Should The Breakaway Switch Be Wired Through a Circuit Breaker On Travel Trailer Battery?

Updated 07/10/2023 | Published 07/07/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Switch for Curt Soft Trac I and II Trailer Breakaway Kits

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$10.11

NOCO Genius Smart Battery Charger - AC to DC - 6V/12V - 1 Amp

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Question:

We bought this trailer and this is how the wiring was when we bought it. We are wondering if it is correct? Should a breakaway switch that is connected to power onboard trailer battery be fused at the battery? Is so, what type of rating for a single axle trailer? Attached are pictures to help with the question. The blue wire from the breakaway switch runs directly to the positive side of the battery not fused. The breaker is connected to the black/hot side of the trailer wiring through the 25 amp auto resetting circuit breaker. I am wondering about adding/changing to a waterproof circuit breaker switched that would allow all complete disconnection from the positive side of the battery when in storage. Of course the circuit breaker will always be switched on when connecting the trailer.it would be mounted externally on the battery box near the top allowing easy access. Thanks

asked by: Jim K

Helpful Expert Reply:

The wiring on your trailer is correct. The Breakaway Switch # C52010 does get wired directly to the battery without a fuse or circuit breaker. This ensures that in the event the trailer becomes disconnected the brakes activate. A circuit breaker could fail resulting in a failure for the braking system to activate correctly.

Personally, I recommend removing the battery when in storage and placing it on a Maintainer # 329-GENIUS1 at home. This helps to extend battery life and will reduce the chances of the battery freezing if you store your camper in a colder environment during the winter.

expert reply by: Bud M