Brake away switch

Question

Put disc brakes on my 5er last summer. First trip from Canada to Yuma they worked like a dream. After 4 months in Yuma we headed for San Diego yesterday. On the way I pulled into a rest area and just as I started to pull into a parking slot my 5er brakes locked up (blocking incoming semi's). Got out and heard the brake actuator running full out. Un plugged the truck but that didn't stop anything. Then my dear wife noticed the brake away wire hanging down. I had put a folding table in the back of the box and when I turned it hooked on the table and pulled it out.Plugged it back in and all is well. Duhhhhhhhhhh ! The table is now in the front of the box.

alabama_jim · Answer

Thanks for sharing.  Have a great trip.

bobbo · Answer

Yep, that can happen.At least you now KNOW your breakaway brakes work.

is_it_friday_ye · Answer

Good thing it didn't happen at freeways speeds. I also upgraded to disc brakes and am about to take out first trip with the new trailer and brakes. I thought about changing the breakaway cable to this

royb · Answer

Each brake magnet will draw 3AMPS each when activated. That will run your tailer trailer down in a hurry. They also say keeping the DC VOLTAGE on the electric brakes for a long period of time will also do damage to the electric brakes.

I have heard some folks would engage the electric brakes to keep the trailer from moving when parked... Don't think I would be doing that...

Roy Ken

bpadamson · Answer

Which brings up the question of waiting in line or stuck in traffic and keeping your foot on the brake...  I wonder how long is too long to hold the brakes before a person should put on the emergency brake?

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Brake away switch

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