There was a time when I frequently towed trailers, and like many, the thought of something going wrong always lingered in the back of my mind. What if the trailer somehow detached from the vehicle? The potential consequences, especially at speed, are terrifying – a runaway trailer could cause significant damage, injury, or even worse. Ensuring that kind of safety feature was in place wasn’t just a good idea; it felt absolutely essential to prevent a potential disaster.
- ✅304 STAINLESS STEEL MATERIAL: Replace Your Trailer Splitter With This Durable Switch Kit, The switch body is made of 304 stainless steel. It is rust-proof, waterproof, corrosion-resistant,...
- ✅RELIABLE SAFETY. This trailer breakaway switch offers safer towing by connecting your vehicle to your trailer's breakaway battery and trailer brakes. If the trailer becomes disconnected while...
- ✅STRONG CONNECTION. To ensure a dependable electrical connection for the wires, this trailer breakaway switch is equipped with silver contact points
Before Purchasing a Trailer Breakaway System
Anyone who tows a trailer needs to prioritize safety. A trailer breakaway system is a fundamental component designed to bring your trailer to a safe stop if it ever disconnects from your tow vehicle. It activates the trailer’s electric brakes automatically, preventing it from becoming a dangerous, uncontrolled projectile. This peace of mind is invaluable whether you’re hauling a camper, a boat, or equipment.
The ideal customer for a trailer breakaway system is anyone operating a trailer equipped with electric brakes. If your trailer relies solely on surge brakes or doesn’t have brakes at all (like some very small utility trailers), a breakaway system isn’t applicable as there’s no system for it to activate. However, for any trailer with electric brakes, this is a non-negotiable safety item.
Before buying, consider the following:
– Cable Length: Ensure the coiled cable is long enough to reach from your breakaway switch mounting point on the trailer to your tow vehicle’s hitch area with enough slack for turns but not so much that it drags.
– Build Quality: Look for durable, weather-resistant materials for the switch body and cable.
– Connection Method: How does the cable attach to your tow vehicle? A secure clip or loop is necessary.
– Ease of Installation: Check if mounting hardware is included and if the wiring is straightforward.
– Carabiner/Clip Quality: The attachment point to your tow vehicle needs to be robust enough to withstand the force required to pull the pin.
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Introducing the EEBBL Trailer Breakaway Switch
Let’s talk about the EEBBL Trailer Breakaway Switch 6FT. This is a complete breakaway system featuring a switch and a 6-foot coiled cable. It’s designed to provide reliable safety by automatically applying your trailer’s electric brakes if the trailer separates from your vehicle during towing. The purchase includes the switch body, the coiled cable with pin, and a mounting tab.
This specific breakaway switch is suited for anyone needing to replace an old or damaged system, or setting up a new trailer with electric brakes. It’s particularly aimed at users of travel trailers, RVs, and utility trailers who require a standard length coiled cable. It might not be the best fit for very large trailers requiring extra-long cables or those with unique mounting requirements.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Durable stainless steel switch body
* Coiled cable helps prevent dragging
* Easy to install with included mounting tab
* Silver contact points for reliable connection
* Provides essential automatic braking safety
Cons:
* Included carabiner quality/size may be inadequate for some applications
* Weather-resistant nylon case, but not truly waterproof
* Coiled cable length is measured fully stretched, which might be taut for some setups
Exploring the Capabilities and Advantages
When it comes to towing accessories, the details matter, especially for safety equipment like a breakaway switch. The EEBBL Trailer Breakaway Switch incorporates several design choices that contribute to its performance and reliability over time.
Durable 304 Stainless Steel Construction
The core of this breakaway switch is its body, crafted from 304 stainless steel. This isn’t just a fancy term; it means the switch is built to withstand the harsh environments trailers often encounter. It’s rust-proof, corrosion-resistant, and handles temperature fluctuations well. Trailers are exposed to road salt, rain, sun, and debris. A switch body made of less durable material would quickly corrode, leading to potential failure when you need it most. The longevity provided by the 304 stainless steel ensures that the switch remains functional and reliable for years, reducing the need for frequent replacements and providing consistent safety.
Reliable Safety Engagement
The primary function of any trailer breakaway switch is to engage the trailer brakes if it disconnects. This EEBBL system achieves this through a simple, effective mechanism. The switch contains a pull pin attached to the coiled cable. This cable is then attached to your tow vehicle. If the trailer detaches, the cable pulls the pin from the switch body. This completes an electrical circuit, drawing power from the trailer’s breakaway battery and sending it directly to the electric brakes, locking them up. The system is designed to have a sufficient resistance level to prevent accidental activation from minor tugs or bumps, ensuring the brakes only engage when the pin is deliberately pulled or due to a separation event. This automatic, immediate braking action is crucial for preventing a runaway trailer scenario, potentially saving lives and property.
Strong Electrical Connection with Silver Contacts
Inside the switch, EEBBL has equipped it with silver contact points. Why silver? Silver is an excellent electrical conductor and is resistant to corrosion and oxidation. Over time, electrical contacts can degrade, especially in damp or dirty environments, leading to poor connections and potential system failure. The use of silver contacts ensures that when the pull pin is removed, the circuit is reliably completed, and power flows effectively from the battery to the brakes. This feature is key to the switch’s dependable operation, guaranteeing that the brakes will engage strongly and immediately if a breakaway occurs. A solid electrical connection is non-negotiable for a safety device like this.
Simple and Secure Installation
Mounting the EEBBL Trailer Breakaway Switch is designed to be straightforward. It comes with a metal mounting tab that has a pre-drilled hole. This allows you to easily secure the switch body to your trailer frame using a standard screw or bolt. Once the switch body is mounted, you wire it into your trailer’s braking system and breakaway battery (if applicable). The included wiring offers sufficient length for most standard trailer setups, allowing you to reach the battery box or junction points without difficulty. The ease of installation means you can quickly replace an old unit or set up a new one, getting your trailer ready for the road safely and without needing complex tools or extensive technical knowledge.
Secure Cable Attachment and Design
The included trailer breakaway cable is a key component. It features a nylon pull pin that is designed for easy insertion and release from the switch body. The other end of the cable has a looped end. This loop is intended to quickly and securely attach to your trailer hitch or a designated point on your tow vehicle frame. The cable itself is heavy-duty steel wire, coiled to prevent it from dragging on the ground while towing. A dragging cable can become damaged, abraded, or snag on road debris, potentially failing when needed or activating the brakes unnecessarily. The coiled design keeps the cable neat and out of the way under normal towing conditions, only extending when the trailer begins to separate from the vehicle. While the cable length is advertised as 6 feet when fully extended, it’s important to note this is its maximum reach; in practice, the usable length with some coil tension will be less. Ensuring the attachment point on your vehicle is within this effective reach is important for proper function. The durability of the steel wire, coated for protection, means the cable is less likely to fray or break under stress.
Weather Resistance Considerations
The breakaway switch body is protected by a nylon case. This case is designed to be weather-resistant, protecting the internal components from moisture, dirt, and UV rays. Nylon won’t rust or corrode like metal might. While the product description mentions the case, it’s important to understand the difference between “weather-resistant” and “waterproof.” A weather-resistant case is great for protecting against splashes, rain, and general environmental exposure. However, it may not prevent water ingress if submerged or exposed to high-pressure sprays. For most towing applications, weather resistance is sufficient, but if your trailer is frequently exposed to extreme water conditions (like launching boats directly into water), you might want to consider additional sealing around wire entry points for maximum protection. Despite this, the nylon case provides a significant layer of protection compared to exposed components, contributing to the longevity and reliability of the switch in typical towing scenarios.
Hearing from Other Users (Social Proof)
Having used this EEBBL breakaway system myself, I was curious to see what others thought. I looked online and found that many users have had positive experiences. Several people noted how easy the switch was to install as a direct replacement for older, corroded units, reporting that it bolted right up and worked perfectly. Others commented on the quality components and the cable length being suitable for various setups, appreciating the coiled design to prevent dragging. The effective resistance level of the pin was also mentioned as a plus, avoiding false activations. However, a common point raised by multiple users was concerning the included carabiner – many felt it was too small or not heavy-duty enough for their needs and opted to replace it with a larger, more robust clip. Some also questioned if the unit was truly waterproof or merely weatherproof, noting potential areas for water ingress. Overall, the sentiment was largely positive regarding the switch and cable’s function and quality, with the carabiner being the main point of improvement suggested by users.
In Summary
Dealing with the potential hazard of a trailer becoming detached while driving is a serious concern that needs to be addressed head-on. The complications of a runaway trailer are too severe to ignore, making a reliable trailer breakaway system an essential safety device for anyone towing with electric brakes. The EEBBL Trailer Breakaway Switch 6FT is a great solution because of its durable stainless steel construction, reliable safety engagement mechanism, and helpful coiled cable design that minimizes dragging. It’s a solid, functional product that provides the crucial automatic braking you need in an emergency. To check it out and see if it’s the right fit for your towing setup, Click here to learn more.
Last update on 2025-08-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API