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Rmack1's avatar
Rmack1
Explorer
Nov 15, 2013

Trailer break-away systems

I had a friend tell me that the emergency break-away brake system that I attach to my TV by a thin wire has a dedicated battery that needs to be changed after awhile.

I've read most of the stuff in my thick document pack that came with my TT, and scanned it all, and don't remember anything on this.

I can see why if it's electric that it wouldn't entirely rely on the trailer's battery system because there is a battery isolation switch on board. If that was set, it would need it's own power source in the very unlikely event of a detached trailer. Still, I want to know everything about my ship, which includes any batteries that might need replacing.

18 Replies

  • Rmack1 wrote:
    Thanks guys. That's what I assumed all along. My other friend must have been misinformed.


    In truth. He was not misinformed. There are indeed systems that operate as he said. Just not usually on RVs. Many trailers that do not need a battery for any other reason. Do have a small battery dedicated to the E brake on the trailer.
  • Thanks guys. That's what I assumed all along. My other friend must have been misinformed.
  • It will only drain your TT batteries when it's activated. Only when the little key is pulled out that is attached at the end of the cable. Otherwise it is not drawing any currant from your trailer batteries
  • Rmack1 wrote:
    ...That might also explain the more than I would expect drain on my two 12 volts in my system.


    The breakaway only uses power if the pin is pulled. Normally it uses ZERO juice because it normally isn't activated.
  • I recommend tracing the wires. Most TT breakaway system work from the regular TT battery. The breakaway switch should be connected to the battery prior to any disconnect switch so it will function regardless of the switch position.
  • thomasmnile wrote:
    Rmack1 wrote:
    I had a friend tell me that the emergency break-away brake system that I attach to my TV by a thin wire has a dedicated battery that needs to be changed after awhile.

    I've read most of the stuff in my thick document pack that came with my TT, and scanned it all, and don't remember anything on this.

    I can see why if it's electric that it wouldn't entirely rely on the trailer's battery system because there is a battery isolation switch on board. If that was set, it would need it's own power source in the very unlikely event of a detached trailer. Still, I want to know everything about my ship, which includes any batteries that might need replacing.


    It does use power from the trailer battery. No battery in the breakaway switch on my TT.


    That would make sense. Perhaps it by-passes the battery isolation switch, so it's always on.

    That might also explain the more than I would expect drain on my two 12 volts in my system.
  • Rmack1 wrote:
    I had a friend tell me that the emergency break-away brake system that I attach to my TV by a thin wire has a dedicated battery that needs to be changed after awhile.

    I've read most of the stuff in my thick document pack that came with my TT, and scanned it all, and don't remember anything on this.

    I can see why if it's electric that it wouldn't entirely rely on the trailer's battery system because there is a battery isolation switch on board. If that was set, it would need it's own power source in the very unlikely event of a detached trailer. Still, I want to know everything about my ship, which includes any batteries that might need replacing.


    It does use power from the trailer battery. No battery in the breakaway switch on my TT.
  • Some do, some don't. The ones that don't use the big house battery. Trace the wires from your dead man switch to determine where is gets its power.