First Time Camper Series - Testing your RV Breakaway Switch and brakes

Keystone RV’s Matt and Bart return to share additional tips in our First Time Camper’s Series. In this video, they cover testing the Breakaway switch before heading out on any adventures.
0:00 What is a breakaway switch
0:27 How does it work?
1:00 How to inspect it the breakaway switch
2:28 Safety warnings
The breakaway switch is designed to automatically slow and eventually stop your RV using the trailer brakes if it disconnects from your truck. The breakaway switch is powered by the 12 volt RV battery, not the 7-way cord. It is important that the battery is fully charged and maintained at all times.
Complete a simple inspection of the lanyard- verify the lanyard has not been dragging on the ground or appears damaged in any way. If it appears damaged, replace it.
Follow these steps to test the Breakaway switch and brakes:
1. Disconnect the 7-way cord from the truck. (Failure to do so may cause an error message or damage to the brake controller.)
2. Pull the lanyard pin out, with someone listening at the back wheels. The brakes should audibly engage.
3. Verify brakes engaged by moving the truck forward slightly to be certain the RV brakes have engaged and are operating correctly.
4. If the trailer moves freely, something is wrong. Contact an authorized RV dealership for further diagnostics, do not tow until adjusted and repaired.
5. If the trailer passes the test with brakes engaging-push the pin back into the breakaway switch.
6. Reconnect the 7-way cord to the truck.
Important safety warnings:
· NEVER USE THE BREAKAWAY SWITCH FOR PARKING! Removal of the pin applies constant power and will run down the batteries and possibly damage the switch and brake shoe magnets.
· Attach the lanyard cable to the truck frame - not on the safety chains or the tow ball.
· When disconnecting the RV from the truck, remove and stow the lanyard cord so it does not get pulled out accidentally.
· Remember, the brake system is designed to engage brakes not lock them up.
Inspection and testing should be done on a regular basis ensuring you have opportunities to Camp Better!
Just another way Keystone RV helps you Camp Better!
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About Keystone RV Company
Keystone RV Company is the #1 manufacturer of towable RVs in North America and employs approximately 5,000 people in north central Indiana. Our company is focused on delivering superior product design, industry-leading innovation, built-to-last quality, and human-centered customer service. Keystone offers a wide range of award-winning RVs including single-axle minis, ultra-lightweight travel trailers, luxury travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers. Our brands include Montana, Montana High Country, Cougar, Alpine, Avalanche, Raptor, Carbon, Fuzion, Impact, Sprinter, Outback, Arcadia, Bullet, Passport, Springdale & Hideout.

[@vincebotkin1960]

Another way to check to see if the brakes are in gauged is at the rear side of the wheels hold a compass next to the rim. When the magnetic brake in gauges the compass will go from true north and point to the brake magnet.

[@ws8592]

Another easy way to determine if the brakes are engaging is to turn on audio or video recording on your phone. Place it on top of the wheel then go to the front and pull the pin. You should be able to hear the brake engaging on the recording.

[@bloodbushcraft2467]

I just got a used RV and the wire going to it got pinched. Both wires are black and I wanted to make sure I hook it back up right. This is roughly how I imagined it worked since there wasn't a red wire. Great video

[@KeystoneRVCompany]

We are glad to hear this worked out. If you have any questions or concerns on your unit please do contact our retail customer service team at 1-866-425-4369! Thank you!

[@randpratt9681]

I went to get my toy hauler out of storage , hooked it all up and went to leave and the trailer brakes were locked up. I remembered last time I camped I forgot to unhook it and it pulled out, took me forever to get it back in so I could come home. Now it won’t as I mentioned above let me pull the trailer. Wheels are locked up I think my son didn’t plug it back in correctly after several attempts. I’m assuming the pins are bent or touching. Solution?. Replace it with a new one?. Anything else I should know before replacing it ? Thank you!

[@KeystoneRVCompany]

Good Morning Rand, we are sorry to hear about this issue! There would be a few things you would need to check on this that we would like to explain in detail with you. Please do contact our retail customer service team at 1-866-425-4369 when you are able to! Thank you.

[@richardtalbot3855]

Great video! Is the breakaway switch wired directly to the battery, or is it connected to the fuse panel?

[@KeystoneRVCompany]

Good afternoon, the breakaway switch would be wired to the battery through the battery disconnect box. Thank you!

[@mkrnp]

I inadvertently disconnected my breakaway switch while setting up my camper at a site. Drained my battery. Replaced the battery, not knowing what I had done. Finally called my dealer. Told me to check the breakaway line - yup, I had accidently pulled it out while setting up. OOPS!!!

[@KeystoneRVCompany]

Well we are glad you got it figured out!! Hopefully you caught it soon enough as to not cause any wiring damage up there. Once that current starts flowing as the pin is removed, things can heat up quick in the breakaway box.