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Trailer brake circuit breaker advice. (self.cars)

submitted 3 months ago by Machinist to c/cars

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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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[–] Machinist 3 points 3 months ago

I'm very much a RTFM guy myself. So much so that I'm getting a front plate that says RTFM. It always amazes me when people kill good equipment through lack of easy maintenance that is clear in the documentation or can't solve a simple problem because they didn't look at the instructions. My career is now based on my ability to implement what the instructions say (thus the plate).

I don't always follow the instructions; but I damn well know when I'm violating them, and why, as well as assessing the risks as best I can. That's why I'm asking: the instructions didn't make sense to me but I'm not an electrician or automotive engineer.

I'm real picky about my truck. It has a few dents and paint chips but is pretty cherry. 190k miles. It just got a clean bill of health from a trans shop and I had them add a trans cooler. About to replace plugs, wires. Doing my own hitch install because I don't trust most shops to drill my frame or torque correctly. Also going to try and find an oil leak. Getting a few drops a day. Hope it's something simple.

My truck has only surface rust as it has never been on salted roads. I've got a 500watt amp under the seat grounded to the cab and I downgraded the fuse to 30amps because it didn't need the 50watt or whatever it was the kit came with.

My gut says that running the ground to the battery and using an auto reset breaker are a bad idea. However, my gut can be wrong and I'll ground to the battery and use the auto reset breakers.

Thank you very much for the advice!