Trailer Breakaway Switch - Install and Test

In this video, I replace my old worn looking trailer breakaway safety switch with a new one. I explain the wiring and test it.
The breakaway switch is there in case the fifth-wheel trailer, and the truck becomes separated during towing. If that happens, a safety line will pull the plunger out, and the switch will activate the trailer brakes.
I also give the tow cable connectors a clean and redo a ground wire with a bit of corrosion on it.
Parts Mentioned:
Bargman Breakaway Switch - amzn.to/2ObQWZN
UNI-T Amp Meter - amzn.to/309SQAy
Electrosolve Contact Cleaner - amzn.to/2OlGwa7
Permatex Dielectric Grease - amzn.to/355QdPQ
7 Pin Tow Cable Cover - amzn.to/32KVb2q
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[@ptcclatlptcclatl1683]

It's good to get advice from a full timer. Most weekend RV's wouldn't know to look at such things. Thanks Ray. Safe travels.

[@TheBuddy1939]

I really enjoy your videos Ray. Yours seem to be very informative and adventurous. Keep up the great job.

[@johnpurdum8126]

Rig is looking sharp and checking safety items off your list. Always enjoy your winter time travels to the US Southwest. I live on Central Cal coast and want to make it to the dessert one of these winters even if it's just for a week or so.

[@MrEroshan]

Getting ready for my fall migration and tested my breakaway after sitting for the summer. It was bad, glad I checked it.

[@tcbnode]

Excellent example of preventative maintenance... agree your rig does look years newer.

[@vincerobertson1214]

I came here for information of the breakaway device and come away with more information than I expected regarding the tugboat tied up to the Buoy, at first I had thought it was near Friday Harbor San Juan Islands etc. just by looking at the scenery it was on the right path though!

[@tristanschaper281]

What a great idea to use that clamp ammeter to measure and verify brake operation! I'm going to do the same today!

[@LoveYourRV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikemysicka7717]

Thanks Ray, Cougar looks ready to go!

[@rvfeel-n-free6562]

It's hard to believe its almost that time of year again. Where did the summer go? Its really true what they say about time speeding up when you get older. Looking forward to your trip south.

[@martinmeza4070]

Love the playing taking off 👌

[@tagoooU]

Always wanted to set up my breakaway switch to turn on the break lights when it gets pulled.

[@rjl7765]

The breakaway on my fifth wheel apparently works, as I discovered by accident this summer. While maneuvering around in the camp ground the cable hooked under the fifth wheel adapter, and as I turned and tried to pull away the whole rig stopped abruptly as if I hit something. Never had that happen before. Shortened the cable so it can not hang up on anything now.

[@LoveYourRV]

I did that once too. :)

[@PDX53]

Thanks for the reminder about checking the 7-pin connector. I found a bit of corrosion so I'll get some spray electronic cleaner & take care of it.

[@andreweaston1628]

Great video thanks. Very informative. Way down here in New Zealand I have a boat trailer with 3 axles that was may in Ohio. Current issues with the breaks but your testing with the clamp meter gave me a heads up on what current to expect. Thanks heaps and travel safe. Andy from NZ.

[@LoveYourRV]

You're welcome! cheers, Ray

[@rubberdiscoduck]

That was a good video thanks for sharing with us

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Awesome job as always 🇨🇦🛠🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@tomsauve7727]

Went to go move my trailer this morning.. tried to plug in my breakaway and it wouldnt go in! A quick inspection showed that one of the wires actually was loose in the back of the module... it ended up shorting out inside my brakaway and melted/ warped the casing. Was worried about replacing it and wether or not my brakes would lock thanks for the vid!!

[@LoveYourRV]

You're welcome. :)

[@OneSquidOneBike]

I liked your video because of the airplane at the end. Great informative video with something extra at the end!

[@timf6916]

You are the man Ray

[@lenward474]

Guess I should read info first! Great video!!

[@projet2907]

Thank you very for this video, Super handy, filled with good essentials Infos and product. I have had so much trouble with my trailer connection, The factory changed it for a cheaper model, instead of the cone shape connect its a flat bar, I find it does not grab to the truck as well. Plus once Just let down hanging it took sand, dust water, while in Florida. I did not know the cable was not waterproof. O now put it in s shamy rag in a plastic bag and place it under the propane tanks. I keep looking for exact cable as original (like yours-The connection end ) and have not found yet. I have had to cut the end connector and re-do the 7 wire connection twice. (Well, I had someone do it in some Texas Wallmart parking lot :-0), we did butt shrink the connections). Cheers !!

[@garnetsimms4966]

Excellent! Thanks!

[@redwards2006]

Thanks for sharing Ray

[@ScotWalt858]

Looking good!

[@lenward474]

Good old mg chemicals!! By the way where did you find the DC clamp on meter? Thanks.

[@probuilder961]

Thank you for this video.

[@projet2907]

Hello Ray, at 4:19, When you say I washed it out and then I dried it, was it with water than a hairdryer? 😊

[@hoferp]

Thank you for a helpful video. I would have liked to see the connection of the wire onto the tow vehicle. But I’m sure I will figure that out. Mine broke off.

[@LoveYourRV]

I usually like to use a small padlock on my fifth wheels hitches release bar, just to make sure no one can monkey with it when its hooked up, so I attach the wire to it, another option is a lanyard hooked to a solid part of the hitch. Cheers, Ray

[@kb3ejw14]

Great video.....thank you again

[@LoveYourRV]

You're welcome, Dave

[@phillipmorris1334]

did u test your old switch to see if it pulled out without breaking and amp check. thanks for update and great advice cheers

[@LoveYourRV]

Yes, I did , it took more effort than the new once but did release.

[@phillipmorris1334]

@@LoveYourRV thanks for your reply

[@mikef6706]

I. checked my switch and only get 10.76A / 4xBrakes Seems low to the Normal spec. The wires on those break away switches seem to small. No switch I checked has a electrical rating listed vdc/amps.

[@JoeCity]

6:20 seagull diving into the ocean

[@arealmaintenanceandrepairl1103]

if equipped with these can i also control these breaks with my trailer brake in my truck or are these separate systems

[@LoveYourRV]

This is a manual failsafe system in case the trailer were to detach from the tow vehicle. It would stop it

[@richarddiaz8248]

Thanks nice couger where' are you parked thanks for your knowledge and experience

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, its thunderbirdrvpark.com/ on Vancouver Island, BC

[@vincentfoley6556]

How are the wires from the emergency switch connected to the trailer brakes?

[@LoveYourRV]

It is wired into the tow cable wiring. Using the 12V charging line, ground and the electric brake power feed. You can find a simple diagram here. mechanicalelements.com/trailer-breakaway-kit/ and here is a diagram of the RV 7 pin cable pinouts www.ajtnt.com/Info/7-Way-Diagram

[@johnuprichard660]

My question to this is if you lose your trailer do you not lose your power connection that goes to your pull away brake

[@LoveYourRV]

The break-away switch is connected to the RV battery or batteries for the trailer. I wasn't even hooked to the truck when I tested it. Cheers, Ray

[@acemogany6369]

Did you have that clamp-on amp meter what amperage setting did you have in on I was just curious because amps different than volts I would like to try this method just to see because I thought you could only test with on a 12-volt scale because it's a 12-volt system I mean I know you can test amps on a DC system but

[@LoveYourRV]

The clamp-on meter was set for DC amperage and the max 20A scale. Test to a little over 12 amps with the brakes on, so about 3 amps per wheel

[@projet2907]

Ray, at @, When you say I washed it out and then I dried it, was it with pressure water than a hairdryer? 😊, Also, the pin should not be pulled for too long, I forget why? Overheat magnets,,?

[@LoveYourRV]

I just used a hose and let it dry in the sun, did it on a warm summer day. I guess the electric brake magnet windings may overheat and melt the plastic holding the connection points, But it is only 36 watts or so, so maybe not but having the pin out does draw 12A off the batteries. So if they have no charger on them they could go dead after a while.

[@projet2907]

@@LoveYourRV Thank you 😊

[@vincerobertson1214]

So I have been keeping my breakaway cable pin removed so as to prevent theft if somebody tries to Hook onto the trailer and drive away so obviously with the pin pulled the wheels are locked up;little did I think to realize that it has been drawing on the battery, my battery has been drained completely and I am just discovering the answer why prior to watching this video I am trying to revive my battery as I didn't keep it on the trickle charger all the time I just thought it was from desulfation As it is a flooded battery And I was going to go upgrade to an AGM in which I might do if the battery doesn't revive fully. Now that I have reinserted the pin I should be good to go if I can get the battery revived.

[@LoveYourRV]

Yeah, 12 amps would drain a battery pretty fast. You also may risk overheating an ruining the electric brake magnet coils. I doubt they are designed to be on all the time. Cheers, Ray

[@mightyhippy]

does it matter which black wire on the breakaway box goes to where to the breaks and batter? I would assume it doesn't matter. thanks

[@LoveYourRV]

No, it doesn't matter since the breakaway switch is just a plain open or close switch for the circuit. Normally open until the plunger is pulled out then the switch closes making the connection of the two wires.

[@mightyhippy]

Did you have to connect the 7 pin connector to the towing vehicle? I am not seeing the amps spiking after I pulled it out. I want to make sure that it’s truly bad before I replaced. Thanks

[@LoveYourRV]

@@mightyhippy The breakaway switch uses the RV batteries to power the trailer brakes, so it doesn't need to be connected to the tow vehicle's 7-pin plug to work. When you think about it, it's an emergency switch for when the tow vehicle becomes disconnected, so it has to work without it. :)

[@mightyhippy]

makes total sense when you put it tthat way...thanks . I guess i will just replace it. thanks you @@LoveYourRV

[@projet2907]

Hello Ray, is it weird I am reading 6.3A instead of 12A and I got 3.2A at each wheels I have only 2 wheels. 1 x 12V lithium battery.

[@LoveYourRV]

It makes sense since the magnet coils on the electric brakes draw about 3 amps and you only have 2 versus me that has 4 wheels. Here is a chart I found olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2021_03/image.png.141dc11f843e5d04da199ef4f12e4680.png

[@projet2907]

@@LoveYourRV Excellent, Thank You Ray, and have a good day West 😎

[@projet2907]

How old was your old breakaway switch? Should it be changed every so and so years? Any Taiwan switch is good? 😊 Cheers !

[@LoveYourRV]

Mine was 8 years old. I just check it every 6 months to make sure its in good shape. Replace if needed.

[@projet2907]

@@LoveYourRV Merci! ☀️

[@fortvalor]

Did I miss it I don’t see anything on here on how to install this!? The two wires get wired to what????

[@LoveYourRV]

Guess you did, showed it right here kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2XKooSrrN-Vh9k The new wires get attached to the same two as the old one used.

[@maxwellhouse1902]

Would have been nice to demonstrate the proper way to attach the cable side of the swicth so that it's deployed properly when it's needed most....

[@LoveYourRV]

That is going to vary depending on the type of hitch you own. You might try consulting your hitch manual and see if they have a recommendation for your setup. I have a Ram Mopar factory hitch made by Curt. Looks just like the Q20 www.curtmfg.com/media/catalog/product/cache/79cd071aedf382ca8f4b5c9ae93ddae8/1/6/16045_1024x768_a.jpg I put the handle through the lanyard loop then secure it to the hitch locking pin by running its chain through the loop. I like to do that so I don't forget the lanyard. The excess wire gets draped behind the hitch. But like I said there are all kinds of different hitches, some even slide back and forth so your mileage may vary. Cheers, Ray

[@TimberTramp]

Put SS HARDWARE in for ground posts,,,is what I doi

[@martyjunior8313]

How far South are you going

[@LoveYourRV]

Somewhere warm. :) Usually head towards Arizona first.

[@martyjunior8313]

Monday I am headed to Tampa Florida to work it lazy Days

[@martyjunior8313]

That's what I'm doing had to where it warm

[@PentaxLife]

Hey just replace mine last weak LOL

[@skipwilliam5639]

The cover for your 7 way plug is listed at $47.99 canadian now yikes lol and the switch is $33.71 so its cheaper then the plastic cap... anyway great video thank you

[@LoveYourRV]

Must be a 3rd party Amazon.ca seller trying to make money on markup as the manufacture's website charges 7.99 USD www.grinnovationsllc.com/trailersupplies/plug-saver-1 even cheaper at Camping World $6.97 www.campingworld.com/gr-innovations-plug-saver-7-way-plug-cover-117246.html

[@skipwilliam5639]

@@LoveYourRV cool for 47.99 I was like NOPE lol for 7.99 i can do that.. thank you

[@YamaHamma1]

Nice checklist but there was not actual footage of the install. No help.

[@LoveYourRV]

What part of the explanation are you having trouble grasping?

[@martyjunior8313]

Paint your pin Box so it don't rust anymore

[@LoveYourRV]

Good idea. :)

[@martyjunior8313]

After telling you to Paint your pin Box I went look at mine and my look about the same so I took my own advice and painted mind to

[@froodogga7053]

bought a brand new trailer and was skeptical about the trailer brakes working properly...well, we decided to go to a large empty parking lot to dial in the brake controller...didn't matter what resistance we put the controller at, there was little resistance from trailer brakes, so we thought, hmmm, maybe the brake controller wasn't working right. So, we decided to pull the breakaway pin to see what was going on. So, pulled the pin, got in the truck and drove...NO LOCKUP, and NOT EVEN AN OUNCE OF RESISTANCE WHEN PIN WAS DISENGAGED !!! WTF !!!! Dealer will be getting a call tomorrow with an earful...guess the brakes need adjusting, but you would think a dealer would make sure the trailer brakes on a brand new trailer were working properly. sigh...

[@LoveYourRV]

Wow! that's not good. :( Hope they can get you sorted out.

[@davidmcconnell8690]

:-)) :-))

[@johnscott2600]

The fact you said amps instead of volts and didn’t correct yourself has me concerned about your wiring lol

[@LoveYourRV]

I rewatched the video to try and figure out what you were referring to, and I said amps because it was amps, not volts I was measuring. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2XKooSrrN-Vh9k I had a clamp-on amp meter attached to the breakaway emergency brake wiring, showing it measuring just over 12 amps, or, like I said, about 3 amps per brake.

[@81cameroz28]

It's amps not volts, you would have have 12volts from your battery and about 3 amps per brake magnet,

[@ironfamily3976]

Привет , зачем эта штука вообще нужна ? Я купил машину и она стоит на форд С-Макс спереди