Does a Breakaway System Battery Affect Everyday Trailer Brake Performance
Updated 07/17/2020 | Published 12/03/2014
Question:
Does the battery have any effect on the brakes on the trailer or will they operate without on? Is it only for brake away to lock the brakes?
asked by: Jerry H
Expert Reply:
Electric trailer brakes can work on a trailer that doesn't have a breakaway system. So the answer to your question is no, the breakaway battery would not affect how normal trailer brakes will operate under normal circumstances.
The only time the breakaway battery will change how the brakes are performing is when the pin of the system has been pulled and the voltage of the battery is being applied to the brake assemblies.
I attached an FAQ on breakaway systems plus an FAQ on troubleshooting brake controllers for you to check out as well.
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Dirk S.
7/12/2020
Do I need to charge breakaway battery periodically or can I run a power wire from 12volt battery connector on 7 terminal plug to the positive on the battery and allow it to charge on its own?