Understanding Breakaway Cables: Purpose, Function, and Safety Benefits
Breakaway cables are essential safety devices used in towing systems, particularly with trailers and caravans. Though small and often overlooked, these cables play a critical role in preventing accidents by acting as a fail-safe in the event of trailer disconnection. This article delves into what breakaway cables are, how they work, and why they are crucial for road safety.
What Is a Breakaway Cable?
A breakaway cable is a thin steel wire with a clip on one end and a loop or pin on the other. It connects the towing vehicle (such as a car or truck) to the trailer’s braking system. Its primary purpose is to activate the trailer’s brakes automatically if the trailer becomes detached from the towing vehicle while in motion.
How Does a Breakaway Cable Work?
Breakaway cables are designed to engage the trailer’s emergency brake system. When connected properly, the cable is pulled taut if the trailer separates from the tow vehicle. This action pulls a pin from the trailer’s braking mechanism, triggering the trailer’s brakes and bringing it to a controlled stop.
Key components of the system include:
- The Cable: Made from strong, flexible steel wire, often coated in plastic for durability.
- Attachment Point: Clips securely to a fixed part of the towing vehicle, independent of the tow ball or hitch.
- Brake Pin Connection: The other end is inserted into the trailer’s brake system, usually electric or hydraulic.
Importance of Proper Installation
For a breakaway cable to function effectively, it must be correctly installed. It should be attached to a secure, non-detachable point on the tow vehicle, not simply looped around the tow ball, so it remains connected if the hitch fails. The cable must have enough slack for turning, but not so much that it drags on the ground.
Improper use can render the breakaway system ineffective, defeating its purpose and potentially leading to dangerous situations on the road.
Legal Requirements and Compliance
In many countries, the use of breakaway cables is a legal requirement for towing trailers above a certain weight (often 750 kg or more). Failure to use or incorrectly fitting a breakaway cable can result in fines, penalty points, or worse, serious accidents.
For example, in the UK and much of Europe, trailers fitted with a braking system must also be equipped with a breakaway cable. In the U.S., federal and state laws similarly mandate their use on trailers with electric brakes.
Safety Tips
- Inspect Regularly: Check the cable for wear, corrosion, or fraying.
- Secure Properly: Always attach to a dedicated towing eye or secure loop, not the tow ball.
- Keep It Tidy: Avoid slack that allows the cable to touch the ground or get caught in the hitch mechanism.
- Test Before Driving: Confirm that the breakaway system is connected and functional before every trip.
Conclusion
Though small and simple in design, breakaway cables are a crucial component in any towing setup. They serve as the last line of defence in a separation event, potentially saving lives and property. Whether you’re a seasoned haulier or an occasional tower of a holiday caravan, understanding and properly using a breakaway cable is not just good practice—it’s essential for safety and compliance.
The breakaway cable should always be clipped to the appropriate connection on the tow bar. Never loop the breakaway cable around the tow bar neck. The reason for this is, if the hitch is not correctly connected, the breakaway cable will bounce off with the hitch. The same would happen if the tow bar neck failed or became detached. Legally, the breakaway cable must be clipped to the tow bar.
Keep towing and keep safe
Ultimate Towbars
