Break Away Test

oldballs · Aug 7, 2019

Hi TBN'ers

Can one test the function of the Break Away system by simply pulling the key out of the switch with the trailer not connected to the tow vehicle? Shouldn't one hear the electric brakes

engage? I know the battery is okay (new), but the indicator lights on the box don't light up; as though the battery indicators are dead. I've checked the continuity of the ground wire, but ain't all that savvy with wiring.

Cheers,
Mike

nikerret · Aug 7, 2019

It will work connected to the tractor. Pull the pin the brakes should lock up. I don’t think you can check it without tugging on it.

nikerret · Aug 7, 2019

If you keep having trouble, I might be able to come try to help.

Morning Wood · Aug 7, 2019

Jack the wheels up on one side and see if they turn. That’s how they do my safety inspection on my trailers.

oldballs · Aug 8, 2019

Thanks gents,

I'll try the jack up one side ASAP and get back to you.

Cheers,
Mike

Reb954 · Aug 8, 2019

Can't you just pull the pin, then drag the trailer while watching to see if all 4 tires are dragging?

oldballs · Aug 8, 2019

That would work as far as I know, if the trailer was hooked to a tow vehicle (working by himself), and could actually see the wheels. Right now it is parked. Heck I was thinking that one could pull the pin, while parked, and just "hear" the brakes engage. But I'm doing other chores the past/present few days and don't need the trailer right away. Thanks Reb

countrybumpkin · Aug 8, 2019

Try it on gravel, drag it about a foot or two then get off and look, you should be able to see the gravel torn up behind the tires that are working.

nikerret · Aug 8, 2019

Set your phone video up beside the tires. If the wheels spin, the brakes aren’t locked.

Also, are you sure the brakes don’t have rust in them?

orezok · Aug 8, 2019

Assuming that they are electric brakes. With the pin pulled, place a magnetic compass near the hub (NOT the one in your phone) and the needle will point towards the brake if the magnets are energized.

RickB · Aug 8, 2019

Reb954 said:
Can't you just pull the pin, then drag the trailer while watching to see if all 4 tires are dragging?

That’s the best way.

Dftodd · Aug 8, 2019

oldballs said:
That would work as far as I know, if the trailer was hooked to a tow vehicle (working by himself), and could actually see the wheels. Right now it is parked. Heck I was thinking that one could pull the pin, while parked, and just "hear" the brakes engage. But I'm doing other chores the past/present few days and don't need the trailer right away. Thanks Reb

You can here them some times, but the click may be only 1 engaging. The fool proof test is to jack one side and check each tire like already stated. Then you know for sure that each one is working properly.

oldballs · Aug 8, 2019

Jacking a parked trailer is not that difficult. That sounds like the surest/easiest test for me.
Thanks,
Dftodd

Dftodd · Aug 9, 2019

oldballs said:
Jacking a parked trailer is not that difficult. That sounds like the surest/easiest test for me.
Thanks,
Dftodd

Your welcome. I've come behind someone at work where they "checked" the brakes by listening for the click. Only one side was working. The other side was so rusted up that I had to replace the brake assembly.

Other time, they checked a set of hydraulic surge brakes by just engaging the brake away. That one had a crimped brake line so it was tight and had plenty of pressure. But wasn't actually engaging the brakes. That was on a piece of towable equipment that weighed 10,000 lbs. If someone lost it, the person who said the brakes were good would probably be in jail if someone got seriously injured.

skipmarcy · Aug 17, 2019

Please note - all the electric brake controllers I've installed over the years have stated that you should never check a breakaway while the trailer harness is hooked to the vehicle - could fry the controller. Just be sure the harness isn't plugged in to the tow vehicle. Those batteries don't last terribly long, usually I get 3 years out of mine and I keep it on a 10w solar charger indoors when not using the trailer. It will barely buzz the magnets on my 2 axles even with a good, fresh charge but it does work at least.

Deere Dude · Aug 17, 2019

My GooseNeck breakaway switch at least half a dozen times on hard corners etc. It didn't fry anything but not saying it can't.
When jacking the trailer up, built up rust may make you think brakes are working but in reality may not be working very well. IMHO the sure test is when hooked up trying to pull when the breakawat cord is unplugged. You can unplug the 7 pin cord if you want to, unplug the breakaway and step on the gas. You should be dragging the trailer.

Deere Dude · Aug 17, 2019

My GooseNeck breakaway switch unhooked at least half a dozen times on hard corners etc. It didn't fry anything but not saying it can't.
When jacking the trailer up, built up rust may make you think brakes are working but in reality may not be working very well.

IMHO the sure test is when hooked up trying to pull when the breakaway cord is unplugged. You can unplug the 7 pin cord if you want to, unplug the breakaway and step on the gas. You should be dragging the trailer.

oldballs · Aug 17, 2019

Several good ideas from the TBN'er, as usual. So far I have not got back to installing a new breakaway kit. The old kit may be okay, but I just decided to get a whole new set up.....along with some covers for the trailer tires. My old ragged tarps that cover the tires fell apart. That e-trailer outfit is quite efficient and helpful for trailer needs.
Cheers,
Mike

cabover4us · Aug 24, 2019

Here in Washington County, NY when Sherriffs do a truck inspection in the rest area just down from our house with pickups they jerk the brakeaway clip out and watch for skidding tires, or tickets may ensue.