Break-away switch recommendation?

[transy416]

What type of break-away switch is recommended? One with just the switch itself, or one with the switch, battery, and charger? Pros/Cons?

Here's a couple examples...

http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/..._p/vts-341.htm

Hopkins Trailer Break-Away Kit with Charger HM20001 : Trailer hitch bike rack and trailer hitches - etrailer.com

[markdoane]

It depends on what you have for a trailer. If you have a house battery and converter, there isn't any need to add another battery and charger, just wire the breakaway switch to the 12V line from the tow vehicle (that charges the house battery), or to the line to the electric jack.

The breakaway switch from Vintage Trailer Suppy is a good unit, and it looks nicer than the plastic ones.

[Inland RV Center, In]

The round metal breakaway switches are good.

The plastic breakaway switches are pure junk.

Andy

[63air]

I picked up the round metal switch at one of our local RV dealers. I believe it is a Bargeman product .

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by 63air

I picked up the round metal switch at one of our local RV dealers. I believe it is a Bargeman product .

That's a good type break away switch.

Andy

[transy416]

I am picking up an older Airstream (1978) that is about 7 hours away. It won't have a working battery, so do I need to install the breakaway switch with battery for the drive back?

[markdoane]

If the trailer is less than 3000# and you stay in Kentucky you don't need a breakaway switch or battery.

The battery doesn't need to be a full size automotive battery, A good lawn tractor or motorcyle battery duct taped to the tongue will work.

Don't forget insurance, unless you've already got coverage under your regular policy.

[transy416]

The trailer is in MD and I believe it weighs just under 500 lbs. I guess the price of $34 for the unit with the battery and charger isn't a bad way to go just until I get it home.

Good advice regarding the insurance coverage. I am covered under my current policy so all is good there. Other things I will have to deal with when I get to MD include new tires since the current ones are dry rotted. I suspect the brakes may need some work as well. The trailer has been sitting for several years. Fortunately there is an RV shop just 4 miles down the road.

[transy416]

I meant just under 5,000 lbs, not 500.

[Alwhisman]

Definitely stay away from the plastic, they don't handle the elements well at all. Seemed my Dad replaced his every year because it got brittle. I finally took care of it for him last month with a good metal (round) switch, that way I know it will last and work if ever needed.

Al

[transy416]

Thanks everyone. Unfortunately, the deal on the trailer fell through. The search will continue...

[hampstead38]

Good luck finding a trailer.

[Gene]

I wouldn't connect the breakaway switch to the TV power because if the trailer comes off the ball the umbilical to the TV may disconnect and you'll have no power and no trailer brakes.

Gene

[airbassador]

The break away switches that require their own little battery in a box are really for use on things like cattle trailers, etc. that don't have a 12v battery for living off the grid. You've got to have the 12v to lock up the brakes.

For your airstream, if your 12V system works, and charges as you go down the road, just use the round type like Andy recommends.

Edit: I see that link of the kit with battery is only $35. That's cheap enough to be disposable if you just want to get your new rig home, need it for legal reasons, and don't know if the 12v system works.

[mustang]

I have had 1 besco switches on my race trailers threw the years. I have never had any needing replaced, They are plastic. That being said, my current Airstream has a different plastic switch that looks chincy. Not a Besco switch.

While airstreams breakaway systems use the 12 volt on board system, (deep cycle Battery) my race trailers simply have a motorcycle batteries in the front tongue area to achieve the same thing.

In your case, it is probably better to have something hooked up.

[transy416]

I really appreciate all the responses everyone! I think I will hang on to the breakaway switch I ordered and use it as a disposable one (only $35) if need be. That is, just until I can get whatever trailer I find home, and then install one of those metal switches.