Originally Posted by
ZR
I'm not sure what problem they are trying to solve with a breakaway system on top of electric brakes. If your properly hooked up, chains are to correct length and crossed, cord is correct length plug is properly in it's socket (8way plug has a retainer nub on the door that helps hold plug in place), even if the ball was to somehow fail, trailer would stay plugged in meaning it still has brakes controlled by the truck. Not sure about other trucks, Ram factory controller in my truck is even smart enough to know if trailer is plugged in and there is a connection issue with the brakes. Confirmed it last night by pushing plug in just far enough to bring lights on by not far enough to make full connection, warning for no trailer brakes came up n the dash, push plug rest of the way in and it goes out.
As for the breakaway system, battery is up on charge n everything connected, pulled pin to simulate trailer detached..........fucker doesn't work. Since not mandatory in Ontario, both it and the wiring harness have a date with the garbage bin. In my eyes, more of a potential problem vs a legit safety item.
If your trailer has hydraulic brakes, for sure it should have a breakaway cable to the master cyl although getting length perfect to engage brakes is likely a tricky deal. Bet most don't work unless chains fail at the same time.