Time for a new breakaway cable

[lakelandterrier]

Hadn't looked at the breakaway cable on the trailer recently......a bit shocked when I saw the state of it I don't think it would have been very effective!

Methinks something in stainless steel cable, not the cheapest bit of wire the manufacturer can find might be better in the maritime environment

Any suggestions as to best supplier / grade / diameter required?

Trailer is a single axle braked Rapide rated at 1500kg.

[beerbelly]

I use a chain 8mm thick links going no where

[A1an]

Originally Posted by beerbelly

I use a chain 8mm thick links going no where

With a braked trailer?

[beamishken]

Most breakaway cables I've seen have been the cheap nasty type you could get a stainless cable spliced at a yacht candlers & use a small stainless carabineer
It needs to be thin enough to snap if the hitch does come off the ball
8mm chain I'm guessing is a safety chain on an unbraked trailer designed to keep the two together not just activate the park brake as on a braked trailer

[lakelandterrier]

Originally Posted by beamishken

It needs to be thin enough to snap if the hitch does come off the ball

I thought the cable should NOT break, but the tension applied through it if the trailer parts company with the tow hitch (or the tow hitch parts company with the tow vehicle) applies the trailer brake. That's also why it should be secured at a point that's not the tow hitch.

If the breakaway cable snaps there's nothing to apply the trailer brake so it would be pointless. Or do I misunderstand?

[John Kennett]

It should apply the hand brake then snap.

[beerbelly]

Originally Posted by A1an

With a braked trailer?

sorry I thought you meant it was a security cable incase the trailer came adrift of the tow bar

[bedajim]

I changed mine for one like this

BREAKAWAY BRAKE CABLE RED COATED FOR CARAVAN/TRAILER HEAVY DUTY QUICK RELEASE | eBay