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Includes push-to-test battery case, 12V 5-amp rechargeable battery, built-in battery charger, breakaway switch and mounting hardware
Includes push-to-test battery case, 12V 5-amp rechargeable battery, built-in battery charger, breakaway switch and mounting hardware
Warranty: One-Year Limited Warranty
Installation Time Exact (Minutes): 0
For any and all types of trailers with electric trailer brakes, a CURT breakaway kit provides you with the equipment you need to be prepared. We offers three different complete breakaway systems to accommodate various trailer sizes and meet your specific towing needs. All of our breakaway kits are tested for your safety and meet DOT requirements for holding and breakaway situations. The CURT Push-to-Test breakaway system adds convenience to your towing preparations with its integrated push-to-test battery case. With the push of a button, the special case uses LEDs to show whether or not the battery is properly charged for towing. When the battery low, its built-in charge function allows it to be easily recharged and ready for the next adventure. The battery offers 12 volts and 5 amps and uses a nylon breakaway switch for reliable activation. The battery case features a side-load design and is made from durable plastic to resist the elements. Nobody hitches up a trailer expecting a breakaway, but that doesn't mean you should tow unprepared. Be ready for anything with a CURT breakaway kit.

CURT offers a variety of high-quality trailer hitches and accessories for select vehicle models. Find the perfect fit for your towing needs at TowUniverse.
CURT, a Lippert brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit hitches, and each one is designed, welded, and coated in Wisconsin.
CURT is also a leader in flat towing products, as well as 5th wheel, gooseneck, and weight distribution hitches, ball mounts, electrical components, cargo solutions, and other towing accessories.
For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products®.'
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-9494Rediscover "Us" Time | Tested. Proven. Safe. Towing Products
The CURT 52042 is a breakaway kit that uses a 12V 5Ah gel cell battery to automatically engage a trailer's electric brakes if the trailer becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle while driving. When fully charged, the battery provides enough power to stop the trailer and allow time to add wheel chocks. The kit includes a push-to-test battery testing system to verify charge level before each use. The battery will recharge automatically when the trailer's 7-way electrical connector is connected to a running tow vehicle.
The CURT 52042 is designed for one or two axle trailers installed with electrical trailer brakes. Breakaway kits are generally required with a trailer of 3000 lbs. GTW or greater. However, you should check your local laws for specific requirements, as regulations vary by jurisdiction.
No. The manual explicitly states: "Do not use this kit as a parking brake." The breakaway battery, when fully charged, provides enough power to stop the trailer and allow time to add wheel chocks in a breakaway situation, but the trailer will not be held indefinitely by the breakaway kit.
The required tools are: drill, drill bit (9/32"), wire stripper, wire cutter, crimper, Phillips head screwdriver, waterproof butt connectors, and ring terminal.
The kit includes: one breakaway switch, one battery case with charger and push-to-test button, one 12V 5Ah gel cell battery, four self-tapping screws with hex head washer (1/4"-14 x 1-1/4"), and two self-tapping screws with hex head washer (1/4"-14 x 3/4").
Yes. You must drill a 9/32" hole in the trailer frame to mount the breakaway switch. Use caution when drilling to ensure there are no wires or other objects behind the drilling surface. The battery case mounting location does not require drilling if a suitable location on the trailer frame is available.
Position the breakaway switch on the tongue of the trailer so that the cable can reach the tow vehicle's trailer hitch safety chain eyelets. This positioning is critical for proper engagement of the switch. Drill a 9/32" hole in the trailer frame at the chosen location and mount the switch using the provided hardware. Do not over-tighten the bolt so the breakaway switch can pivot.
Find a suitable location on the trailer frame to mount the battery case. Mount it in a location that does not interfere with the switch's lanyard (cable).
Splice the blue wire from the breakaway switch to the blue trailer brake wire from the breakaway battery box. Splice the black wire from the breakaway switch into the trailer 7-way connector brake circuit. Note that the color of the brake circuit may vary from trailer to trailer, so identify the correct brake circuit on your specific trailer before splicing.
Splice the red battery positive wire from the breakaway battery box to the trailer 7-way connector 12V+ auxiliary power circuit. The color of the 12V+ auxiliary power circuit may vary from trailer to trailer. Attach the white wire from the breakaway battery box to the trailer chassis using a ring terminal. Ensure the attachment point is tight, clean, and free of paint and rust.
After completing all installation steps, do not perform the test with the trailer's 7-way connector connected to a tow vehicle. Safely lift the trailer off the ground using a jack and jack stands so the wheels can free spin. Spin a trailer wheel and pull the pin on the breakaway switch. The wheel should immediately stop spinning. Verify the brakes are applied by attempting to rotate the wheels. Leave the breakaway pin pulled with brakes applied for 15 minutes, then attempt to rotate the wheels again—they should still not spin. Reinsert the breakaway switch pin and safely lower the trailer. After testing, the breakaway battery will need to be recharged before first use.
Check the system prior to each use. Verify the battery is operating at proper voltage using the test button, check that the breakaway switch cables are not damaged from dragging on the ground and can move freely, and check that all connections are secure. Open or short circuits may result in a no-brake situation. Test the breakaway system by pulling firmly on the cable of the breakaway switch to confirm the battery activates the brakes.
The manual states that the average life on a battery charge is 9–12 months without maintenance charging. However, the battery will recharge automatically when the trailer's 7-way electrical connector is connected to a running tow vehicle.
When the red recharge LED is illuminated on the breakaway battery box, the battery requires charging. Connect the 7-way trailer electrical connector to a tow vehicle, turn the tow vehicle on, and leave it running for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the breakaway battery to recharge. After the charging cycle, turn the tow vehicle off and disconnect the 7-way connector. Wait two minutes before pressing the test button. The green "Fully Charged" LED should be illuminated when pressing the test button for five seconds.
It is recommended to remove the battery and use a battery maintainer if the trailer is going to be stored for a long period of time. This will help preserve the battery's charge and extend its lifespan.
Attach the breakaway switch cable to a suitable location on the frame of the tow vehicle. Do not attach it to mounting hooks, trailer safety chains, or the trailer ball. Ensure the cable is mounted in a location where it will not become dislodged from the tow vehicle and where it will not accidentally pull the breakaway switch pin during normal vehicle motion.
Disconnecting the trailer connector from the tow vehicle before testing the breakaway system is critical to avoid severe damage to the tow vehicle's electric brake controller. The test button should only be used when the trailer's 7-way connector is disconnected from the tow vehicle. Failure to do so may damage the system and prevent proper operation.
The test button should only be used when the trailer's 7-way connector is disconnected from the tow vehicle. Press and hold the test button for five seconds to check the charge level. A green "Fully Charged" LED indicates the battery is fully charged. A red recharge LED indicates the battery requires charging. Failure to disconnect the 7-way connector before using the test button may damage the system and prevent proper operation.
The yellow Charging LED may be illuminated on the breakaway battery box when the 7-way trailer electrical connector is plugged into the tow vehicle. This indicates the charging system is active and the battery is being recharged or maintained.
No. The CURT 52042 is designed for one or two axle trailers with electrical brakes, generally required for trailers of 3000 lbs. GTW or greater. Check your local laws for specific requirements.
Yes. You must drill a 9/32" hole in the trailer frame to mount the breakaway switch.
You need a drill with 9/32" bit, wire stripper, wire cutter, crimper, Phillips head screwdriver, waterproof butt connectors, and ring terminal.
No. The manual explicitly states: "Do not use this kit as a parking brake." It is designed only for emergency braking in a breakaway situation.
Connect the 7-way trailer connector to a running tow vehicle for 10–15 minutes. The red recharge LED indicates the battery needs charging; the green "Fully Charged" LED indicates it is ready.
Attach it to the tow vehicle frame. Do not attach it to mounting hooks, trailer safety chains, or the trailer ball.
Disconnecting the trailer connector before testing prevents damage to the tow vehicle's electric brake controller.
First, verify that the wiring connections are secure and that there are no open or short circuits, as these may result in a no-brake situation. Check that the blue wire from the breakaway switch is properly spliced to the blue trailer brake wire from the breakaway battery box, and that the black wire from the breakaway switch is properly spliced into the trailer 7-way connector brake circuit. Verify the battery has sufficient charge by pressing the test button—the green "Fully Charged" LED should be illuminated. If the red recharge LED is illuminated, charge the battery by connecting the 7-way connector to a running tow vehicle for 10–15 minutes. Also ensure the breakaway switch pin is fully installed before testing.
The red recharge LED indicates the breakaway battery requires charging. Connect the 7-way trailer electrical connector to a tow vehicle, turn the tow vehicle on, and leave it running for 10 to 15 minutes. After the charging cycle, turn the tow vehicle off and disconnect the 7-way connector. Wait two minutes, then press the test button. The green "Fully Charged" LED should now be illuminated.
Check the cable for damage and ensure it can move freely. The cable should be attached to a suitable location on the tow vehicle frame in a way that prevents it from becoming dislodged or dragging. Reposition the attachment point if necessary to keep the cable clear of the ground during normal vehicle motion.
| Part # | Loads From | Includes | Replacement Part # |
|---|---|---|---|
| Push-to-Test Breakaway Kits | |||
| 52044 | Top | Push-to-test, lockable battery case 12-volt 5-amp rechargeable battery Built-in battery charger Nylon breakaway switch Mounting hardware |
-- 52023 -- 52010 -- |
| 52042 | Side | Includes the same parts as 52044 | -- |
| Soft-Trac 1 Breakaway Kits | |||
| 52040 | Side | Lockable battery case 12-volt 5-amp rechargeable battery Nylon breakaway switch Battery charger Mounting hardware |
-- 52023 52010 52025 -- |
| 52041 | Side | Includes the same parts as 52040 Battery charger not included |
-- |
| Soft-Trac 2 Breakaway Kits | |||
| 52028 | Top | Lockable battery case with bracket 12-volt 5-amp rechargeable battery Nylon breakaway switch Battery charger |
52029 52023 52010 52025 |
| 52026 | Top | Includes the same parts as 52028 Battery charger not included |
-- |
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