

Some people even recommend testing the breakaway switch system by pulling the plunger out to see if the brakes activate. In most cases, this should not be a problem.
#Conntek breakaway switch driver
The battery that supplies the power to the brakes may only last for up to 30 minutes, however, this gives the driver enough time to chock the tires. This activates the electric brakes immediately and brings the trailer to a stop. When a trailer disconnects from the hitch, a pin (often referred to as the plunger) is released. Breakaway switches are also mandated under federal traffic safety law when the trailer is equipped with brakes.
#Conntek breakaway switch drivers
This small safety feature can save your trailer from being destroyed as well as help protect other drivers from runaway trailers. What Is A Breakaway Switch?Ī breakaway switch is a small wiring device that recognizes when a trailer has disconnected the hitch and then triggers the brakes on the trailer to lock. To help Jon and anyone else, here are some common questions we receive about this important trailer safety feature. All of this could have easily been prevented if Jon really understood the importance of the breakaway switch. 114 miles later into Jon’s cross-country trip, the camper becomes loose, disconnects from the hitch, speeds down the steep embankment he just drove up, and smashes into a car at the bottom. Jon chuckles at the thought of this unnecessary requirement for a trailer and decides to just take off without properly checking it. He even starts to wonder if the breakaway switch is really all that important since he has never had a problem before.


Jon tells himself that the trailer seems to be secured, so there’s really nothing that can go wrong. Jon is really looking forward to his upcoming vacation as he makes the final preparations for his camper, and decides to skip the breakaway switch in an effort to save time. “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
