breakaway switch and cable
Hello - I am fairly new to this and after about 15 trips in my little RV I realized I wasn't hooking up the breakaway cable as it was broken and zip tied through my safety chains. I've ordered a new c...
Forum Discussion
budwich wrote:
???? can you explain this?
I'll let TA explain the possible consequences but here may be a better solution for testing besides the mechanical test: Detach the tow vehicle from the umbilical cable. Your breakaway switch has a wire that leads into the circuit that powers the brakes when the pin is pulled. Basically, when the pin is pulled, two contacts in the little plastic case come together and complete the power circuit. If you can locate the power lead to the brakes, find the junction to the brake wiring and use either a hand held meter or a test light on the wire from the switch to the brake wiring. You should have 12+ volts on that wire when the pin is pulled.
A test light is <$5 at most auto parts stores. A hand held meter is < $10 at Harbor Freight or a bit more for better ones online or at the big-box stores. If you own an RV, you should have both.
Good luck with your break away switch. BTW, it's advisable to have a small fuse in the power supply to the switch. Most better switches have that included.
