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Old 04-19-2021, 03:26 PM   #1
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Need advice on testing breakaway switch

Testing the switch - hook the electrical plug from the rv to my jeep, start the rv, pull the pin to see if the jeep brakes activate. Does this sound right? The system is roadmaster invisibrake. I want to make sure I got this right before I try. Thanks for any replies.
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Old 04-19-2021, 03:40 PM   #2
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That's sort of the way I test mine, but I have a M&G air system so it doesn't have to be connected. I pull the pin and see if I can roll the Jeep with it out of gear. With the Invisibrake you should see the brake pedal move when you activate the breakaway. If I'm not mistaken, it should operate without being hooked up to the motor home. If it were to break away, then it should operate independently.
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Old 04-19-2021, 03:42 PM   #3
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You do need electrical connected to the coach. Think about it...the brakes need to be applied when the toad breaks away from the coach.

Who installed the brake system?
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Old 04-19-2021, 04:18 PM   #4
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As long as your invisibrake system switch is turned on and receiving 12 volts, it should activate and depress the brake peddle when you pull out the brakeaway switch, even without having the RV umbilical hooked up. Same as my Demco Stay-IN-Play DUO brake system.
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Old 04-19-2021, 04:46 PM   #5
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I found out the hard way that the pin would not pull out. I then tried pliers and broke the loop off the end where the cable connects to it. I read the instructions again and it says the electrical cord from the rv needs to be connected. So if anyone has tested this on an invisibrake equipped toad that would be helpful information I need.

I have installed a new breakaway switch and would like to test it without breaking it. The instructions do not say if the rv needs to be running. Just connected as if I were towing. I am thinking the switch will not release without power applied to it, but that it becomes a bit easier to release with power applied.

The system was installed by Portsmouth trailer. I will try to call tomorrow.
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Old 04-19-2021, 05:03 PM   #6
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Do not hook up the electrical plug for your test. They will disconnect when it breaks away. If you have an air line let the air tank charge and disconnect the air line before the test.
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Old 04-19-2021, 05:22 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles L View Post
Testing the switch - hook the electrical plug from the rv to my jeep, start the rv, pull the pin to see if the jeep brakes activate. Does this sound right? The system is roadmaster invisibrake. I want to make sure I got this right before I try. Thanks for any replies.
Yup. I once found a blown compressor fuse on my Stay-IN-Play DUO that way. The car had just come back from the dealer so I figure they were messing with it. It never blew before or after.

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Old 04-19-2021, 05:32 PM   #8
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I found out the hard way that the pin would not pull out. I then tried pliers and broke the loop off the end where the cable connects to it. I read the instructions again and it says the electrical cord from the rv needs to be connected. So if anyone has tested this on an invisibrake equipped toad that would be helpful information I need.

I have installed a new breakaway switch and would like to test it without breaking it. The instructions do not say if the rv needs to be running. Just connected as if I were towing. I am thinking the switch will not release without power applied to it, but that it becomes a bit easier to release with power applied.

The system was installed by Portsmouth trailer. I will try to call tomorrow.
The brakeaway switch is nothing more than a pair of electrical contacts separated by the plastic pullaway shaft. When you pull it out, the two contacts snap together allowing 12 volts to activate your invisibrake.
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Old 04-19-2021, 05:39 PM   #9
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I believe the electrical needs to be hooked up. I have no tank. I believe when the rv brake is applied it activates the invisibrake mounted in the jeep, which activates a vacuum pump (or compressor) to apply the jeep brakes by a mechanical cable / pulley fixed to the jeep brake pedal arm. Once the pin gets pulled the jeep 12 volt system keeps the brakes on.

Since I am not 100% sure that I am correct I think I should contact roadmaster or the shop that set this up. I was hoping someone on the forum would have the same setup and had tested it to clarify this for me.
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Old 04-19-2021, 05:43 PM   #10
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As long as your invisibrake system switch is turned on and receiving 12 volts, it should activate and depress the brake peddle when you pull out the brakeaway switch, even without having the RV umbilical hooked up. Same as my Demco Stay-IN-Play DUO brake system.
I could not pull my pin. I tried pliers and broke the loop off the end. How do you pull the pin out properly?
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Old 04-19-2021, 06:16 PM   #11
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I have an Inviibrake equipped Jeep. The Invisibrake is powered by the Jeep battery. You may have a charge line from the 12v in the umbilical to your toad battery depending on your install.


If I pull the pin on my inviibrake breakaway, the Invisibrake applies the brakes. In mine, if I leave the driver door open (mine is installed under my driver seat), I can hear it going.
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Old 04-19-2021, 06:19 PM   #12
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I could not pull my pin. I tried pliers and broke the loop off the end. How do you pull the pin out properly?


Sounds like yours was stuck. It takes a little force but not enough to break. I carry a spare and test the breakaway once a month.
You may need to replace the complete unit of it was truly stuck that bad.
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Old 04-19-2021, 06:23 PM   #13
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I have an Inviibrake equipped Jeep. The Invisibrake is powered by the Jeep battery. You may have a charge line from the 12v in the umbilical to your toad battery depending on your install.


If I pull the pin on my inviibrake breakaway, the Invisibrake applies the brakes. In mine, if I leave the driver door open (mine is installed under my driver seat), I can hear it going.
How hard is it to pull the pin? I could not get the pin out and ended up breaking the loop off the pin. I have since replaced the switch but have not tested it yet. I am afraid to break it again. The switch was hard to get at the bolt and connection to replace it.

I got it now. Pulled the pin and the brake activated. My old one that broke and the new one I installed were both missing the metal ring. I installed a key ring and pulled it with my finger. It is all good now. Thank you everyone for helping me.
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Old 04-19-2021, 06:27 PM   #14
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I could not pull my pin. I tried pliers and broke the loop off the end. How do you pull the pin out properly?

I can pull mine out with my fingers.
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