Because the trailer breakaway switch only works to engage the electric brakes, it stands to reason that the system would only actually work if the trailer had electric brakes, to begin with. RV season is here. What are you towing? According to NAPA , a trailer breakaway switch seems like a small, underrated safety measure, but in case of emergency it can work to save your precious cargo and protect the vehicles and lives of the people around you.
While there are some limitations, if you can install a trailer breakaway switch to your trailer, it is worth looking into. Today surge brake systems are primarily found on boat trailers because water will damage the electric brake systems used on most trailers. Surge brake systems are more complicated and much more expensive to install and maintain than electric brakes, which is why most camping trailers use electric brakes.
Surge brake systems are not necessarily better. An electric breakaway switch requires an adequate battery mounted on the trailer to apply the brakes. In the event that the trailer becomes uncoupled from the tow vehicle the breakaway switch will apply the trailer brakes. On an electric brake system, a cable is connected to the tow vehicle and the other end of the cable is connected to the breakaway switch.
Should the trailer become uncoupled from the tow vehicle hitch ball, the cable pulls the pin out of the breakaway switch, and the trailer brakes are applied. It is important that the breakaway cable is shorter than the safety chain, but not too short that the pin can be pulled out of the switch if the chain is stretched tight such as in a very sharp turn or when driving over a deep depression in the road.
This explanation is for an electric switch, but surge systems are usually similar. If the trailer did not pass the test, the entire system needs to be diagnosed and the trailer should not be towed until the brakes are adjusted or repaired. Breakaway system parts or even complete systems with a battery are available on Amazon and are fairly inexpensive.
If you have a charger installed, it can charge the battery by plugging the trailer plug into a running tow vehicle for twenty minutes. Check the battery charge frequently.
It contains a pin that is attached to a wire cable, inches long. The wire cable must be fastened to the tow vehicle independently. Never loop it through the safety chains! If the cable is not attached to the tow vehicle, the breakaway system will not work in case the trailer becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle.
We never pull the pin from the switch, except to check if the switch is working or if the battery is charged. WHY is it important to have your breakaway system working?
There are several ways the trailer can become disconnected from the tow vehicle.
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