Replacing emergency breakaway switch
The breakaway switch on our new to us fifth wheel is looking more than a little rusty. Current switch is a TAP by HOPPY, and I'd like to replace it. Any brands/features that are preferred over others?
Forum Discussion
6 Replies
- Don't know about your rig but the difference between the 2 breakaway switches are very different. The first was simple. The new rig has a Bargman and lots of wires. Good Luck
- Most of these break-away switches are just two brass contactors separated by the plastic pull pin. Put a dab of grease on the pin when first installed and the pin will be easier to pull or insert.
- Thanks for the info. Hadn't thought abut disconnecting the battery during replacement, so I'll be sure to do that. I'm thinking either a
Tekonsha 2005 Breakaway Kit from Amazon, or a Fastway Zip Trailer Breakaway Switch from etrailer (bookmarking that site). And I'll swing by the local NAPA tomorrow to see what they have.
I haven't done a test pull as it looks pretty rusty, and with my luck something major would happen if I tried. - ISTR that you should disconnect the 7-pin before testing the brake switch by yanking it out or something can go bad in the truck. I forget the details, sorry.
Putting the pin back in can be hard if you are a spaz like I am. Turn it the right way so it fits. :) - When mine went out on us I just went to Napa and picked one up for ten bucks and it worked perfect
- Be sure to check out ETRAILER.COM They have those and will most likely have a video on how to install it...
Just keep in mind if you pull the key while you are working on it, it will run down your trailer battery rather quick. Each Electric Brake coil will draw a solid 3AMPs when hit with 12VDC per installed electric brake unit.
That would be 6AMPS total for a single axle and 12AMPS for dual axles...
This also is not a good idea to have the electric brakes engaged for any length of time as it may burn out your electric magnet coils...
Pull the battery negative frame terminal when working on your electric brake system.
ALso if you have never pulled the key before it is a rather tight pull to get them out as well as putting them back in. The plunger is also keyed in one direction... Got to push rather hard to get it to engage the spring loaded key lock.
Roy Ken
