If you own a towable RV, then you need to familiarize yourself with the breakaway switch system. This crucial design is an essential safety measure. It can be the difference between an uneventful drive and a hazardous one. That’s why we created the following guide to your RV breakaway switch system.
Keep reading to learn what it is and how to care for it. If you want more information or want to shop RVs for sale near Spokane, Washington, reach out to the experts at Broadmoor RV. Our dealership is based in the Tri-Cities, Washington, and we also serve those in Seattle and Spokane.
RV Breakaway Switch System 101
What The RV Breakaway Switch System Does
A dangerous situation that RV owners dread is the disconnecting of the trailer from the tow vehicle. This is a worst-case safety scenario that can cause damage to the RV and risk injury to those on the road nearby. It’s important to prevent this at all costs, which is what the RV breakaway switch system serves to do.
An RV disengaging from the tow vehicle is typically caused by a few factors: the connection was not secure enough from the start, there was a major technological malfunction, or the tow vehicle and RV were involved in an accident. Whatever the trigger, the RV breakaway switch system can be a valuable lifeline.
Once the breakaway switch system senses that the RV is beginning to separate at the hitch, it engages the trailer brake. This is designed to help bring the trailer to a safe stop.
How The RV Breakaway Switch System Works
There are a few key parts that are involved in this process: the battery, the switch, the cable, and the pin.
The cable connects to the tow vehicle and the pin. The pin connects to the switch. When a separation is sensed, the cable tugs the pin which in turn tugs the switch. This activates the RV’s brake, helping it come to a quick stop.
But if any one part of the system is not well-maintained and working, the system may fail. The RV could then continue rolling into traffic and posing a serious safety threat to those nearby. That’s why it’s imperative that you continually inspect and maintain this system to ensure it’s ready to go on the road.
How To Test The RV Breakaway Switch System
You’ll want to frequently test the RV breakaway switch system from the safety of your low-traffic neighborhood. It’s much better to uncover a problem there than on a road trip in the middle of the freeway!
Start by connecting the RV to your tow vehicle. Check the battery to make sure it’s fully charged. Unplug the RV from the tow vehicle. Pull the pin out. Know that this will take quite a bit of effort. Now, slowly drive your tow vehicle forward. This will simulate the act of the RV getting disconnected. The RV will follow for a short bit, which is necessary to engage the brakes.
The RV should then come to a quick and safe stop, which signals that the breakaway switch system is working. If this happens, simply reinsert the pin and plug the camper into the tow vehicle again.
If the RV does not come to a stop and instead continues to roll, you know that the breakaway switch system is faulty. Schedule a service department appointment to get this repaired before your next road trip. Remember that the experts at Broadmoor RV can take a look at your rig and get it repaired for you, ensuring your RV is ready for your next road trip.
We hope you found this guide to your RV breakaway switch system useful. For more tips or to shop RVs for sale near Spokane, Washington, head over to Broadmoor RV. Our experts can answer questions, give advice, and assist with anything you need. Reach out online or stop by our dealership in the Tri-Cities, Washington. We also proudly serve those in the Seattle and Spokane, Washington area.