The Correct Breakaway Kit Battery Size to Use on a Trailer

Question:

If I use my trailers house battery an optima blue top and forgo the small battery will that potentially fry the brakes in the event that the emergency stop is activated and left activated too long??

asked by: Scott

Expert Reply:

Using the house battery on your trailer will provide a 12-volt power to a breakaway kit, but is not recommended.

A Breakaway Kit, like # 50-85-313, is designed to stop a trailer that has come uncoupled from a tow vehicle. This kit relies on the power of the battery to activate if a trailer is comes uncoupled. Manufacturers recommend that you use a dedicated power source on the breakaway switch to make sure that there can be no outside draw or interference on the breakaway circuit.

There are too many factors with using the battery on your trailer that could cause an issue with the breakaway circuit. If your trailer becomes un-hooked, then your brakes may not activate if the charge on your battery is not at an expectable level.

expert reply by: Jared P