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07-14-2007, 12:44 PM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member 
Devils Lake
, North Dakota
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 169
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Testing Break Away Switch
Can I test the break away switch on my Argosy?? I know they are "cheap", but if I can put a meter on it and test the one thats there why spend the $25?
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07-14-2007, 01:54 PM
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#2
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Ready-to-Travel
2012 30' International
Walkerton
, Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,168
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I think the easiest way is to be hitched up to your trailer, then:
1. Disconnect your 7-way umbilical (this will prevent damage to your brake controller)
2. Pull your brake pin. Note that this pin should never be out for long, so be ready to proceed with step 3 immediately.
3. Gently try to move your trailer. The wheels should be locked.
4. Go and put the brake pin back into the breakaway switch.
If the wheels did not lock, check to see if your trailer battery is connected (this is what powers the brakes when the pin is pulled).
There are several postings on this subject if you need better help than this.
Pat
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07-14-2007, 01:59 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master 
1986 25' Sovereign
Southern Middle
, Tennessee
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,319
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If one person is placed near the axles and one pulls the breakaway switch, shouldn't the brakes start to hum? While this wouldn't detect effectiveness of the brakes, it should determine if they are getting power.
__________________
Craig
AIR #0078
'01 2500hd ext. cab, 8.1 litre gas, 5 sp. Allison auto
3.73 rear end
Mag-Hytec rear diff cover
Amsoil Dual by-pass oil filtration system
Amsoil synthetics all around
265 watt AM Solar, Inc. system
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07-14-2007, 02:18 PM
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#4
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3 Rivet Member
1960 24' Tradewind
Riverside
, California
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 189
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Breakaway test
Put a test light to the non powered side of the switch and pull the pin, or pull the pin and put a compass close to the wheel, it will deflect to the drum because of the magnet, or the surest test is to jack up a wheel and try to spin the wheel with the pin pulled.
Zoom
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08-02-2007, 04:01 PM
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#5
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2 Rivet Member 
1979 31' Excella 500
Battle Mountain
, Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 36
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Testing break away
Whats the Worst that would happen, if for example, the pin had been removed from the switch for an extended period of time..( days...)? Would it create a " mystery power drain"... and also, would any damage come to the elec. brake system of the trailer or brakes? 
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08-02-2007, 04:07 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1978 31' Excella 500
Venice
, California
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,067
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If the brake system is in good condition, then all that would happen is that the batteries would go flat trying to keep the brakes applied. Inconvenience? Yes! Damage? Probably not.
__________________
"Not all who are laundering are washed" say Bill & Heidi
'78 Excella 500,"The Silver Pullit". vacuum over hydraulic disc brakes, center bath, rear twin. '67 Travelall 1200 B 4X4 WBCCI 3737
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08-02-2007, 04:33 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Sundance
Can I test the break away switch on my Argosy?? I know they are "cheap", but if I can put a meter on it and test the one thats there why spend the $25?
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DO NOT leave a break away switch pin pulled for more than 5 minutes.
If left in the pulled mode long enough, it can burn up the magnets and detemper the axle spindles.
Andy
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08-02-2007, 04:40 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
Airstream - Other
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Bosque Farms
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,030
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We tested ours once. Sandwiches near a big truck stop, and decided to turn sharp and go fill up afterwards. Slight bind in the pull line, and zonk! We were stopped deader than a doornail. Boy, were we ever glad to discover that the pin can be reinserted!
Lynn
__________________
ACI Big Red Number 21043
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08-02-2007, 05:27 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2006 25' Safari FB SE
St. Cloud
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,280
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pmclemore already said it -- do not do it while attached to the TV -- Prodigy controllers are known to fry!
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08-02-2007, 06:29 PM
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#10
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2 Rivet Member
1979 31' Excella 500
Battle Mountain
, Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 36
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OK. Well, I'll guess I'll find out this weekend ( when I have the time investigate further). Thanks!
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11-15-2007, 11:16 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1972 Argosy 20
Middletown
, New Jersey
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 589
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I know this is an old thread, but...
Quote:
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Originally Posted by CanoeStream
pmclemore already said it -- do not do it while attached to the TV -- Prodigy controllers are known to fry!
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What the world needs is a breakaway switch that not only applis the trailer brakes, but also disconnects the line to the brake controller so as not to fry it when testing.
__________________
Bob Fowler
Some people are like Slinkies. They're really good for nothing, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
TAC - NJ-007
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11-15-2007, 04:02 PM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member 
2007 27' Safari FB SE
LONDON
, ON
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 276
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I know it is an inconvenience to send it back but there a lifetime warranty on Prodigy according to their web site:
Tekonsha
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