Question Need help with BrakeBuddy breakaway switch

[GreyGhost]

Thank you all for any input you may have.
I am preparing for 2026 travel and was testing my BrakeBuddy breakaway and it’s not working. I proceeded to order a replacement and there are none to be found. Etrailer says it wont be available until November of 2026.

As I understand it this switch is a normally closed switch. Has any one rebuilt a brake Buddy breakaway switch or built one that will work.

The issue is all on the market are normally open switches.

Any ideas would be appreciated

Thank you

 

[redbaron]

You didn’t say if yours is the digital select or vantage. Amazon has both.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RCQZ1A?tag=rvf01-20

 

[GreyGhost]

Sorry about that, my Brake Buddy is a series 3.

 

[GreyGhost]

I am waiting for a response from etrailer and brake Buddy to see if I can cut the plugs off of the breakaway switch for the classic series and wire direct to existing wiring

 

[Rollin Ollen]

Thank you all for any input you may have.
I am preparing for 2026 travel and was testing my BrakeBuddy breakaway and it’s not working. I proceeded to order a replacement and there are none to be found. Etrailer says it wont be available until November of 2026.

As I understand it this switch is a normally closed switch. Has any one rebuilt a brake Buddy breakaway switch or built one that will work.

The issue is all on the market are normally open switches.

Any ideas would be appreciated

Thank you

Your brake away is more than likely an OPEN switch. When the plug is pulled it will close the circuit activating the plunger to set the brake. What is not working on yours? You can test the switch by pulling the plug then checking to see if you then have a closed circuit. Using a meter checking for continuity.

 

[Holdmybeer]

I think Brake Buddy break away swiitches are "NC" ( Normally Closed) type as opposed to "NO" ( Normally Open) type.. When the plug is pulled the circuit will open.

 

[GreyGhost]

Your brake away is more than likely an OPEN switch. When the plug is pulled it will close the circuit activating the plunger to set the brake. What is not working on yours? You can test the switch by pulling the plug then checking to see if you then have a closed circuit. Using a meter checking for continuity.

Thanks for your response but I am certain that this is a normally closed. Currently the brake buddy works as it should however when I pull the pin it does not activate the brakes.

 

[GreyGhost]

I think Brake Buddy break away swiitches are "NC" ( Normally Closed) type as opposed to "NO" ( Normally Open) type.. When the plug is pulled the circuit will open.

Thank you, this is correct. If it was an open system it would be easy to find a substitute switch