Break away switches/systems

[myshaggydog]

I have a question about breakaway switches for auxillary brake systems. Do you need a specific brand brake away switch/system to match the brand of the auxillary brake system? Example: Brake buddy braking systems - do I need to use a brake buddy break away system as well or could I use a blue ox break away system?

[phinneyj]

From what I learned installing my Brakemaster and Break away switch in my Honda Fit is that the switch itself is electrically wired to an activation switch. In my case the switch triggers a valve that shuts off air supply from the coach and opens a dump valve on a small pressurized air canister. This provides the air pressure to fully depress the pneumatic ram attached to the brake pedal. So I would think that activation systems are specific to the manufacture. Without researching it further FWIW.

Personally I would stay with the same manufacturer on all components, including the break away system. These systems are engineered to work together. Introducing a foreign component into the system my not be the best course of action.

[MSHappyCampers]

No, the breakaway system is separate from the braking system.

[wa8yxm]

There are some systems that are non-electrical and I can not tell you about those, but on the ones with a break away SWITCH (Electrical) it is a SPST normally closed clothspin type switch with something between the "Jaws" to prevent it from closing,,, (the plastic plug).

you pull the plug the jaws snap closed and the circuit is complete.

Near as I can tell they all work that way.


HOWEVER: sticking with OEM means that if the system fails, they can not stand there as 3 technicians did one day in my office and say "It is HIS FAULT" it does not work (each pointing to someone else).

The next day (One of them proved who's fault it was) it worked.

[myshaggydog]

Thanks all for your replies. I think to be safe I will buy the same OEM for which ever system I decide on.