Living in vans, cars, RVs, etc

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We're not homeless, we're houseless! By choice or by circumstance we are living in our vehicles. Don't worry about us -- it can be a very good life.

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emergency guide to suddenly living in a vehicle <-- start here if you don't have a choice in the matter
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Trailer brake circuit breaker advice. (lemmy.world)

submitted 8 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

1 comments fedilink hide all child comments

We're preparing to move about 1000mi.

I'm getting my truck ready to tow a trailer for our three potbelly pigs, two cats and a dog.

'98 Ranger XLT with 4.0L V6, auto trans. Rated for 5900lbs tow, 9500 gross. Even has the overdrive disable and good rear end ratio.

I'm adding a Redarc Liberty brake control. The 7-way plug kit I got includes 30 and 40 amp auto reset breakers for the control and trailer power.

Here's the thing. I don't like the idea of an automatically resetting breaker at 30 amps or more due to the risk of fire or frying the electronics in my truck. I would prefer to install manual reset breakers. I understand that an auto reset would might allow some brake capability in the event of a short and that is why they are used. I just don't feel like the auto breaker justification is that likely vs the other risks of auto breakers.

How long does it take the auto breakers to reset?

What are the real world risks using manual reset breakers?

Opinions/thoughts greatly appreciated!

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 months ago

Auto breakers may reset with a supply voltage cycle or based on time once they cool down(seconds if the draw returns within limits). Which one depends on the exact model.

Biggest problem with a manual reset is not knowing it cut power and getting pulled over for inop trailer lights or the risk of getting out of the vehicle while on the highway to reset.

If you are just towing a simple trailer, neither route matters because you would never hit that limit without a failure. If you are towing a camper, then I would personally wouldn't care because I would have the whole thing behind a fuse and the power in the camper would be off so only the required lights are going.