![]() ![]() Jon’s misfortunes continue when he needs to purchase a RV adapter. This requires a breakaway switch and power source (battery) on trailer. It may, however, be best to err on the side of caution and replace the breakaway system if you suspect it might not work properly. Proper electrical wiring is critical for performance of any BrakeRite system. Some people even recommend testing the breakaway switch system by pulling the plunger out to see if the brakes activate. In most cases, this should not be a problem. The battery that supplies the power to the brakes may only last for up to 30 minutes, however, this gives the driver enough time to chock the tires. This activates the electric brakes immediately and brings the trailer to a stop. When a trailer disconnects from the hitch, a pin (often referred to as the plunger) is released. Breakaway switches are also mandated under federal traffic safety law when the trailer is equipped with brakes. This small safety feature can save your trailer from being destroyed as well as help protect other drivers from runaway trailers. What Is A Breakaway Switch?Ī breakaway switch is a small wiring device that recognizes when a trailer has disconnected the hitch and then triggers the brakes on the trailer to lock. To help Jon and anyone else, here are some common questions we receive about this important trailer safety feature. All of this could have easily been prevented if Jon really understood the importance of the breakaway switch. 114 miles later into Jon’s cross-country trip, the camper becomes loose, disconnects from the hitch, speeds down the steep embankment he just drove up, and smashes into a car at the bottom. Jon chuckles at the thought of this unnecessary requirement for a trailer and decides to just take off without properly checking it. He even starts to wonder if the breakaway switch is really all that important since he has never had a problem before. Jon tells himself that the trailer seems to be secured, so there’s really nothing that can go wrong. Jon is really looking forward to his upcoming vacation as he makes the final preparations for his camper, and decides to skip the breakaway switch in an effort to save time. (Print the video notes for future reference.“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin (Print this guide and save for future reference.) ![]() So if you step on the brakes and all the trailer lights go out, then you need to ground your trailer to your truck with the ground wire. A breakaway switch automatically sets the trailer brakes in case of accidental. If your brake lights work, or your marker lights work, but nothing works when you turn on both at the same time, your trailer is not grounded to the truck. Working breakaway switches are essential equipment on all travel trailers. You may think the rubber caps protect the plug, but they tend to hold the water in. ![]() That is the green stuff that forms when oxygen from the air or water comes in contact with copper. A thin coat of grease will help prevent copper oxide from building up. The ground wire should be large enough to handle the entire load do not depend on grounding through the ball. Make sure your ground wire, which is typically white, is securely attached to the frame on both the truck and trailer side. Keep in mind that it isn’t always as simple as matching the colors like you might be inclined to do. Having the wires backward will cause problems. When referencing the 7-Way RV Plug diagram, make sure you are looking at the plug the way the diagram is showing you. Download the guide below, print it and keep it in your toolbox for future reference. We are going to do our best to simplify that, mainly with a good, color coded diagram. If you’ve ever looked at a 7-Way RV Trailer Connector, you have probably stood there scratching your head in confusion. With all the abuse and day-to-day wear and tear, you may find yourself repairing or replacing one sooner or later. Here at AJ’s, we are all too familiar with the accidents people have with the plugs: forgetting to unplug and pulling away, dragging it on the ground. It is usually used for towing heavy-duty cargo trailers, aluminum trailers, dump trailers, utility / landscape trailers, equipment trailers, open car haulers and enclosed car haulers. The 7-Way Trailer Plug is around 2″ diameter connector that allows an additional pin for an auxiliary 12-volt power or backup lights. Trailers with electric brakes need them too. Most new vehicles equipped with a tow package have connectors. ![]() It’s the dreaded 7-Way Trailer & RV plug that we all have come to know and love. A wiring diagram for a trailer breakaway switch is a visual representation of the electrical connections involved in connecting the trailer to the vehicle. ![]()
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