newcamper1213
Nebraska
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So I pulled into the driveway this evening with my tt and found my breakaway switch completely destroyed. The pin was out and the body of the switch destroyed. The battery was dead so I assume the brakes had been completely applied while it was sitting in the storage lot.
While pulling it home I could feel the brakes operating normally, I think, and the Prodigy controller was showing power to the brakes. My concern is what to do now????? Is there a way to disconnect power to the switch so I can pull it to the repair shop without fear of the brakes locking up? I did pull it around to make sure the wheels on the tt were turning and they seemed to be fine.
I have a trip planned for this weekend but safety comes first. Any suggestions?????? Thanks for the help!
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Rollincool
Always Rollin
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newcamper1213 wrote:So I pulled into the driveway this evening with my tt and found my breakaway switch completely destroyed. The pin was out and the body of the switch destroyed. The battery was dead so I assume the brakes had been completely applied while it was sitting in the storage lot. Not good. I hope the brake actuator magnets didn't fry.
While pulling it home I could feel the brakes operating normally, I think, and the Prodigy controller was showing power to the brakes. My concern is what to do now????? Is there a way to disconnect power to the switch so I can pull it to the repair shop without fear of the brakes locking up? If you're worried, cut the two wires going to the switchand tape them off separately.I did pull it around to make sure the wheels on the tt were turning and they seemed to be fine.
I have a trip planned for this weekend but safety comes first. Any suggestions?????? Thanks for the help! You can get a new switch here, and install it yourself. Not a big deal at all. The only thing I'd be concerned with is how dead the battery was before the switch was pulled and busted. AND, who did it.
Good Luck
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fla-gypsy
North Florida
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Cut the wires to the breakaway switch and make repairs
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newcamper1213
Nebraska
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Thanks for the suggestions. Do I need to be concerned about any remaining power, whatever little there may be, left in the batter when I am cutting the wires? I don't want this to be a shocking experience!
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Rollincool
Always Rollin
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The only time you'll get fireworks is if you're touching the frame somewhere, or if you lean the cutting tool on the frame while cutting,... IF the battery is connected. Both wires to the switch are positive. To be without worry, simply disconnect the battery. (which I thought you said was dead anyway)
You should at least remove the positive cable from the battery when working.
You must have a fully charged battery for the breakaway device to work properly. NEVER pull the pin with the battery connected for more than a few seconds to test. You will fry the brake magnets if the battery is FULLY charged and healthy.
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pulsar
Lewisville, NC
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Moved from Forum Technical Support.
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ShapeShifter
Buffalo, NY
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Rollincool wrote:You should at least remove the positive cable from the battery when working.
Actually, it's generally considered safer to remove the negative cable first (and connect it last when done.) That way there is less chance of accidental shorts. If you remove the positive while the negative is still connected, and your wrench hits the frame or surrounding metal, you will essentially have a dead short through the wrench, which could be spectacular (and painful!)
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mkirsch
Rochester, NY
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Think about it. If you drove home blissfully unaware of the breakaway switch and battery in their current condition, then obviously they are not hindering your ability to pull the trailer. Take the whole rig as-is to the shop if you are uncomfortable making this almost ridiculously simple repair.
1. Remove breakaway the battery. + first, - first, doesn't matter. It's dead.
2. Remove the old switch. Two screws. Cut two wires. Done. Don't worry about getting shocked. The breakaway battery is removed.
3. Install new switch. Two screws. Strip two wires. Crimp two connectors. Done.
4. Install new breakaway battery. + first, then -. Done.
My question to you is, what kind of pre-tow check are you performing on your trailer? How could you hook up the breakaway lanyard without noticing that it wasn't connected to anything? You might want to come away from this experience with a more complete pre-tow check of your trailer and hookup for next time. Use a checklist if you need to.
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chadsalt
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Rollincool wrote:
The only time you'll get fireworks is if you're touching the frame somewhere, or if you lean the cutting tool on the frame while cutting,... IF the battery is connected. Both wires to the switch are positive. To be without worry, simply disconnect the battery. (which I thought you said was dead anyway)
Both wires can not be positive.
Rollincool wrote:
You should at least remove the positive cable from the battery when working.
As already mentioned, remove the negative cable.
Rollincool wrote:
You must have a fully charged battery for the breakaway device to work properly. NEVER pull the pin with the battery connected for more than a few seconds to test. You will fry the brake magnets if the battery is FULLY charged and healthy.
There is no reason for a properly working brake system to "fry the brake magnets" in a few seconds at full power. I believe one of the federal requirements for a break away system is it has to be able to hold the trailer on XX grade for several minutes. Secondly, Ive applied full power many times while working on a brake system, never 'fried' anything. If it did, I would suspect faulty equipment that need replaced anyway.
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mosseater
Dillsburg, PA
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Quote:1. Remove breakaway the battery. + first, - first, doesn't matter. It's dead.
Actually, it does matter, as explained. Always a good idea to remove the neg. terminal first. It`s just one of those silly safety rules we should all get in the habit of obeying. Blowing up a battery isn`t a good idea. Sometimes, it isn`t just pretty sparks and you ignore it. If the wrench slips and welds itself in place, that`s basically a zero ohm short across the battery terminals. That battery will try to give up everything it has left to give, immediately, through that wrench. Not good. "Safety is no accident" (saw that gem on a floor mat at work)
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