Breakaway Switch Pin is Stuck in the Switch

Updated 08/26/2014 | Published 08/25/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Cable and Pin for Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kits

(167)

$9.03

Replacement Breakaway Switch for Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kits

(160)

$21.99

Hopkins Replacement Break-Away Switch, 7" Lead Wires

(148)

$12.55

Hopkins Pull to Test Breakaway Switch with 48" Long Cable

(27)

$18.24

Question:

I am planning on purchasing this item to replace the wire that broke because I allowed it to drag newbie mistake. As I was trying to determine the brand/model of the brake controller I had installed, my initial thought was that I would be able to replace just the cable. I was feeling out the pin and I managed to push the pin all the way in - now it doesnt seem to want to pull out. Will I be able to pull it out to replace just the pin and wire or will I have to replace the entire brake controller???

asked by: John H

Expert Reply:

I think you mean breakaway system. A brake controller would be in the cab of the vehicle and not on the trailer.

You might need a new switch if you can't get the pin out. It would not be a bad idea to replace it anyway. They are not expensive and you will have the peace of mind of having a new switch.

A switch, such as # HM20010, # 3802348, or # HM20060, basically just completes a circuit once the pin is pulled allowing power to go from the breakaway battery to the trailer brakes. So it does not matter which brand you choose since they all do the same job.

expert reply by: Michael H