Wiring a Trailer Breakaway Switch on a Trailer with an Existing Winch Battery
Question:
I have a winch battery on the trailer. Can I wire 12 volts to the breakaway switch and splice the other side of that switch to elec trailer feed wire blue? Thanks
asked by: Charles
Expert Reply:
Yes, a breakaway kit can be wired in one of two ways to the trailer brake system. The first way would be to use the Engager Trailer BreakAway Kit with Charger and Tester, item # 20099, and splice off of the power wire that maintains the winch battery on the trailer to charge the battery included in the kit (see instructions). This is the recommended method of installing a breakaway kit since many states require that a breakaway kit with separate power supply be used.
The second option, not recommended, is to use the existing battery for the trailer winch. This method will provide breakaway power to the trailer brakes if, when a breakaway occurs, the battery has the power to engage the trailer brake magnets. Since this situation could fail, due to the battery being discharged by use of the winch, I do not recommend wiring a breakaway switch in this manner.
Wiring a breakaway switch directly to the 12 volt power source from the trailer connector will not work because, in the event of a breakaway, the power for the brake magnets would be disconnected.
Products Referenced in This Question
Hopkins Engager Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Charger, LED Tester, and 5 Ah Battery - Side Load
- Trailer Breakaway Kit
- Kit with Charger
- Side Load
- Single-axle
- Tandem-axle
- LED Tester
- Hopkins
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs
- Search Results: 3500lb axles
- Shop: CE Smith U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 3,500-lb, Round Trailer Axles - 5-1/2" Long U-Bolts - Zinc
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between 7-Way RV and Utility Trailer Connectors
- Shop: Trailer Wiring Junction Box - 7 Color Coded Terminals - ABS
- Search Results: wire connectors wiring
- Shop: Replacement Railing Foot for Thule Rapid Tracker Foot Pack
- Video: In-Depth Review of the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes
- Video: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes Review
- Shop: Hopkins Engager Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Charger, LED Tester, Hardware, and 5 Ah Battery - Top Load
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Video: All About the Trailer Wiring Junction Box
- Article: Breakaway Kit Installation for Single and Dual Brake Axle Trailers
- Search Results: connectors
- Q&A: How to Wire Electric Brakes on a Tandem Axle Trailer
- Shop: Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - Easy Grease - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 95" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Wiring Junction Box
- Search Results: 7 pin trailer wiring harness
- Search Results: trailer light extension cable
- Search Results: wiring harness
- Search Results: trailer wiring cable
- Q&A: Is Diode Needed When Using the Trailer Breakaway Kit Battery Charger # 20011
- Q&A: Can a Breakaway Battery and Deep Cycle Battery be Charged off of the Same 12 Volt Line
- Q&A: Do Trailer Breakaway Kits Have Diodes to Prevent Backfeeding
- Q&A: Replacing Integrated Brake Controller of 2008 Ford F-350
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: How to Determine Replacement 6,000 lb Leaf Springs For Arctic Wolf 5th Wheel Trailer
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Breaking Down the MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers
