Replacement Breakaway Switch for Trailer

Question:

I drove about 10 miles with the break away switch cable disconnected. What damage could I have done? The Switch cables got very hot and melted a little......probably need to replace switch Trailer brakes were smoking and smelled bad......need to replace?

asked by: Ron

Expert Reply:

There is some wear and tear from driving with your breakaway kit engaged, but it is likely that the switch is all that will need to be replaced. The brake shoes were working hard and most likely wore down faster than they normally would, and I recommend pulling a hub to do a visual inspection to ensure there is still enough brake pad left. As long as there is some brake material left and it doesn't have a smooth glade on the outside of the pad, you don't need to replace them. If there is, let me know if you have 10 inch or 12 inch brake assemblies.

If the visual inspection is good, then you can simply replace your breakaway switch with the Replacement Breakaway Switch for Trailer Breakaway Kits # 3802348 or the Hopkins Replacement Break-Away Switch, 44" Lead Wires # HM20014. Your breakaway trailer battery may need to be charged so you can check that as well.

expert reply by: Jason S