Gr8bawana
Senior Member
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2015
- Posts
- 1,287
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- Ram Year
- 2017
- Engine
- 6.7 CTD
Do you guys test the breakaway switch on your trailers before every use as recommended?
How are they tested?
How are they tested?
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Love the video dodge truck to bootSkip to 1:55
The one on my boat trailer is a secondary mechanical cable that engages the brakes. It's easy to test (in fact, it's a handy way to set the trailer brakes when you've uncoupled it).
I have read reports from hotshotters who said that pulling the breakaway while hooked up during a DOT inspection locked up the ITBC, and that you should unplug while doing a pull test.
I tested the one on my camper on the way home from the dealer. Dealer hooked it up and attached the cable to the far left side of the hitch. First right turn I made pulled the pin and locked up all 4 wheels. Yup, it works.
No i have only accidentally tested that brake safety switch. If you leave the plastic pin ( insulator) out too long, while testing... the switch often times will get so hot..from the contacts in the switch to the point it will melt the housing. That test is a direct short of all the available battery voltage. Those cheapy switches arent really made to take that much current for any length of time.
I tested the one on my camper on the way home from the dealer. Dealer hooked it up and attached the cable to the far left side of the hitch. First right turn I made pulled the pin and locked up all 4 wheels. Yup, it works.
No i have only accidentally tested that brake safety switch. If you leave the plastic pin ( insulator) out too long, while testing... the switch often times will get so hot..from the contacts in the switch to the point it will melt the housing. That test is a direct short of all the available battery voltage. Those cheapy switches arent really made to take that much current for any length of time.
Hopefully none of us will never have that scenario!No, they aren't - they're only meant to bring an escaped trailer to a stop, which generally only takes a few seconds. When the tow truck comes to haul the trailer away, it's better if the tires will roll again.