Battery Charger with Pulse Maintenance - Small 12-Volt Batteries

(14)

$61.99

Question:

I just asked this question, but did not get an appropriate answer. I wanted to know when you need/dont need a breakaway batter CHARGER, and what does it do exactly. I understand how the rest of the system works. Thanks.

asked by: Diane O

Expert Reply:

You need a breakaway battery charger if you want to maintain the battery charge on your breakaway kit using your tow vehicle's 7-way trailer connector. The 12 volt battery on breakaway kits, like all batteries, will self-discharge over time. Eventually the battery will have no charge remaining and the breakaway kit will fail. The charger delivers power to the battery to recharge or maintain it.

Many breakaway kits like the Hopkins # 20400 have a built-in charger. If the kit does not have a built-in charger, the battery must be removed from the box to charge it periodically. The CTEK US 0.8 Universal Battery Charger with Pulse Maintenance # CTEK56865 is a good example of a charger you may use if you do not have a built-in charger on your breakaway system. If you do not want to charge the battery, the other option is to replace the battery when it no longer works.

I have attached a video review of the CTEK charger for your reference.

expert reply by: Robin H