It's Brent writing another trailer tip! Today I’m tackling something a lot of folks seem to overlook – the safety strap breakaway cable.
Now, I know what you're thinking—'That little cable? How important can it be?'
Well, mate, think of it like this: if your trailer decides to take an unscheduled holiday, the breakaway cable is the one thing saying, 'Nope, not today!'
It’s like the leash on your dog—sure, he looks like he’d come back if he ran off, but do you really want to take that chance?
So grab a beer and let’s chat about why you should never, ever hit the road without this thing properly hooked up.
What Exactly Is a Breakaway Cable?
The breakaway cable (also called a safety cable) is a thin steel wire that connects your trailer’s braking system to your towing vehicle. If the trailer detaches from the tow ball while you’re driving, the cable is designed to pull tight and activate the trailer’s brakes. This keeps the trailer from going down the road or into traffic.
Think of it as your last line of defence – your safety net. It’s not something you want to leave dangling loose or, even worse, completely unattached.
Step 1: How to Properly Attach the Breakaway Cable
Alright, so how do you actually use it? It’s super simple, but surprisingly, most people either don’t know how to do it properly or they just forget. Here’s how you can make sure your cable is set up right every time:
Locate the Breakaway Cable – On most trailers, it’ll be attached to the handbrake lever or near the coupling head. It’s a thin cable that usually has a loop or clip at the end.
Attach to a Secure Point – The other end of the breakaway cable needs to be attached to your vehicle’s tow bar or a solid part of the towing vehicle itself. A lot of people make the mistake of hooking it around the tow ball, but if the whole tow hitch fails (yep, it can happen!), the cable won’t do its job. You need to attach it to a fixed point independent of the tow ball.
Check the Slack – You want enough slack in the cable so that it doesn’t activate the brakes during tight turns, but not so much slack that it’s dragging on the road. Aim for just a little give – enough to handle turns but still ready to pull if things go wrong.
Step 2: Testing the Breakaway Cable
Now, I know you’re not planning for your trailer to detach, but it’s still a good idea to check the breakaway cable regularly. Before you head off, do a quick check to make sure the cable isn’t frayed, rusted, or damaged. It should be in good condition and securely attached to your vehicle.
If you’ve got a newer trailer with an electric braking system, you might have an automatic breakaway system. In that case, you can do a quick test by manually pulling the cable to ensure the brakes engage. Just don’t forget to reset it afterwards!
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Breakaway Cable
Here’s the deal, mate – the breakaway cable is a legal requirement for trailers over 750kg in the UK. So, if you’re towing a heavier load and you’re not using it, you could face a fine or penalty points on your licence. But more importantly, this little cable is a lifesaver – literally.
If your trailer ever detaches from your vehicle and the breakaway cable isn’t attached or working, you’ve got a massive, uncontrolled hazard flying down the road. With the cable properly in place, the trailer will brake and come to a safe stop instead of causing chaos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen it all when it comes to trailer towing, and here are a few common mistakes people make with the breakaway cable:
Hooking it to the tow ball – As I mentioned earlier, this is a no-no. The cable needs to be attached to a secure, fixed point on the vehicle, not the tow ball itself.
Not enough slack – Too tight a cable can engage the brakes when you’re just making a normal turn, which is annoying and unnecessary. Always give it a little bit of slack.
Ignoring wear and tear – Like any part of your towing setup, the breakaway cable needs to be in good shape. Replace it if it’s showing signs of damage or rust.
Don't let it fool you
Don’t let the small size of the breakaway cable fool you – this little guy is a crucial safety feature that can prevent serious accidents. Whether you’re towing for work or just heading out for a weekend trip, make sure your breakaway cable is securely attached and ready to do its job.
At Get Brent, we've got your back when it comes to all things trailers, whether you’re renting or buying. We make sure every trailer is in top-notch condition, including those safety essentials like the breakaway cable. So, next time you hitch up, take a minute to check that cable and keep your towing adventures safe.
Cheers,
Brent
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