Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Trailer Breakaway Switch Question

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Trailer Breakaway Switch Question

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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6604
Printed Date: 19 Jun 2025 at 1:01am
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Topic: Trailer Breakaway Switch Question

Posted By: JohnBG
Subject: Trailer Breakaway Switch Question
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2015 at 6:16pm

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

Replies:

Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2015 at 6:27pm

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.

Should the plunger on the switch move easily?

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

Posted By: JohnBG
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2015 at 8:35pm

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

Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2015 at 7:50am

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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Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2015 at 4:29pm

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