Anyone who’s towed a trailer knows that feeling of vulnerability. I remember the initial anxiety before hauling my first large trailer; the worry about what happens if the unthinkable occurs and it somehow separates from the tow vehicle. That potential nightmare scenario – a runaway trailer – highlighted the critical need for a safety net, a reliable trailer break away system to ensure that terrifying possibility is swiftly and safely addressed. Without one, the consequences, both legally and in terms of potential damage or injury, would be catastrophic.
A breakaway system for trailers is a non-negotiable safety device for most towable vehicles equipped with electric brakes. It’s designed to automatically apply the trailer’s brakes if it ever detaches from the tow vehicle, bringing it to a controlled stop rather than letting it become a dangerous, unguided missile. If you’re towing a caravan, RV, or any other trailer with electric brakes, especially across states where these systems are legally mandated, a reliable breakaway kit isn’t just a good idea – it’s essential.
The ideal customer for a trailer break away system is anyone who values safety and compliance when towing a trailer with electric brakes. This includes RVers, boaters, equipment haulers, and anyone towing a significant load. Who shouldn’t buy one? If your trailer doesn’t have electric brakes (e.g., surge brakes only) or is small enough that regulations don’t require a breakaway system, then this specific type of product isn’t necessary. For trailers without electric brakes, you might look into alternative safety measures like safety chains and properly rated hitches, but they don’t offer the independent braking capability of a breakaway system.
Before buying a break away system, you need to consider a few things: trailer axle count (most kits cover 1 or 2 axles), battery capacity (measured in Ah), the presence of a built-in charger and how it charges (from the tow vehicle, trailer battery, or both), indicators for battery status, the durability and weatherproofing of the housing, ease of installation, and compliance with local towing regulations. A quick and reliable activation mechanism is also paramount.
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- Compliant with Regulations: By investing in our break away system for trailers, you can ensure that your caravan or trailer will always meet legal regulations. Our break away system for trailers...
- Convenient Charging and Testing: With a 12V 5Ah battery and a built-in battery charger, our break away system for trailers can be easily charged from your tow vehicle or the house battery of your...
Introducing the SAN HIMA Trailer Breakaway Kit
The SanHima Trailer Brakes Breakaway Kit w/Switch & 12V 5AH Battery Built-in Charger, LED Indicator is presented as a comprehensive solution to ensure your trailer meets safety regulations and stops itself in the event of a detachment. This kit comes with everything you’d expect: the main control box housing the 12V 5Ah battery and built-in charger, and the breakaway switch with its pin and cable. It’s designed specifically for trailers with 1 or 2 axles utilizing electric brakes. Compared to some older designs, this SanHima break away system boasts the addition of LED indicators and an integrated charging circuit, aiming for convenience. While there isn’t a “market leader” per se in this niche, older kits often lacked the easy battery testing or built-in charging features that this system provides.
This particular trailer break away system is ideal for trailer owners looking to replace an old or questionable setup, or for those installing one for the first time who want the convenience of integrated battery management and status indicators. It’s not for trailers without electric brakes or those seeking the absolute most robust, heavy-duty, or easiest-to-mount option on the market right out of the box.
Pros:
* Rapid activation of trailer brakes upon separation.
* Includes a 12V 5Ah battery with built-in charger.
* Features LED indicators and a test button for easy battery status checks.
* Comes with pre-wired, color-coded cables.
* Breakaway switch pin requires significant force to pull, preventing accidental activation.
* Meets legal regulations for trailer breakaway systems.
Cons:
* Mounting system is unconventional and can be challenging to install as designed.
* Housing is not truly waterproof and requires user modification to seal properly.
* Does not include mounting hardware or wire splices.
* Accessing/replacing the battery requires dismounting the unit if installed using all four mounting points.
* Battery charging can be dependent on tow vehicle wiring (e.g., only when running lights are on).
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Key Aspects and Advantages of the System
Having used the SanHima Trailer Brakes Breakaway Kit for a while now, I can delve into its features and how they perform in real-world towing scenarios.
Rapid and Reliable Activation:
The primary function of any trailer break away system is to ensure the trailer brakes engage instantaneously if it disconnects from the tow vehicle. This SanHima kit delivers on that promise. The design ensures that once the pin is pulled from the breakaway switch (which happens if the safety cable connecting the trailer to the tow vehicle is pulled taut during a separation), the circuit is completed, sending full battery power to the trailer’s electric brakes. This rapid response is absolutely crucial in preventing a catastrophic accident. The system’s ability to provide this immediate, full braking power is its most vital benefit and is the core reason for its existence. Knowing that this safety mechanism is in place offers immense peace of mind when hauling potentially heavy and dangerous loads. It also ensures you’re compliant with regulations in many areas, which is a legal necessity, not just a suggestion.
Integrated Charging and Battery Management:
A significant upgrade over older systems is the built-in charger and battery management. The SanHima break away system includes a 12V 5Ah battery, which is a standard size for these applications, providing sufficient power to lock up the trailer brakes. The integrated charger means you don’t need a separate charging unit. The system is designed to be wired into a 12V source, typically from your tow vehicle’s trailer connector (often the charge line or sometimes tied into the running lights depending on your vehicle’s wiring). This keeps the battery topped up while you’re connected and driving.
The convenience here is substantial. You don’t have to remember to periodically disconnect the battery and charge it separately using a bench charger. It handles it automatically as long as the tow vehicle is providing power. The LED indicators are a welcome addition, allowing you to quickly check the battery’s state of charge at a glance using the test button. This eliminates guesswork and helps ensure the system is ready before you head out. While the documentation suggests charging from the tow vehicle or trailer house battery, the most common method is via the trailer connector. My setup is wired to charge when the running lights are on, which is sufficient for my needs, though some users might prefer constant charging from a dedicated charge line.
Robust Construction (with a Caveat):
SanHima claims a rugged, heavy-duty PP case that effectively shields the battery from moisture and debris. The case itself does feel reasonably sturdy and is certainly designed to protect the internal components from physical impact and some environmental exposure. However, based on my experience and user feedback, the “waterproof” aspect needs clarification. The case is molded plastic and fits together reasonably well, but there isn’t a dedicated rubber gasket or seal around the perimeter where the two halves join. This means that while it offers protection from splashes and light rain, it is susceptible to water ingress, especially from road spray or driving rain over extended periods.
This is a significant disadvantage that undermines the claim of robust construction in a key environmental sense. For a component mounted externally on a trailer, often in exposed locations, true waterproofing is critical for long-term reliability. Users in wet climates or those who frequently wash their trailers will likely need to add their own sealant (like silicone or RTV) around the seam to ensure water doesn’t corrode the battery terminals or the circuit board. While the plastic is tough, the sealing method is lacking. The benefit of a durable case is only fully realized if the internals are also protected from the elements it will inevitably face.
Installation and Mounting Considerations:
SanHima describes the installation as “effortless” with pre-wired, color-coded cables (black for battery positive, blue for brake output, white for ground). Connecting the wires is indeed straightforward – matching colors and making secure splices is standard electrical work. The challenge lies in mounting the box itself. Unlike many other breakaway kits that might use a simpler two or three-bolt pattern or a design with easy-access tabs for battery changes, this SanHima system utilizes a four-bolt mounting pattern molded into the plastic base. The design of these mounting points can make it difficult to align, drill holes, and secure bolts, especially in tight spaces on a trailer frame. Furthermore, the battery compartment is accessed by splitting the entire box open, which means if you use all four mounting bolts, you have to completely unbolt the unit from the trailer to change the battery. This is a clear design flaw compared to kits that allow battery access via a hinged door or cover.
So, while the wiring is simple, the physical mounting can be more labor-intensive and less intuitive than it needs to be. It often requires users to get creative with mounting methods or modify the box itself, which contradicts the “effortless installation” promise. The lack of included mounting hardware (screws or bolts) is also a minor inconvenience, requiring an extra trip to the hardware store.
Breakaway Switch and Pin Strength:
The breakaway switch and pin are a crucial part of the trailer break away system. The pin is attached to a cable that hooks onto the tow vehicle. If the trailer separates, this cable pulls the pin out of the switch, activating the brakes. A key characteristic is the force required to pull this pin. If it’s too easy, small jerks or bumps could accidentally activate the brakes while driving, which would be dangerous. If it’s too hard, it might not activate reliably in a real emergency.
The breakaway pin on the SanHima kit requires a substantial pull force to remove. This is a positive aspect. It means you’re unlikely to accidentally pull the pin while maneuvering or hitting bumps, which provides confidence that the system won’t engage unintentionally. This seems well-calibrated for its intended purpose – activating only when a significant separation force is applied.
Feedback from Other Users
Looking at what others have said online about the SanHima Trailer Brakes Breakaway Kit, the general sentiment echoes my own experiences. Many users appreciate the inclusion of the LED battery indicators and the built-in charging capability, seeing them as improvements over older models they’ve replaced. The strong pull required for the breakaway pin is also frequently mentioned as a positive safety feature, reassuring users that accidental activation is unlikely.
However, the difficulties with mounting and the concerns about waterproofing are consistently raised points. Several reviewers note the unconventional four-bolt mounting pattern is awkward and requires extra effort or modification during installation. The lack of a proper seal to make the unit truly waterproof is another common observation, with many users recommending or performing their own sealing to prevent water damage to the internal components. Despite these installation and sealing quirks, the consensus is that once installed and potentially sealed by the user, the system functions correctly as a breakaway device, providing the essential safety net it’s designed for and offering good value as a replacement kit.
Bringing It All Together
Ensuring your trailer has a functional breakaway system isn’t just about adhering to laws; it’s about protecting lives and property. The potential complications of a trailer detaching from your vehicle without an active braking system are too severe to ignore. The SanHima Trailer Brakes Breakaway Kit is a compelling option for addressing this critical safety need. It provides reliable, rapid brake activation in an emergency and offers convenient features like integrated charging and easy battery status checks via LED indicators. While the mounting process might present a bit of a puzzle and the housing isn’t inherently waterproof, these are challenges that can often be overcome with a little extra effort during installation. For its core safety function and integrated features at its price point, it’s a solid choice for securing your towing adventures. To learn more and pick up this essential safety device for your trailer, click here.
Last update on 2025-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API