Trailer break-a-way emergency cord tips

[Michael J.]

Just got my new trailer out and started practicing again after almost 15 years of no trailering, since I used to drag my gasser to the strip. I am wondering if anyone has any good tips of where to attached the electric brake emergency break-a-way cord onto my pickup? Thanks.

[Dick W.]

Re: Trailer break-a-way emergency cord tips

Just got my new trailer out and started practicing again after almost 15 years of no trailering, since I used to drag my gasser to the strip. I am wondering if anyone has any good tips of where to attached the electric brake emergency break-a-way cord onto my pickup? Thanks.

Michael, my truck has a hole in the bumper for the spare tire lowering jack. I went to the hardware store, purchased a dog leash snap, attached it to the cord, run the cord through the bumper hole and clip the cord back to it's self

[Michael J.]

Re: Trailer break-a-way emergency cord tips

That that's a good idea, thanks Dick!

[Michael J.]

Re: Trailer break-a-way emergency cord tips

Thanks Dave, that might work too. I found out my truck does not have a hole for the spare tire lowering, there is a keyed lock in that place, so it is either your method or put the cable through the license plate bolts.

[Bill H.]

Re: Trailer break-a-way emergency cord tips

Dick's method has merit in that the breakaway connection is independent of anything else in the hitch system, but I've never heard of the entire hitch busting off the back of the truck.

I use Dick's method with a slightly different clip. Used to route it thru the same hole as the safety chain.
However, when the NHP stopped me for a safety check. the officer made me move the cable from the hitch to around the bumper in the center. He said the hitch could break off??????????? A 10k , factory mounted hitch on my Silverado? v.s. a Silverado sheet metal bumper? For a cable that pulls the plug out of the switch at about 10 lbs.

Of course, I did what he said, smiled and went merrily on my way.

[Michael J.]

[Bill H.]

Re: Trailer break-a-way emergency cord tips

Ok, the independent breakaway connection seems to be favored. Here's an idea that doesn't require a trip to the hardware store for a clip:

Most breakaway cables have a loop in the truck end. Pull the plunger out of the breakaway switch, put the looped end through the bumper ball mount hole, then thread the plunger through the loop, and put the plunger back in the switch.

Another related item is how many people check the breakaway battery, particularly when the breakaway battery is a standalone dedicated cell that is not used for anything like interior lighting or a winch where you would notice that the battery is not charged or functioning? While the plunger is removed, but before the electrical cable is connected, put the truck in gear, and see if the breakaway is functioning. Leaving the electrical disconnected during the test makes the test rely on current from the trailer battery, and not get it from the charging circuit of the truck.

Personally dav, I think that cheap, plastic pin in the switch will fatigue if you keep pulling it out. We lost one on the way to the track last month, the pin was very loose in the switch.

Also, my battery has 3 LEDs that show thru a window in the case, good, bad and charging.

[Stephen L.]

Re: Trailer break-a-way emergency cord tips

I installed a small blue clearance light on the lower front of my trailer that is wired to the breakaway switch. Too test my switch, I just pull the plunger (before connecting the main plug to the tow vehicle) and if the light comes on I'm good to go.... I also rewired the brake away system to the main winch battery so I wouldn't need to maintain the small emergency battery.

[Dick W.]

Re: Trailer break-a-way emergency cord tips

I use Dick's method with a slightly different clip. Used to route it thru the same hole as the safety chain.
However, when the NHP stopped me for a safety check. the officer made me move the cable from the hitch to around the bumper in the center. He said the hitch could break off??????????? A 10k , factory mounted hitch on my Silverado? v.s. a Silverado sheet metal bumper? For a cable that pulls the plug out of the switch at about 10 lbs.

Of course, I did what he said, smiled and went merrily on my way.

I actually saw a hitch break at a meet several years ago, just as the car pulled in the parking lot. Believe it was the Warren MI convention. Think Terry McManmon saw it also. Saw (and repaired) the frame break on a 3500 dually, right in front of the hitch mounting. Another NCRS member totaled his truck and trailer when the hitch/frame broke while towing. It goes to prove my theory in life "s**t happens" Or as Murphy said, "anything can happen, it will, and at the worst possible time."

[John D.]

Re: Trailer break-a-way emergency cord tips

Pa State Law. Breakaway wire aka cable must be fastened independent of chains. Like DW said. I knew this for an eon. But didn't do it. Hooked the breakaway with one of the chsins
i failed Trailer inspection right before Spring Carlisle. Have separate connector now
make sure your battery is charged up.