Breakaway trailer brakes

[GoodToGo]

I have a horse trailer that at one point was equipped with breakaway brakes. The pull-out switch is still there, but the battery/controller is not. Could I simply wire in a vexilar battery to the back side of the switch? Or does the controller do something other than just put out 12 volts. Straight 12 volts will lock the tires up, is this what happens when a trailer breaks away, or is the voltage gradually applied somehow?

[JohnMickish]

Basically this is what happens when the trailer falls off the truck. The safty cord stretches then pulls the arm forward, connecting the standby battery to the brakes at 100% power. In theory if you hooked up the chains the trailer will slow down faster than you will and stay behind you. Having your rear bumber beat to all heck is alot better than the alternative.

[Macgyver55]

mnfishinguy has the brake operation pretty much covered.

I guess if it were me I would just get the right battery for the application. No sense messing around with it and being liable if something ever did happen. I would also add that breakaway brakes are an important safety device to keep in good repair not only for the protection of your belongings, but the safety of everyone on the road. I just completed my recertification for Mn.DOT Vehicle Inspector. There was a whole new emphasis on trailers, brakes and safety chains, due to some nasty crashes of late involving trailers. They had some pretty graphic photos. Trailer brake systems, batteries and safety chains were the most common violations found.

Just a little heads-up from our instructors......Officers are being advised to check for proper hook up of all trailer safety devices during traffic stops.

[JohnMickish]

And please don't forget to hook up your chains. Cross them to the other side so there is an X shaped cradle under the tongue to keep the tonge from hitting the ground. That will invent a new kind of trailor brake if that happens!