Ensure that the cable is not so tight that it is at risk of activating the brakes while the towing vehicle is in motion and not so loose that it may drag on the ground.It should not be possible for even the slightest snag to occur. Make sure the cable cannot become tangled with the electricity cable, coupling head, jockey wheel, stabiliser, cycle carrier or any other piece of equipment.When attached, the breakaway cable should also be regularly inspected as follows: Contact the manufacturer or supplier if in any doubt as to the condition of the cable or clip.Inspecting both cable and clip for any signs of damage or wear and tear.

The checks which should be carried out include: Maintaining a breakaway cableĪs with other equipment, the breakaway cable must be checked regularly for damage, and definitely before each use. It is recommended to practise the fitting of the breakaway cable at least once prior to your first towing journey.

Cable which is damaged, no matter how minor, should be replaced immediately.

The breakaway cable must not be able to come into contact with the electrical cable or any external stabiliser which is in use, as they may become tangled.

Check that the cable is long enough not to attempt to apply the brakes while the towing vehicle is moving (including around corners) but short enough not to come into contact with the road or become tangled on another object.

Ensure there are no kinks or loops in the cable.

Before using either of these arrangements, check the manufacturer’s guidance.

With some breakaway cables it may be possible to attach to either a permanent part of the towbar or caravan or to a purpose-built attachment accessory.

If the ball on the towbar is detachable, seek the manufacturer’s advice before attaching a breakaway cable.

If there are no appropriate holes or loops on the towbar, the cable should be looped around the neck of the towbar, under the coupling head and clipped back on to itself.

A direct attachment clip normally includes a heavy-duty carabiner. This is permissible only where the cable has been specifically designed for direct attachment. Do not clip the breakaway cable directly to the attachment point, as this may cause it to malfunction.

Loop the cable through the relevant hole and double back on itself.

Make sure the cable is routed directly to the car and through any guides in the caravan’s drawbar.

The cable will normally be constructed using a thin steel cable and a plastic coating. This applies to all caravans, trailers and similar structures which were manufactured after 1982. It is a legal requirement for a breakaway cable to be correctly fitted to all caravans with a maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM) of between 750kg and 3500kg. While you may not think this is a regular occurrence, the number of reported instances increased by 80% in 2014. The function of a breakaway cable is pretty much as the name suggests – it is a cable whose purpose is to apply the brakes and then break away should the caravan become disconnected from the towing vehicle.

If we don’t have a guide you need, let us know and we’ll do what we can to fill the gap.įor now, here’s the Lifesure guide to breakaway cables. Don’t let the technical side of caravanning put you off – just remember we are here with our range of guides to just about everything you need to know. Between abbreviations, jargon and the sheer volume of new equipment you never even knew existed, it can be a lot to learn.

Entry into the world of caravanning will soon open your eyes to what can seem like an entire new language (as you have more than likely realised by now).

Trailer brake breakaway cable