Break Away Switch and Lanyard Question

[RBolton]

The break away switch lanyard on my Argosy was severed when I purchased the trailer. The loop is still in the plunger but no cable beyond the cable clamp that makes the loop. After reading the threads about break away switches, I am almost afraid to touch mine for fear of inadvertantly damaging the brakes.If I pull on the plunger, it pops out about 3/16 of an inch with a click. Is this the energized position or does the plunger have to be pulled all the way out-clear of the switch to apply the brakes? I intend to purchase a new plunger with lanyard attached. How does the plunger come out of the switch for replacement? Do I just disconenect the battery and pull it out? Are there relacement cables availabe that do not have the plunger attached? Roger

[john hd]

roger

the plug needs to be pulled all the way out to energize the brakes.

do yourself a favor and just replace the whole unit. just about every break away switch i have seen on older trailers fails to close the contacts when the lanyard is pulled.

the switch is an inexpensive item, usually around 15 bucks. a new lanyard will be included.

to replace it do just as you suggested, disconnect the battery and change the switch. there are only 2 wires and it does not matter which one gets hooked to the trailer.

also, when you attach your trailer to your tow vehicle do not plug the umbilical cord in until you have attached the lanyard. pulling the plug on the break away may damage your break controller if it is plugged in.

john

[RBolton]

John

Thanks, I'm not sure if the switch is original. Wiring connectors would indicate that it may not be, but everything has been sprayed brown. I think I'll take your advice and get a new switch.

[enduroryda]

Well I'm looking for a project....

When is a good time to replace the brakeaway switch? How long do they last and should I be concerned if my streams is 15 years old? From the above post it looks like now would be the time to replace it seeing how I have the batteries out and all.... Or as the saying goes if it's not broken don't try fix it. What do you think?..Thx

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by enduroryda

Well I'm looking for a project....

When is a good time to replace the brakeaway switch? How long do they last and should I be concerned if my streams is 15 years old? From the above post it looks like now would be the time to replace it seeing how I have the batteries out and all.... Or as the saying goes if it's not broken don't try fix it. What do you think?..Thx

Enduroryda,
You can test the switch to see if works or not. With the batteries disconected use a volt/ohm meter. With the wires disconnected and the pin in place you should get no reading across it, when you pull the plunger you should get a reading of 1 or very close to it. As inexpensive as they are I would just figure on replacement.

Aaron

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by enduroryda

Well I'm looking for a project....

When is a good time to replace the brakeaway switch? How long do they last and should I be concerned if my streams is 15 years old? From the above post it looks like now would be the time to replace it seeing how I have the batteries out and all.... Or as the saying goes if it's not broken don't try fix it. What do you think?..Thx

Sounds like now is a good time to replace it. Low cost, easy to do and big rewards. I hope you never have to use it...

[enduroryda]

Thanks wahoonc & azflycaster....

Napa -- $8.99 Tekonsha breakaway switch installed.