I was curious if I could use my emergency break away break to set my breaks when parked for additional security,,just pull the tab out and the breaks set on my car trailer. The current is supplied by a large vehicle battery. Would this damage the magnets or wear the battery down quickly? I appreciate all input on my question.
Thanks ,Ron

 

It would deplete the battery fairly quickly, and only offer real security in the forward direction. Electric brakes work poorly in reverse due to their mechanical design.

I see you're in Nevada City, good man! Another Jefferson Stater.

 

I have a valuable car in the trailer and worry about leaving unattended out on the road if I broke or even overnight at a hotel. Now if they were to take it I'm sure they wouldn't get far going backwards. I thank you for your input.
Ron

 

Gotcha. When you first said "security" I was thinking in terms of the trailer rolling away down a hill, or something along those lines. FWIW, electric trailer brakes pull right at 3 amps per wheel, so a typical tandem trailer would have a constant 12 amp draw with the pin pulled. If you ever DO intentionally pull the pin, unplug the umbilical cord first. Some brake control units don't like to be back-fed and will get fried when you pull the pin, if you don't unplug first.

 

This question came up within the past year or so. The answer was, "You don't want to do that." As I recall, it would drain the battery and it might burn out the brake magnets.

 

I'd look at a pin lock before I use the brakes.

 

DO NOT do that.... it also COULD draw enough current to burn the wires going to the RV brakes.

 

as stated..

do not... for many reasons..

one being.. battery will only last maybe half hour... then trailer could just roll away...
might burn up wires.. not for long use... magnets will overheat.. again not for 100 percent use...

it is NOT a cable system... but a battery, switch, magnet...
and without trailer moving.. no REAL braking is done... as magnet MUST rotate with Drum.. no wheel movement,,, no brake applied..

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...way-break.html

 

My BreakAway cable pulled will lock up my brakes on the RV. I needed to do that when I had a Reese 5er hitch to test for pin engagement. '05's the manual TBC will NOT apply brakes on the RV until going over 5MPH or after the auto door locks engage.

 

For all of these above reasons do not do that. It can melt wiring if on for too long. If for some reason your grease seal has leaked and grease has gotten onto the brake drum and shoes it can cause a fire. Always best to use wheel chocks if parking on an incline, if flat surface then you are fine.

If you are looking to stop some of the movement while parked they make a devise that goes in between the tires and will keep them from rolling.

 

Thanks Guys for responding to my thread,,great information to learn about.
Ron

 

Thanks for responding,,,great help and info.
Ron

 

this is what I use for Parking trailer

Homemade RV Wheel Chocks | LoveToKnow
.

homemade .... harbor freight pipe clamp.. pipe.. and wood.

 

putting full voltage to the breaks for an extended period of time tends to shorten the life of the wiring.
Get a boot for the tires or a pin lock.