CURT’s Soft-Trac breakaway switches handle the DOT-required emergency brake activation for trailers over 3,000 lbs GTW. The clever part is the Soft-Trac 2’s clamp-on design — one bolt, no drilling, no cutting. Montana contractors pulling equipment trailers know the value of quick installation that doesn’t compromise frame integrity.
These switches compete directly with Tekonsha and Hopkins while offering a genuinely different mounting approach. The Soft-Trac line is particularly valued for straightforward installation and compatibility.
The No-Drill Advantage Changes Everything
The Soft-Trac 2’s one-bolt installation eliminates cutting or drilling. The clamp fits 3” wide x 1.5” tall frames and 2” frame rails. Compare that to traditional breakaway switches that require drilling through trailer frames — potentially creating rust points and weakening structural members.
The Soft-Trac 1 uses a bolt-on mounting system with a lockable battery case, while the Soft-Trac 2 features quick bolt-on installation on A-frame or jack posts. Both designs prioritize keeping installers from compromising trailer frames.
The 48” cable lanyard comes standard — long enough to reach from typical tongue-mounted positions to tow vehicle attachment points without stretching during turns.
Built for Montana’s Temperature Swings
Silver contact points provide superior electrical connection — a detail that matters when temperatures swing from -40°F to 100°F+. Cheap switches use basic copper contacts that corrode and fail. Silver resists oxidation.
The nylon case protects components from elements, while high-temp metal mounting tabs and nylon pull pins handle both summer heat radiating off asphalt and winter’s brittle cold. The Soft-Trac 2 adds a heavy-duty polyethylene battery case for extra durability.
The lockable battery case with mounting hardware addresses jobsite theft — a real concern when trailers sit unattended. The lockable design prevents both theft and corrosion.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Battery | 12V 5Ah Sealed Lead-Acid |
| Axle Capacity | Up to 3 axles (single, tandem, or triple) |
| Cable Lanyard Length | 48 inches |
| ST1 Case Dimensions | 5” L x 3-3/4” W x 3-3/8” H |
| ST2 Case Dimensions | 5” L x 3-1/4” W x 3-7/8” H |
| ST2 Clamp Size | Fits 3” wide x 1-1/2” tall frames; fits 2” frame rail |
| Warranty | One-Year Limited Warranty |
Model Comparison: ST1 vs ST2
The ST2 offers a top-load clamp-on design for easier (no-drill) installation compared to the side-load ST1. Both handle the same electrical loads and axle configurations, but mounting differs significantly.
Soft-Trac 1 models come as 52040 (with charger) or 52041 (without charger). Soft-Trac 2 models are 52028 (with charger) or 52026 (without charger). The charger models make sense for trailers that sit unused between jobs — keeping the battery topped off ensures the system works when needed.
Who Actually Needs This
Legally required for trailers with GTW of 3,000 lbs or more in most states. That covers most contractor equipment trailers, livestock trailers, and larger utility trailers. Montana’s agricultural and construction sectors run thousands of these trailers daily.
Compatible with both Soft-Trac 1 and Soft-Trac 2 kits, making replacement straightforward for existing CURT systems. Tekonsha offers similar 5Ah battery kits, but CURT Soft-Trac offers unique clamp-on cases.
The Bottom Line
Professional applications require quick and secure installation. The Soft-Trac 2’s no-drill clamp saves 20-30 minutes per installation while eliminating frame damage risks. DOT compliant for holding/breakaway situations keeps operators legal.
Average ratings of 4.6 to 4.7 stars based on eTrailer data reflect real-world satisfaction. Key praises include easy installation, quality construction, and perfect fit for replacement.
For Montana contractors running multiple trailers, standardizing on CURT’s clamp-on system simplifies maintenance and reduces installation labor. The silver contacts and weather-resistant design handle the state’s climate extremes better than budget alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I really need a breakaway switch on my equipment trailer in Montana?
Legally required for trailers with GTW of 3,000 lbs or more in most states. Montana follows federal DOT requirements. Beyond legal compliance, it’s cheap insurance against runaway trailer damage.
Q: What’s the actual difference between models with and without chargers?
Models 52040 and 52028 include battery chargers, while 52041 and 52026 do not. The charger maintains battery charge during storage. Trailers used weekly don’t need it — the battery stays charged through regular testing. Trailers that sit for months benefit from the charger option.
Q: How does the Soft-Trac 2’s clamp system hold up to road vibration?
The one-bolt installation creates a mechanical lock around the frame. Heavy-duty polyethylene battery case absorbs vibration. The mounting system has proven reliable across thousands of installations.
Q: Can these switches handle Montana’s temperature extremes?
High-temp metal mounting tabs and nylon pull pins are specifically designed for temperature extremes. Silver contact points for superior electrical connection maintain conductivity in cold weather when copper contacts might fail.
Q: What’s included in the complete kit?
Lockable battery case with mounting hardware, 12V 5Ah Sealed Lead-Acid battery, Nylon breakaway switch (52010), 48” cable lanyard. Battery charger included in models 52040 and 52028.
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