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Trailer brake circuit breaker advice. (lemmy.world)

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

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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 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] 1 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (10 children)

7-way kit is ETBC7 from etrailer. Breakers included are Pollak PK54230 and PK54240. These are thermal overload breakers and typical of 12V auto reset breakers. They get hot and a bimetallic strip flips up breaking the circuit.

These breakers are used instead of a fuse. That's why I'm thinking of using manual reset.

I can just see them ticking away if there was an unattended short.

Edit: Also, the instructions on that ETBC7 kit include grounding directly to the battery. I assume, since so many people suck at electrical, that's the safest way to ensure there is a proper ground. I'll be making my own good ground somewhere with bare metal.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago (3 children)

Just put an additional fuse rated just higher than the circuit breaker inline

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago (2 children)

In case of a fused breaker?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Your fear is burning your truck down because of the breaker auto-resetting and causing a program, right? Adding a fuse before the breaker will allow the breaker to operate normally. But if it's a serious problem, like an actual short and not a temporary overcurrent, the fuse will blow and not reset.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago

That's a pretty good idea. I've got Maxi fuses in 40 and 50amp values. Maxis are slow blow, IIRC. May do this.

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