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JohnBG 
Senior Member 
Joined: 14 Apr 2015 Location: Deltona, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 190 |
 Topic: Trailer Breakaway Switch QuestionPosted: 09 Jul 2015 at 6:16pm |
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During the maiden voyage of the new (to us) 2010 RP-171, I noticed that the end of the cable for the trailer breakaway switch was missing the hook that fastens to the tow vehicle. I bought a new Zip cable from Camping World and connected it to the switch. I tried pulling the ring connected the switch (with battery and shore power disconnected) to test the switch but it wouldn't budge and I don't want to pull harder for fear of breaking it, although it might be already broke.
Should the plunger on the switch move easily? If my switch is stuck or bad, what model do I need to buy to replace it?
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2010 R-Pod RP-171
2010 Honda Ridgeline TV |
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Outbound
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 19 Nov 2009 Location: Oshawa, Ontario Online Status: Offline Posts: 767 |
Posted: 09 Jul 2015 at 6:27pm |
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First of all: CAUTION - disconnect your trailer's umbilical (i.e. the power/lights/brakes cable) from your tow vehicle before testing your breakaway switch. You can damage your brake controller.
No. It should be very stiff. Its intended to activate if your trailer comes unhitched from your tow vehicle while travelling down the road. You shouldn't be able to accidentally pull the switch while connecting it to your vehicle.
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Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150
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JohnBG
Senior Member
Joined: 14 Apr 2015 Location: Deltona, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 190 |
Posted: 09 Jul 2015 at 8:35pm |
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I did not have the 7 pin connected to a vehicle.
I gave the ring connected to the plunger on the switch a good firm tug and it didn't budge. Is that normal?
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2010 R-Pod RP-171
2010 Honda Ridgeline TV |
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furpod
Moderator Group - pHp 
Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128 |
Posted: 10 Jul 2015 at 7:50am |
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Yes. It should take quite a bit of force to get it out. You DON'T want it coming out for any reason other than a break away trailer.
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ToolmanJohn
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Apr 2014 Location: Connecticut Online Status: Offline Posts: 451 |
Posted: 10 Jul 2015 at 4:29pm |
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The breakaway plug is strong. When you get it out, you will see why. There is a strong spring that holds i tin there, and when it gets pulled out, the switch "makes" closed circuit through your trailer brakes and the RV battery system.
On a different tangent. NEVER wire a battery disconnect switch to also remove all power from the breakaway circuit. It should be hard wired directly to the battery terminal connections. This is so if you forget to turn on your RV battery, even though you are plugged into the tow vehicle, there will be power if the trailer should pull free.
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2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler
2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
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Trailer Breakaway Switch Question