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Trailer brake circuit breaker advice. (self.cars)

submitted 8 months ago by Machinist to c/cars

12 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 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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[–] Three_word_reply 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

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

[–] Machinist 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

In case of a fused breaker?

[–] Three_word_reply 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.

[–] Machinist 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.