How to Install a Break Away Switch on Your Trailer
A break away switch is designed to activate a trailer's brakes if it accidentally disengages from the tow vehicle. If the trailer separates from the vehicle, a lanyard trips a switch that energizes a battery on the trailer, which in turn engages the trailer brakes. Mounting and wiring a break away switch is straightforward and is done with few common tools. With the right instructions you can successfully install the switch in an afternoon.
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Things You'll Need
- Electric drill
- 9/32-inch drill bit
- 1/4-inch wrench
- Wire cutters
- Electrical tape
Instructions
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1
Locate a place for the break away switch on the jack post where wires and the battery pack are not obstructed.
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2
Drill a 9/32-inch hole through the jack post where you plan to mount the break away switch. Insert the mounting hole sleeve into the hole just drilled.
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3
Secure the break away switch, with the pinpoint facing the towing vehicle, to the jack post through mounting hole sleeve using the provided bolt, lock nut and washer. Do not over tighten the bolts so the switch can freely pivot.
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4
Mount the battery pack onto the trailer frame by drilling the provided screws through the mounting holes around the battery pack.
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5
Connect one lead wire from the back of the break away switch to one of the battery terminals. Use the wire cutters to remove the wire insulation to reveal more wire if necessary. Connect the one of the trailer brake supply wires to the other battery terminal.
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6
Connect the remaining break away switch lead wire to the remaining trailer brake wire by twisting the bare ends together. Use wire cutters to reveal more wire if necessary. Wrap the connected wires with electrical tape.
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7
Attach the snap hook to the structural frame of the towing vehicle, not the trailer hitch. Hook the lanyard that is connected to the pinpoint on the break away trailer to the snap hook.
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Tips & Warnings
Allow enough length for the wires to accommodate stretching during turns. They should not be tight when the trailer and tow vehicle are directly in line, but not so slack that they are rubbing on the ground.
Test the break away switch multiple times before taking the trailer on the road by pulling the pinpoint lanyard out of the breakaway switch and making sure the trailer brakes engage.
