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02-09-2006, 05:28 PM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 390
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Breaking Away
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
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02-09-2006, 05:31 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1974 27' Overlander
1954 26' Romany Cruiser
1960 26' Overlander
Rockingham County
, New Hampshire
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,410
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Here is the diagram for the wiring, if it helps...
__________________
'74 Overlander (T-O-Bee)
'46 Spartan Manor (Rosie)
'54 Cruiser (Bogart)
'60 Overlander (Hoagy)
2007 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Duramax
WBCCI 1754 - AIR # 6281
www.balrgn.com
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02-09-2006, 05:51 PM
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#3
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4 Rivet Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 390
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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
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02-09-2006, 06:52 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 790
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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.
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02-09-2006, 08:23 PM
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#5
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4 Rivet Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 390
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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.
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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
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02-09-2006, 11:38 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1979 23' Safari
1954 29' Liner
Orange
, California
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,849
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Carlos,
A suggestion, go to an RV supply store and look at the packaging for the wiring instructions for the breakaway switch.
Bill
__________________
Bill Kerfoot, WBCCI/VAC/CAC/El Camino Real Unit #5223
Just my personal opinion
1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon, 1977 Lincoln Continental, 2014 Dodge Durango
1979 23' Safari, and 1954 29' Double Door Liner Orange, CA
https://billbethsblog.blogspot.com/
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02-10-2006, 06:25 AM
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#7
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4 Rivet Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 390
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I ordered one and it came with not info - I will try calling the seller and see what they say!
Thanks,
Carlos
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02-10-2006, 07:00 AM
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#8
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,615
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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.
__________________
Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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02-10-2006, 07:14 AM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 390
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I hear you flycaster, I am wiring right to the positive post!
Thanks for all the help,
Carlos
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02-10-2006, 09:26 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.7 Metre
1989 29' Excella
Lorain County
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,246
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I hope this works. I have an instruction sheet, since I just bought a new Tekonsha replacement breakaway switch.
__________________
Larry and Lou
CP: Water/30 amp/waste dump/WIFI & Room for 2-3 units; PM us if you are headed our direction!
Air #2695
TAC- OH 2
#1420 NOVA 4-006 Charter member
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02-10-2006, 09:29 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.7 Metre
1989 29' Excella
Lorain County
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,246
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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
__________________
Larry and Lou
CP: Water/30 amp/waste dump/WIFI & Room for 2-3 units; PM us if you are headed our direction!
Air #2695
TAC- OH 2
#1420 NOVA 4-006 Charter member
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02-10-2006, 09:32 AM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 390
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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
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Thanks, the bit you posted is perfect!
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02-10-2006, 09:35 AM
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#13
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,615
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Quote:
Originally Posted by loudruff
I hope this works. I have an instruction sheet, since I just bought a new Tekonsha replacement breakaway switch.
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How much do they get for a new switch?
What is the recomendation for the amount of cable slack for the activation cable?
__________________
Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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02-10-2006, 11:10 AM
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#14
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Rivet Master
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.7 Metre
1989 29' Excella
Lorain County
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,246
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breakaway switch cost
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?
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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.
__________________
Larry and Lou
CP: Water/30 amp/waste dump/WIFI & Room for 2-3 units; PM us if you are headed our direction!
Air #2695
TAC- OH 2
#1420 NOVA 4-006 Charter member
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02-10-2006, 11:36 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.7 Metre
1989 29' Excella
Lorain County
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,246
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__________________
Larry and Lou
CP: Water/30 amp/waste dump/WIFI & Room for 2-3 units; PM us if you are headed our direction!
Air #2695
TAC- OH 2
#1420 NOVA 4-006 Charter member
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02-10-2006, 06:54 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 790
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Why not a small removable wheel on the front jack that acts like an anti-locking brake so the loose trailer will roll in a straight line giving direction with some braking action but not allowing the jack to crumble to the ground while the main wheel brakes stop the run away trailer. Most likely would prevent a lot of A frame damage. You could remove the wheel and put on the foot plate when parked or parked for a long period of time. Another million dollar idea.
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03-28-2006, 05:20 AM
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#17
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Rivet Master
1994 21' Sovereign
Down on the corner...
, CT
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 997
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Quote:
Originally Posted by loudruff
Do not hook to safety chain loop or hitch ball.
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NEWBIE ?????
Where are you suppose to hook this? Thanks
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03-28-2006, 05:42 AM
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#18
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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Quote:
Originally Posted by enduroryda
NEWBIE ?????
Where are you suppose to hook this? Thanks
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The idea is, if the hitch comes off the frame of the tow vehicle, the breakaway switch will never activate, since it is attached to the part that fell off (along with the trailer).
You can hook the loop through a convenient spot in the bumper, or frame, of the tow vehicle. If the frame falls out from under your tow vehicle, the trailer getting away from you will probably be the least of your problems.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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03-28-2006, 06:08 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1994 21' Sovereign
Down on the corner...
, CT
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 997
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Quote:
Originally Posted by overlander63
If the frame falls out from under your tow vehicle, the trailer getting away from you will probably be the least of your problems.
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Thanks Terry
One more ?...In the Reese online info it does not state what the small ball next to the hitch ball is for.....Thanks again
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03-28-2006, 07:06 PM
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#20
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,615
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The small ball is for a friction sway device. You would also mount a ball on the trailer and attach the unit between the two balls. Looks like this
__________________
Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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