Breakaway switch maintenance

[GreyGhost]

I have just replaced a 4 year old brake Buddy breakaway switch which no longer worked. I want to do a better job of maintaining the new one.

Some say put dielectric grease in it, others say that will cause it to not work.

How do you maintain your breakaway switch to keep it from corroding?

I appreciate any and all suggestions

Thank you
Earl

 

[Rollin Ollen]

I have just replaced a 4 year old brake Buddy breakaway switch which no longer worked. I want to do a better job of maintaining the new one.

Some say put dielectric grease in it, others say that will cause it to not work.

How do you maintain your breakaway switch to keep it from corroding?

I appreciate any and all suggestions

Thank you
Earl

I check mine periodically. I have discovered over the years that the spring gets rusty and the contacts do get a bit corroded. Because we full time, I carry a spare. When it does not work properly I just replace. (you can use a generic) They are reasonably inexpensive and I don't feed the entire wire into the cab. I have a plug that I splice in when replacing a new one. https://www.amazon.com/Breakaway-El...losed-Accessories/dp/B0DMZJDXDW/?tag=rvf01-20

 

[GreyGhost]

I check mine periodically. I have discovered over the years that the spring gets rusty and the contacts do get a bit corroded. Because we full time, I carry a spare. When it does not work properly I just replace. (you can use a generic) They are reasonably inexpensive and I don't feed the entire wire into the cab. I have a plug that I splice in when replacing a new one. https://www.amazon.com/Breakaway-El...losed-Accessories/dp/B0DMZJDXDW/?tag=rvf01-20

Thanks for your response
Unfortunately the brake Buddy switch is a normally closed switch and can not be replaced with the type you are using. I was unable to locate a brake Buddy breakaway switch so e trailer (great company) warranted my unit out and replaced the whole thing as they could not get just a breakaway switch either. Without the brake Buddy switch the unit is inoperable.

This is why I am seeking out a way of protecting it from corrosion due to water penetration.

Thanks for responding with what is great advice for normal breakaways

 

[Rollin Ollen]

Thanks for your response
Unfortunately the brake Buddy switch is a normally closed switch and can not be replaced with the type you are using. I was unable to locate a brake Buddy breakaway switch so e trailer (great company) warranted my unit out and replaced the whole thing as they could not get just a breakaway switch either. Without the brake Buddy switch the unit is inoperable.

This is why I am seeking out a way of protecting it from corrosion due to water penetration.

Thanks for responding with what is great advice for normal breakaways

So.... just an FYI I had the Brake Vantage. It lasted almost 10 years. It died, Now I have a Brake Buddy Select Three. The brake away switch works the exactly the same for both. I know for absolute sure that it is an open circuit until you pull the plug. It then closes the circuit actuating the brake. The only difference between the two systems was that the Vantage had a separate wire that you had to run thru the dash to plug into the control unit. The Select Three has integrated the brake away wiring into one cable.

Brake Buddy® Break-Away System - Brake Buddy

Accessories Add-ons and Replacement Parts < Accessories 39340 Brake Buddy® Break-Away System Includes junction box, wiring harness and coiled cable […]

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