Does any not pull their emergency trailer brake cable?
I am now on my second trailer, and never have pulled it. I have always had a fear that the brakes would lock up. Any one else feel the same ! Guy
Forum Discussion
Searching_Ut wrote:tatest wrote:
It should not lock up. The cable does not operate the brakes mechanically, it operates a switch to apply power to the brake magnets. The brakes are then applied by forward wheel motion, as they are when you power the brakes from your brake controller.
When you're using a brake controller, the output current to the brake solenoids is controlled by the controller gain settings, and depending on the controller inertia, time, or even how hard the brakes are being applied. You rarely send a full 12 volts, non pulse modulated. With the breakaway switch a full steady 12vdc is sent from the trailer battery and if the brakes are sufficient to lock the wheels they will.
As for not having a working breakaway system, personally the thought of having a runaway 15,000 lbs mass destruction device isn't appealing to me. I check mine breakaway system regularly, and since I use an Andersen Ball hitch for my 5er I also use safety chains even though they aren't required where I'm generally using the trailer. I've never had a trailer get away in years of towing, but why take the chance.
I've lost a trailer, and I wish it had brakes and a brakeaway switch. It was only a utility trailer, I was only 16, it did not fit properly on the ball and it jumped off. It careened off the dirt road, into the woods, and destroyed itself. The rear bumper of the van and the tailgate were heavily damaged, brake/marker light smashed.
I have NEVER had another towing incident yet. That was a real eye-opener at a young age... and it wasn't totally my fault
