Breakaway system & switch

[LarryM]

This is a little late, I'VE been hauling my hot rod and harleys all over hecks half acre during 40 years in the military and never gave this system much thought. I always made sure that the battery was charged and pulled the lanyard to make sure that the little LED lit up and went on my way. The question is, what is the proper way to test this system? Just because the LED lit and the battery was charged doesn't mean that the brakes will work. Should I try to move the trailer while the system is energized? I'm told that these switches can't handle the brake load for very long and that they will burn/melt. Man, after all these years this just hit me like a brick. How do you guys test this system? Thanks for the advice and help... .

Larry

 

[Dieselnerd]

Just jack it up so the wheels are off the ground. Pull the switch and turn the wheel. It should lock up after 1/4 turn or less. This is also a good way to check the individual brake magnets. I have done this already and found one wheel that didn't work. It's a good annual test.

 

[CCutshaw]

It's still a good idea to pull the drums and have a look. I found the little keeper missing that holds the magnet in place on my 5th wheel. Even though it was working there was more ware then normal. I have heard of using a compass and pushing the brake pedal to check the magnet, also you can check it with an ampmeter the magnet should pull about 3 amps.

Calvin

 

[Dieselnerd]

Calvin, I had a discussion with Dexter Axle Tech Support on the magnet keeper issue after I found all 4 of the keepers missing the first time I removed the hubs. They told me that the keepers are for ASSEMBLY ONLY. In other words, they keep the magnet from falling off while you put the hub back on. The magnet is supposed to ride against the armature and will not cause excess wear. They told me that at the factory if the assemblers run out of keepers they just wrap a rubber band around the magnet to hold it on during assembly and it wears right off when the brakes are applied.

 

[CCutshaw]

Thanks, Ron. That's strange then that 3 would have still been in place after 12yrs.

 

[LesStallings]

Just a quick FYI...



Prodigy warn against testing the breakaway system with their brake controller connected. Apparently it will fry the unit.

 

[JWine]

You are supposed to unplug the trailer connector before testing the system, you can burn up your brake controller and this lets you know if the brakeaway battery is any good. The DOT wants the system to stop your truck after putting it in drive (auto) . Some inspectors want it to lock up the tires while pulling forward. Ive been fined for a faulty system two different times. Jwine

 

[LarryM]

JWine, That's what I thought. I always test the breakaway system before I plug the trailer in, I know about the hazard to the brake controller. I pull the lanyard and watch for the LED to light and then insert the breakaway plug and hook up and go. This really doesn't actaully test the system to see if the brakes will hold or not. My question was, how do you guys check your system prior to towing. The system should be checked regularly, but I'm sure that jacking up the trailer and checking each wheel would definitely work, but there must be an easier way. Will the DOT actually stop and check this on a non-commercial rig? What was your experience on this, did they just pick you out and tell you to do this test? Inquiring minds would like to know... Thanks ...

Larry

 

[JWine]

I just pull the cable out and pull forward till it grabs. I have only been checked while towing my 3 car wedge trailer, I am pretty sure you can be (safty checked) any time, commercial or not. Depends on the state and DOT mans mood.