Trailer Break Away Switch is Draining Trailer Battery

Updated 07/30/2013 | Published 07/29/2013

Products Featured in This Question

CTEK MULTI US 7002 12-Volt Universal Battery Charger w/ Pulse Maintenance and Backup Power

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Question:

Seems that my OEM break away switch is always hot, and drains my battery when not in use, unless I disconnect the leads on the battery. I have a forest river R-173 R-Pod and a single AGM battery mounted in a box on the tongue of the trailer. what is a good solution to keep from draining the battery? Im considering a charger, or maybe an on/off switch for the battery and/or the breakaway switch.

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

There is always going to be power going to the breakaway switch but that power will not go anywhere unless the pin is pulled. And if the pin is pulled your brakes would lock up. There could be something else that is draining the battery. Check all the wiring to the battery, brakes, and break away system. You will be looking for loose or broken wiring, corrosion, and loose connections. Clean off dirt and corrosion on the wiring/connectors.

You should also know that the 12 volt circuit from the trailer connector can charge a small break away battery but not a larger trailer battery (like a car battery for example). To charge a larger battery you would need a charger like # CTEK56353 which can also help re-condition a battery.

I have included some links that will help with testing and proper wiring of a trailer break away system for you.

expert reply by: Michael H