#1 Recommended Breakaway Kit

[Rick M]

Was wondering if those of you experienced with breakaway kits have a recommended brand/kit. I found this thread from back in 2005 about which single axle on a tandem trailer to install brakes on and the resulting conversation went all over the map about various laws regarding the issue.

I bought my 25' 14K GVWR gooseneck in the late 90's and it came with brakes only on the rear axle and no breakaway kit. I have since found out that this trailer left the manufacturing company with multiple violations. Federal DOT requires the breakaway kit on all trailers with electric brakes and MS state law requires brakes on all wheel on trailers with GVWR of 2001 lbs or more. The manufacturer is MS based, so it really speaks poorly of our state regulators that the company has to kahunas to let the product leave the plant in violation of state and federal DOT rules.

Anyway, I am adding brakes to the front axle and getting a breakaway kit and figured I might as well seek the combined experiences of those on TDS as to whether there is one preferred and recommended breakaway kit.

[LMJD]

I just went and looked on my PJ gooseneck flatbed and it's a TAP breakaway system. Looks to be better quality than the ones on my horse trl. and gooseneck travel tlr. However, I'm one of those bad guys, been towing frequently since the '70's and never hooked a breakaway up yet.

25' 14K GVWR gooseneck in the late 90's and it came with brakes only on the rear axle

Wow, that's weird on one that big. My 20 footer has'em on both and came with big 235X85R16 tires like my P.U. takes.

[Rick M]

Mine had 7.50-16 bias Chinese tires but now I've got 265-75-16 Firestone radials on it, same as came on the truck. Ran the take offs for awhile, but after a blowout just went ahead and put new on all 4 corners.

I guess it is just the level of quality of the manufacturer and dealer that would explain the way it was equipped when delivered. For that matter though, all of the 16' tandem trailers sold these days have 2 3500 lb axles and it should not be legal for them to leave the dealer without brakes on both axles along with the breakaway system, but unless you specify and special order one they do not come that way here in the South East USA.

Thanks for the TAP report.

[LMJD]

Your welcome. I just looked again and TAP is the brand name, but below it, it says Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. That might help with your search.

My tires are foreign too, not Hankook but something like that. If looks mean anything, they look as "meaty" as my Michelins and so far they've held up real well. My PJ (the one in my Webshots) was made in Kansas and I was really surprised when I picked it up down in Casper. The price was very low compared to others and I just wanted something lowend mainly to haul my yearly horse hay, but it came with dual landing gear, a tool/chain box, side step, hand hold and other extras.

[durantdiesel]

Basically you want a breakaway kit with a charger and a push button light that will show battery status when you push it. As for the trailer industry you wouldn't believe some of the garbage that is produced. I am in it and see it all the time 1 brake axle, used tires, welding that looks like a bird flew over and left it. Trailers side tracking terribly. There is alot of junk out there although the downturn in the trailer market will weed alot t=of these guys out, it is happening already from what the steel mill reps are telling me.