BrakeBuddy Break-Away Maintenance Reminder

[digNbubbs]

I moved my BreakBuddy break-away switch to my new vehicle this weekend and gave it a tug after I had it installed. It was all I could do to pull the pin out of the switch. I found that there was corrosion around the o-ring at the front of the pin, which "fused" the pin to the switch.

I removed the o-ring and lubed it with some waterproof silicon grease (same stuff I use on my toilet gasket), cleaned the inside of the switch, then pushed and pulled the pin a few times to make sure everything was working properly.

Prior to pulling that pin this past weekend, I suppose I took it for granted that it would work. I think if I would have needed the break-away, it would have pulled the whole switch housing away from the bumper, and not activating the brakes. So, I thought I would just give a reminder to check the break-away pin and lube it up if needed.


--kev

[digNbubbs]

I moved my BreakBuddy break-away switch to my new vehicle this weekend and gave it a tug after I had it installed. It was all I could do to pull the pin out of the switch. I found that there was corrosion around the o-ring at the front of the pin, which "fused" the pin to the switch.

I removed the o-ring and lubed it with some waterproof silicon grease (same stuff I use on my toilet gasket), cleaned the inside of the switch, then pushed and pulled the pin a few times to make sure everything was working properly.

Prior to pulling that pin this past weekend, I suppose I took it for granted that it would work. I think if I would have needed the break-away, it would have pulled the whole switch housing away from the bumper, and not activating the brakes. So, I thought I would just give a reminder to check the break-away pin and lube it up if needed.


--kev

[paz]

Thanks for the reminder. I used to pull the pin of my breakaway switch every so often to check it, but I have forgotten about it for a while now. I will go out and check it later today. This is a good idea for any breakaway switch, even on travel trailers and 5th wheels. Also, the silicone plumber's grease is a good idea.

The other thing I used to do, but have forgotten recently, is to yank up and down on the connector pins for the tow bar on the toad to make sure none of the bolts on the base plate were working loose.

[AL]

Hi All,

Hey digNbubbs & Paz, Thanks for both of these reminders, and I will be sure to check them both out before I hook up & head south !!!

[Captain Bud]

I'll check mine in the AM,never thought about it, thanks for the reminder...

[bill carle]

Just checked my Brake Buddy today and found the Break Away stuck. Took a couple of minutes to get it freed and lubed. Thanks for the reminder. It never ceases to amaze me how many things I have learned from this great web site and the knowledgeable and gracious people who share their experiences.