As someone who spends a fair bit of time towing, whether it’s a utility trailer loaded with lumber or an RV heading out for the weekend, I know the constant thought humming in the back of your mind: “What if something goes wrong?” The worst-case scenario, of course, is the trailer unexpectedly separating from the tow vehicle. It’s a terrifying thought, picturing a heavy trailer careening out of control down the road. This potential problem isn’t just about property damage; it’s a major safety hazard for everyone around you. Solving this isn’t just recommended; in many places, it’s a legal requirement precisely because the complications of a runaway trailer are so severe and potentially catastrophic. A reliable way to ensure the trailer stops quickly if detached would have provided immense peace of mind in the past.
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What to Think About Before Buying a Trailer Breakaway System
So, why do people look for a trailer breakaway system in the first place? The primary reason is safety. These systems provide a crucial layer of protection by automatically engaging the trailer’s electric brakes if it ever separates from the towing vehicle. This prevents a dangerous runaway situation, bringing the trailer to a controlled stop (or as controlled as possible under the circumstances). Anyone who tows a trailer equipped with electric brakes is an ideal candidate for this product category – RVers, contractors hauling equipment, boat owners, farmers moving livestock trailers, you name it. If your trailer relies on electric brakes, you need a working breakaway system. Who shouldn’t buy one? If your trailer doesn’t have electric brakes (e.g., it uses surge brakes or no brakes at all on very light loads), this specific type of breakaway switch isn’t for you, as it requires an electrical connection to activate the brakes. Before purchasing, consider the required cable length to reach your tow vehicle’s attachment point without being taut or scraping the ground. Look at the durability of the switch mechanism and cable material, the ease of mounting the switch box, the gauge of the wiring (thicker is better), and its resistance to outdoor elements like rain, road salt, and temperature fluctuations.
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Getting to Know the Risornda Breakaway Switch
The Risornda Trailer Breakaway Switch is designed as a crucial safety component for trailers equipped with 12v electric brakes. It promises to automatically apply the trailer’s brakes in the event of accidental detachment from the towing vehicle. When you purchase this breakaway switch, you get the switch box itself, which houses the plunger mechanism, and a 4ft coiled cable with a pin on one end and an attachment point (like a carabiner) on the other. Compared to some basic or older systems that might use a straight wire or a less robust cable, this product offers a coiled design intended to prevent dragging and damage. This specific brake switch for trailer brake 12v is clearly aimed at anyone towing a trailer with an electric brake system who needs a reliable, relatively easy-to-install safety device. It is not suitable for trailers without electric brakes.
Here’s a quick look at some pros and cons:
Pros:
* Utilizes premium, weather-resistant materials for durability.
* Provides reliable automatic brake application in emergencies.
* Features a smart 4ft coiled cable design that prevents dragging.
* Designed for straightforward and easy installation.
* Backed by a two-year warranty and customer support.
Cons:
* The main switch housing is made of plastic, which might concern some users regarding long-term toughness.
* The included carabiner clip might be on the smaller side, potentially limiting attachment options.
* While feature-rich, it might be slightly more expensive than the absolute cheapest, no-frills options available.
Digging Into the Key Features
After spending time with the Risornda Trailer Breakaway Switch, several features stand out as particularly important for its function and longevity. It’s more than just a simple switch; it’s a safety system designed with specific challenges of towing in mind.
Built to Last: Premium Materials
One of the first things you notice about the Risornda Trailer Breakaway Switch is the claimed use of premium materials. It states it’s constructed from ABS plastic and stainless steel. In practice, this translates to a unit that feels reasonably sturdy for its purpose. The stainless steel components are crucial for resistance against the inevitable exposure to moisture, dirt, and road salt that trailers face. Stainless steel is inherently corrosion and rust-resistant, which is vital for a safety component mounted externally. The ABS plastic housing, while a potential point of concern for some (more on that later), is known for being heat-resistant and impact-resistant. This combination is intended to ensure that the trailer brake switch can withstand the rigors of outdoor use across various climates and weather conditions, from hot sun to freezing rain. This durability is not just about the product lasting; it’s about ensuring a critical safety system remains functional and reliable when you need it most, unaffected by environmental wear and tear.
The Core Function: Safety and Reliability
At its heart, the trailer breakaway switch is a simple yet vital safety device. Its function is straightforward: if the trailer separates from the tow vehicle, the cable attached to the tow vehicle pulls the pin out of the switch box. This action completes a circuit, sending power directly from the trailer’s battery (or the tow vehicle via the trailer connector, though typically wired to the trailer battery for independent function) to the electric brakes, applying them fully. The automatic nature of this application is key – it doesn’t rely on the driver’s reaction time, which would be non-existent in a full separation scenario. The safety benefit is immense. A trailer rolling unchecked can cause severe accidents, injure or kill others, and result in significant damage to vehicles and property. Having a reliable breakaway switch isn’t just about meeting regulations; it’s about preventing disaster and providing genuine peace of mind while towing. It ensures that even in the worst-case event, you’ve done everything possible to mitigate the danger posed by a runaway trailer.
Smart Design: The Coiled Breakaway Cable
One feature highlighted by Risornda is the inclusion of a 4ft coiled cable. This isn’t just for aesthetics; it serves several practical purposes. Traditional straight cables can sag and drag on the ground, leading to abrasion and wear, which weakens the cable and can cause it to break prematurely. A coiled cable naturally retracts, keeping it suspended above the roadway when correctly installed. This minimizes the risk of it getting caught on obstacles or being worn down by pavement, significantly increasing its lifespan and reliability. Furthermore, the cable is described as braided steel with a coated exterior. The braided steel provides strength, ensuring the cable won’t snap under the force of a separation. The coating protects the steel from corrosion and also eliminates the hazard of sharp, frayed wires that can poke and cut fingers when handling the cable. The “good ductility” mentioned suggests it can stretch sufficiently to allow for turns and bumps without accidentally pulling the pin, while still having enough strength to pull it when a true separation occurs. This design is a noticeable improvement over basic wire-only or non-coated cable versions commonly found. The 4ft length, when coiled, is compact, but it offers ample reach when extended to connect to most standard tow vehicle setups.
Getting it Set Up: Easy Installation
Nobody wants to spend hours wrestling with complicated wiring or needing specialized tools for a safety component. The description promises that this breakaway switch with coiled cable can be installed quickly and easily. In most trailer setups, installing a trailer breakaway switch involves mounting the box securely to the trailer frame or tongue and connecting two wires: one to the trailer’s battery positive terminal (usually fused) and the other to the trailer’s brake wire (typically found at the junction box or main harness). The screw terminals mentioned make this wiring connection straightforward; you simply insert the stripped wire end and tighten down a screw. For anyone with basic knowledge of trailer wiring, this is a relatively simple DIY task that can be completed in under an hour using common tools like a drill, wire strippers, and a screwdriver. This ease of installation means less time spent fumbling with wiring and more time enjoying your trip, while still ensuring you have this essential safety device in place.
Peace of Mind: Warranty and Support
When purchasing any component for your trailer, especially a safety-critical one, knowing that the manufacturer stands behind their product is important. Risornda offers a two-year warranty on their breakaway switch, which is a reasonable period for such a product exposed to the elements. They also mention 24/7 online service for support. This level of backing provides reassurance that if you encounter any issues with the product within the warranty period, you have recourse. It suggests the manufacturer has confidence in the durability and performance of their trailer brake switch, adding an extra layer of trust in its reliability as a safety component.
A Couple of Minor Points
While the Risornda Trailer Breakaway Switch excels in many areas, it’s worth noting a couple of potential drawbacks mentioned in user feedback and observed in the product description. The main switch housing is made of plastic. While described as heat and impact-resistant ABS, some users might prefer an all-metal housing for perceived maximum durability, especially in rough or high-impact environments. However, many standard breakaway switches use plastic housings, and the key is the quality of that plastic. Another minor point is the size of the carabiner clip included on the end of the coiled cable. Some users have noted it’s quite small, which could make finding a suitable attachment point on some tow vehicles slightly challenging. This might require using a separate larger clip or finding a specific small loop on your hitch setup. Lastly, while competitively priced given its features, it might not be the absolute cheapest option on the market, though the added cost is likely justified by the coiled cable and materials.
What Others Are Saying: Customer Feedback
Looking at feedback from other users confirms many of my own impressions about this breakaway switch. Several people mentioned that it served as a perfect, well-fitting replacement for their old or broken units. Users appreciate the sufficient cable length provided by the 4ft coiled design, noting it easily reaches their battery boxes without needing extensions. The positive snap-in and out function of the switch pin is also frequently praised, indicating a reliable connection and activation mechanism. Many feel the overall quality is comparable to or better than standard components they’ve used before, specifically highlighting the robust nature of the coiled cord, describing it as heavier gauge and stronger than original equipment. The metal mounting base plate on the switch box is seen as a solid point for secure installation. While the plastic switch housing was noted by one user as a potential area for improvement compared to an all-metal unit, it didn’t detract significantly from their overall positive experience, recognizing its quality was similar to other switches they’d used, complete with features like an O-ring seal. The wire gauge (16AWG) and cable crimping were also found to be well done.
Wrapping Up: Your Towing Safety
The risk of a trailer detaching from its tow vehicle is a serious concern that needs to be addressed head-on. A runaway trailer is not only a significant danger to others on the road but also puts your own property at massive risk. This isn’t a problem you can afford to ignore; regulatory requirements and basic safety demand a reliable solution. The Risornda Trailer Breakaway Switch stands out as a great option to solve this problem effectively. With its reliable automatic brake activation in an emergency, its durable coiled cable design that avoids common wear issues, and its use of weather-resistant materials, it provides essential peace of mind. If you’re towing a trailer with electric brakes and need a dependable safety system, this product is definitely worth considering. To learn more and get your own, Click here to check the product out.
Last update on 2025-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API