Breaking Away

jcferguson · 02-09-2006, 06:28 PM

Hello All,

I just fished the wires for my breakaway switch through to my battery and brake wire. Now...

I attached one wire from the breakaway switch to the brake line (the line that comes from the tow vehicle and goes to the brakes).

The other line I thinkshould be attached to battery positive so that when the pin is pulled the brake line gets current from the batteries.

But...

should I fuse this line from the breakaway switch directly to the battery positive? Should I just make it a circuit in the circuit breaker box? I am just thinking that this line, being quite important for that one time it is used, should be set up right...

Thanks all,

Carlos

balrgn · 02-09-2006, 06:31 PM

Here is the diagram for the wiring, if it helps...

jcferguson · 02-09-2006, 06:51 PM

hmm. In that diagram it looks like the breakaway switch is getting current from the trailer-side umbilical charge line. That line is usually fused directly to the battery from what I understand (though it is hard to tell in that diagram) so I suppose I will just fuse my breakaway switch line directly to the battery...

Thanks,

Carlos

Tinsel Loaf · 02-09-2006, 07:52 PM

A fuse is not recommended on a breakaway switch according to my Airstream manual on page D-16. I just checked and there is no fuse on my 2003 12 inch brakes. There is no fuse in the Airstream manual brake wiring system.

jcferguson · 02-09-2006, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinsel Loaf

A fuse is not recommended on a breakaway switch according to my Airstream manual on page D-16. I just checked and there is no fuse on my 2003 12 inch brakes. There is no fuse in the Airstream manual brake wiring system.

So the wire goes directly from the battery positive to the breakaway switch? Or is it taken off the charge line (which isn't fused in your airstream?)

Thanks for the help!

Carlos

wkerfoot · 02-10-2006, 12:38 AM

Carlos,

A suggestion, go to an RV supply store and look at the packaging for the wiring instructions for the breakaway switch.

Bill

jcferguson · 02-10-2006, 07:25 AM

I ordered one and it came with not info - I will try calling the seller and see what they say!

Thanks,

Carlos

**azflycaster** · 02-10-2006, 08:00 AM

Carlos,
On my 75 Trade Wind the power to the switch comes from the main charge line at the fuse box. The line is NOT fused. My opinion why this circuit is not fused is for safety. If the switch is activated (break away has occurred) the only thing that matters at that point is stopping the trailer. Yes, you will most likely burn up the brake magnets. Given the choice of stopping the trailer and burning up the magnets or protecting the magnets and watching you trailer sail by at 60 MPH in traffic, I vote for stopping the trailer.

jcferguson · 02-10-2006, 08:14 AM

I hear you flycaster, I am wiring right to the positive post!

Thanks for all the help,

Carlos

loudruff · 02-10-2006, 10:26 AM

I hope this works. I have an instruction sheet, since I just bought a new Tekonsha replacement breakaway switch.

loudruff · 02-10-2006, 10:29 AM

This schematic does not show a fuse in the brake line and the written instructions require soldered connections. It also suggests replacing the breakaway switch every 3-5 years. I suppose they want to sell alot of these. I have the whole instruction sheet should you need it. You can PM me if you want the whole thing. It was too large to post all of it.
Larry

jcferguson · 02-10-2006, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loudruff

This schematic does not show a fuse in the brake line and the written instructions require soldered connections. It also suggests replacing the breakaway switch every 3-5 years. I suppose they want to sell alot of these. I have the whole instruction sheet should you need it. You can PM me if you want the whole thing. It was too large to post all of it.
Larry

Thanks, the bit you posted is perfect!

**azflycaster** · 02-10-2006, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loudruff

I hope this works. I have an instruction sheet, since I just bought a new Tekonsha replacement breakaway switch.

How much do they get for a new switch?
What is the recomendation for the amount of cable slack for the activation cable?

loudruff · 02-10-2006, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azflycaster

How much do they get for a new switch?
What is the recomendation for the amount of cable slack for the activation cable?

The switch was Teckonsha part #2010-P. It cost $9.34+tax.
It says to "attach breakaway switch to tow vehicle frame being certain that the cable does not drag on the ground and no strain or restriction is placed on the cable. Do not hook to safety chain loop or hitch ball." Under important facts to remember "Warning, disconnect trailer plug before testing breakaway unit. Failure to do so will result in severe damage to electronic brake control." Apparently they don't want to feed 12v. backwards to the brake controller.
It does not give a recommendation for the amount of slack.