RE: Lanyard for electric brakes

MattH · Sep 28, 2003, 07:05 PM

After reading a detailed post on dead batteries I came across a possible problem as the lanyard for the electric brakes being a problem. Being incredibly new to this, can someone explain what and where the lanyard is and how to make sure that it is not conected and draining a battery.

Thanks

Tim5055 · Mar 16, 2003, 03:54 PM

MattHActually, you want it connected to keep from draining the battery.

On trailers with electric brakes there is a switch on the trailer A frame that will activate the brakes should the trailer and tow vehicle become separated.

This is done by attaching a cable (lanyard) to the tow vehicle. On the trailer side this cable is connected to the switch. Upon a discoonnect, the cable pulls a pin out of the switch and activates the brakes.

If you look at teh top photo on my [link=http://www.title-3.com/Battery.htm]Adding A Battery Web Page[/link], on the right side of the picture is the switch with the cable connected.

To keep from draining the battery, always make sure thet the pin on the switch has not been pulled out of the housing.

MattH · Mar 16, 2003, 04:02 PM

MattHSo what your saying is that if I remove the pin from the trailer while stored, it will kick in the brakes and have me drained in no time??

That explains a lot!! I was worried about someone taking the pin as we keep our PU around the corner from us in easy accesible grass lot that we own. I pulled the pin and stored it with our chains et al in the front compartment.

Pulling the pin drained me?

Thanks

wahoonc · Mar 16, 2003, 04:08 PM

MattHHey Tim[

] You might want to clarify " if you have the breakaway switch" We have electric brakes on our Niagara, but NC does not require the breakaway switch. We will most likely add one in the near future. Also a lot of the trailers I have seen with them have a second seperate battery wired into the system for them.[

]? Yep Matt you should have left the pin in for some kid to pull out for you! What you might want to do is stick something else in place of the pin like a small screw or nail, then you won t lose you lanyard, if someone does happen to pull it.

Aaron[

]

Red neff Barchetta · Mar 16, 2003, 04:08 PM

MattHYou might consider doing what I did and purchase an extra cable/lanyard from you dealer to have in case it does get pulled out or lost or something. I had this thought after reading a thread about jerks sneaking around campgrounds stealing hitch pins and the like. I ve never seen it happen, but you might as well be prepared I always say. When we are set-up I leave the lanyard in, but do put the draw-bar and tow chains in the back of the TV until departure as well as having a hitch lock for when we are hitched-up to the PU.

Tim5055 · Mar 16, 2003, 04:09 PM

MattHYou, you got it!

Pulling that pin throws full battery power to the brakes; not quite a dead short - but close.

If you feel you must pull the pin, disconnect one of the battery wires first.

MattH · Mar 16, 2003, 04:15 PM

MattHInstead ofmaking a new post I will ask you helpful souls for some more advice. I now need to charge my battery.

I found nothing in my Coleman owners manual about removing the battery and recharging. When I take off the battery cover I have a lead running to the white disconnect and another on the positive side. What is the sequence for taking the battery off. I can do the charger from there.

My battery has dual + & - terminals.

I can t see electricity therefore I don t belioeve in it. I think it s time for a basic 12v course.

Thanks for your help.

Matt

tlhdoc · Mar 16, 2003, 04:22 PM

MattH

QuoteORIGINAL: MattH

Pulling the pin drained me?

Yes that will drain the battery in no time at all. I don t think a nail or screw would work for replacing the pin in the brake away switch. I just bought a new pin/cable and it cost under $5.00. I would just get a spare in case someone pulled the pin out. Mine is hard to pull out, and I don t think a child could do it.

mike4947 · Mar 16, 2003, 04:49 PM

MattHWell it s always good form to disconnect the battery when you get home. That little propane detector is always hooked up and will drain the battery all by itself without anyone yanking the breakaway pin.
I m not sure what your referencing when you say twin + & - terminals. If you mean you have the top pin type that require a squeeze clamp connector and screw in side terminals you have a dual perpose battery and while not the greatest for a PU will sufice.
As for pulling the wires I was always taught to pull the negative first. I guess it s to cut down sparking.

tlhdoc · Mar 16, 2003, 08:59 PM

MattH

QuoteORIGINAL: MattH
I found nothing in my Coleman owners manual about removing the battery and recharging.

Matt I disconnect the battery by undoing the white connector on the tongue, and then bringing my battery charger to the PU. That way I don t have to remove the battery from the trailer to charge it.

jackgoesthepopup · Mar 16, 2003, 10:26 PM

MattHI just bought my first camper to have electric brakes. And i understand how they work thats no problem. What i am wondering is would it be a better system Iif you used the electric from the tv to keep the brakes from applying instead of using a on board battery to apply the brakes. This to me would make a better system . No more batteries to worry about.no chargers to worry about. no worrying to making the battery was disconected I mean .Air brakes work on this idea.

MtnCamper · Mar 16, 2003, 10:56 PM

jackgoesthepopupTim, Most campers have a battery for a couple reasons, for power when dry camping, and in the event your trailer separates from the TV the brakes will lock up. All your TV does is charge the battery, that is all ready on your camper. If you don t have a battery, your brakes will work anyway (TV 12V). You got a brake controller right? The only time they won t work is in the event of separation.

Red neff Barchetta · Mar 17, 2003, 01:49 AM

MattHThe lanyard is in case of an accident should cause the TV and PU to be seperated while in route. The electric brakes on a PU will be held on as long as the battery has enough juice in it. If the battery were to die, then the PU would start rolling again.
I keep a battery hooked up to the PU even when we are full hook-up camping with our camping group (we dry camp the rest of the time).

mike4947 · Mar 17, 2003, 08:56 AM

MattHFOr anyone desiring electric breakaway protection without having to have a full size battery on their RV. SEveral companies offer a " breakaway kit" You can also buy the parts seperately which consist of the breakawy switch, a small battery, charger and battery box.

jackgoesthepopup · Mar 17, 2003, 05:06 PM

MattHI know know that the battery is used to apply the brakes in case of a brakaway. But my point is if you had the brakes set up so that voltage was used to keep the brakes from applying. All a electric brake controller is a varitable resister . As you apply your brakes on The TV you also send an increasing amout of voltage to make the brakes apply on the trailer. What i am saying is do it in reverse. Have the brakes fully imployed buy springs and have the controler ativate a selinold that over comes the power of the springs. As you apply your brakes on the Tv voltage that is sent to the selonid is decreased letting the springs apply the Brakes. In case of a brake away no voltage in there to keep the springs from apppying so the springs apply the brakes. full force. Maybe i am not being clear enough or not saying it right.

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