What Makes RV Trailer Brakes Vulnerable in Emergencies?
Our Unsung Hero: The Breakaway Switch
Imagine yourself cruising down the highway in your trusty RV and all of a sudden disaster strikes. What now? What if your tow-behind trailer decides to saunter off on its own journey down the highway?
Talk about a nightmare!
Enter the unsung hero: ‘The Breakaway Switch’, ready to swoop in and save the day if your rig falters. Not only does it curb the likelihood of accidents, but could also be a potential lifesaver.
But here's the kicker - how often do we truly think about this silent protector? If you're anything like I was in the face of my near trip to heaven’s golden gates probably not enough! And this is why I am here to shout my nugget of wisdom out to the world from my rooftop:
CHECK YOUR BREAKAWAY SWITCH AND CHECK IT TODAY!
What is a Breakaway Switch, and What Does it do?
Here's the scoop - this nifty little gadget packs a punch with its removable pin and cable combo, ready to swoop in and save the day when your trailer decides to part ways with your ride. Picture it: the cable yanks that pin faster than you can say 'road trip', triggering your trailer brakes into action and preventing chaos on the road.
But here's the kicker: this superhero switch relies on your RV's trailer battery to power up. That's right - no battery, no heroics. The result? Potential property damage or even worse, a tragic accident.
And for other trailers like horse or utility trailers? They've got their own mini battery keeping their breakaway switch at the ready.
It is mandated by most states any trailer above 1500 lbs. must have a breakaway switch installed. Not only is it a legal obligation but also a crucial safety measure that could potentially save lives. So, don’t risk it, and familiarize yourself with your state's rules and regulations be sure to comply with them.
Now, this brings me to what all you can do to ensure better road safety. First things first, look for your breakaway switch and figure out how it works.
But don't stop just there. Establishing regular checks are an essential to ensuring your breakaway switch stay in tip-top shape.
After all, like all machinery, wires can loosen, connections can disconnect, or switches themselves can fail. But don’t be afraid. Testing to see if yours works as it should, should be easy as pie.
The tip of the day is not to gamble with safety. Take the time to inspect your breakaway switch and keep your travels smooth like a new stick of butter. After all, when it comes to hitting the road, better safe than sorry.
Locating and Testing your Breakaway Switch
When finding your breakaway switch, the key is being in the right place at the right time - typically on or under the tongue near the front of your trailer. For fifth wheels, a quick check under the overhang near the landing gear jacks should do the trick.
Now, onto the main event: testing your breakaway switch. Lucky for you, it's a simple process.
First, hitch your trailer as you normally would, then disconnect the 7-pin connector which is used to isolate the trailer's electrical system.
Next, pull the breakaway pin and drive your vehicle forward. If all goes well, your trailer brakes should kick in, preventing any further movement.
However, if you find yourself still coasting along, there may be a problem with the switch or the brakes themselves, warranting further investigation.
For those wanting to be thorough, you can also use a multi-meter to test the power. Just remember to promptly re-insert the breakaway switch pin once brake activation is confirmed, ensuring everything is in proper working order, before embarking on your journey.
Timing is Key
Here’s the golden rule: When activating your breakaway switch, timing is crucial, so don’t dawdle. Once the pin is pulled, a surge of power is sent to your trailer brakes, which can rapidly deplete your battery. To mitigate this, keep the breakaway switch pin pulled for the shortest duration possible.
After completing your inspection, reinsert the pin exactly as it was removed. It should slot back in snugly in one orientation. Ensure it is fully secured to prevent battery drainage and release the brakes.
By adhering to these steps, you'll optimize battery life and ensure your brakes are ready when needed most.
Replacement and Installation
Replacing a breakaway switch is a straightforward task, and you should be able to do it without delving deep into your pockets and breaking bank, since most switches cost under $15.
When it comes to installation, it's a breeze. All you need to do is replace the old unit with the new one and connect the wires to the electrical system of the trailer. However, if you aren’t confident working with wires, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Safety should always be the top priority!
The Ideal Pre-Trip Checklist
Ensuring a safe and stress-free journey in your RV begins with a few comprehensive pre-trip checks that you need to check off your list. However, confirming the functionality of your breakaway switch is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s crucial that you conduct a thorough inspection of other critical components in your vehicle.
Start by examining your tires for wear patterns, gashes, and proper tread, to ensure that they are free from foreign object damage and inflated to the correct pressure.
Test your trailer brakes with each hitch-up to verify they're operating optimally.
Inspect the hitch for any cracks or loose bolts that could compromise safety.
Securely fasten your propane tanks and consider turning them off for the trip's duration.
Finally, check your lights and signals after every hitch-up to guarantee visibility on the road.
By diligently performing these tasks, you'll maximize the safety and reliability of your RV for the journey ahead.
The Takeaway Message
Always bear in mind that knowledge and awareness in man’s greatest asset when it comes to safety. By conducting thorough safety checks, you're more likely to be better equipped to think quick on your feet in the face of danger. While the likelihood of needing to use the breakaway switch may be low, it's essential that you test it regularly to ensure proper functionality, lest the need for it arise. So, before embarking on your trip, invest some of your time to diligently perform these checks, because your peace of mind and safety are invaluable.
