Trouble Setting Up Tandem Axle Horse Trailer Which Did Not Have a Breakaway System

Published 03/01/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Pull to Test Breakaway Switch with 48" Long Cable

(27)

$18.24

Trailer Breakaway Kit Battery Charger for 12V, 5-Amp Battery

(50)

$7.87

Breakaway Kit Replacement 12 V Battery

(120)

$37.87

Question:

I purchased tandem axle horse trailer and the brakes work great when towing it. I have a 2013 Ram 1500 with a factory brake module. There was a break away switch on the trailer but no wires or battery connected to it. I bought a break away kit Hopkins engaged HD number 20099 . 1 disconnected the 7 way plug and wired the brake away to those wires just to see if it would work. I wired it according to the diagram in the box. I pulled the cable from the breakaway switch and It does not work or even make noise. Im not sure what to do next?

asked by: Carl

Expert Reply:

The Breakaway Switch # HM20060 also needs a Battery # HM20008 to get power from to activate the brakes. If you do not have a box to store and protect the battery you will also want that and a Charger # 20011 to connect everything together. I have linked our help article on trailer breakaway setup near the bottom of the page for you to reference to ensure you get everything wired correctly. Most importantly remember to wire for wire function and not color as not all trailer manufacturers abide by a certain rule for wiring colors.

expert reply by: Bud M