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Old 02-09-2006, 05:28 PM   #1
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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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Old 02-09-2006, 05:31 PM   #2
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Here is the diagram for the wiring, if it helps...
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Old 02-09-2006, 05:51 PM   #3
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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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Old 02-09-2006, 06:52 PM   #4
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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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Old 02-09-2006, 08:23 PM   #5
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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.
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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Old 02-09-2006, 11:38 PM   #6
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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
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Old 02-10-2006, 06:25 AM   #7
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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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Old 02-10-2006, 07:00 AM   #8
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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.
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Old 02-10-2006, 07:14 AM   #9
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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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Old 02-10-2006, 09:26 AM   #10
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I hope this works. I have an instruction sheet, since I just bought a new Tekonsha replacement breakaway switch.
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Old 02-10-2006, 09:29 AM   #11
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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.
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Old 02-10-2006, 09:32 AM   #12
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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

Thanks, the bit you posted is perfect!
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Old 02-10-2006, 09:35 AM   #13
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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.
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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Old 02-10-2006, 11:10 AM   #14
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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?
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.
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Old 02-10-2006, 11:36 AM   #15
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Why didn't I think of this before?
http://www.tekonsha.com/instructions...PDF%20RevG.pdf
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Old 02-10-2006, 06:54 PM   #16
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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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Old 03-28-2006, 05:20 AM   #17
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Quote:
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Do not hook to safety chain loop or hitch ball.
NEWBIE ?????

Where are you suppose to hook this? Thanks
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Old 03-28-2006, 05:42 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by enduroryda
NEWBIE ?????

Where are you suppose to hook this? Thanks
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.
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Old 03-28-2006, 06:08 AM   #19
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If the frame falls out from under your tow vehicle, the trailer getting away from you will probably be the least of your problems.


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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Old 03-28-2006, 07:06 PM   #20
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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
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