Breakaway cable advice

[Linda_374232561]

I need some reassurance to save me worrying over the holiday...

We keep our caravan at a storage site. When we unhitched there after a weekend away last week, I mistakenly told my husband to move the car away from the caravan when the breakaway cable was still attached. Of course he was only doing 2 miles an hour, but nevertheless the cable snapped before I could stop him.

It was dark and raining, so I didn't do anything about it at the time.

Once the legs were down, I took off the handbrake, as I always do.

I won't be able to visit the caravan again until an hour or two before we go away at New Year, so I'll only have a short amount to time to fix things before our next holiday.

Two questions: I know I can easily buy a new breakaway cable from the local caravan shop. Bit is it going to be easy to fit? What should I expect to do, and will I need tools?

Secondly: I know that pulling on the cable would have engaged the caravan brake. Will taking off the handbrake have disengaged this brake (is it all the same brake) or will I need to do something else to get the brake off again?

I'm worried that having engaged the caravan brake by pulling on the cable, I won't be able to get it off again.

I'm sure these are all stupid questions, but if someone could set me straight I could enjoy Christmas!

 

[Heidi_374226052]

Hi Linda,just answerd you on the other forum.

Heidi's hubby.

 

[Steve L]

HI Linda.

First of all the break away cable did it's designed job. It is designed to activate the braking mechanisum via the hand brake on the van, and then the cable will snap to prevent the caravan following the car.

Replacement is quite simple. Tools required are:- strong cable cutters or a hack saw, a small adjustable spanner, an old rug or blanket to lie down on.

1/ Cut away the remaining cable from the hand brake mechanisum using the cutters or a hacksaw.

2/ Refit the new cable and apply the cable clamp, adjusting the length with the car hitched to the van. The length should be such that with the cable clipped to the car attatchment point (not looped round the tow ball neck), the slack length of cable should allow full turn movement of the car/caravan without the cable dragging on the floor.

3/ Tighten the clamp with the spanner and trim off any excess cable.

I've changed one in about 20 mins. The most awkward bit is setting the length as you are working under the A frame which with the van hitched has very limited clearence with the floor. What I did to get over this was to mark the cable length with a permanent marker. Un couple the van and then wind down the jockey wheel fully to get more hitch height. Then by assembling the cable as described before but to the pen marks, it was much easier to do.

Steve.

 

[vauxhall2]

hi,take the old cable when you go to buy one.some are longer or shorter.if i remember correct red is the longer one.

 

[Lol1]

Hi Linda, good advice has already been given. I would like to add that the breakaway cable may be fitted to your caravan with something as simple as a circlip. Your new one may be too, but don't be fooled into thinking it's an easy job as they are very strong and tight to open. If you do have a circlip, you're going to need something with a flat blade to lever the clip open, a screwdriver may do it, but be aware it might slip.

 

[Lol1]

Hi Linda, good advice has already been given. I would like to add that the breakaway cable may be fitted to your caravan with something as simple as a circlip. Your new one may be too, but don't be fooled into thinking it's an easy job as they are very strong and tight to open. If you do have a circlip, you're going to need something with a flat blade to lever the clip open, a screwdriver may do it, but be aware it might slip.

Not sure if the name of it is circlip, but it's the same as the ring found on a bunch of keys.

 

[MikeP]

Hi Linda, good advice has already been given. I would like to add that the breakaway cable may be fitted to your caravan with something as simple as a circlip. Your new one may be too, but don't be fooled into thinking it's an easy job as they are very strong and tight to open. If you do have a circlip, you're going to need something with a flat blade to lever the clip open, a screwdriver may do it, but be aware it might slip.

You're right, it's not a circlip. What would you call it? A split ring?

 

[Steve L]

Lol has a good point there.

I'd grip the ring with "mole grips" and use a flat bladed screwdriver to prise open the ring.

Be very cautious as one slip and you can all too easily stab yourself with the screw driver.

I must admit I cut these rings off and use hte cable clamp method myself.

Steve.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Hi Steve I noted the hacksaw in yout original reply and it reminded me how hard is was to open the clip when I did it.

Its worth spending a few pence more and getting the carabiner type of clip that can be attached directly rather than attached to the looped cable.

Have a look here

http://www.al-ko.co.uk/edit/files/support/Proddata35.doc

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Its also worth getting the new one with a ring like a keyring as the one I had needed considerable force to close the gap.

I had to devise a clamp using 2 1/4in steel plates and couple of bolts.

Just couldn't get the caravan up to the bench vice somehow

 

[vauxhall2]

hi all,having the same problem,i have the new cable to hand but the old one is proving to be a problem.i can use force but this will damage the handbrake hole location.the only other way is as said cut it off,or i think i try using two vice plyers.he new has a large key ring type fitting.

 

[vauxhall2]

try using two vice plyers.mole grips should have said.......

 

[Oldfogey]

I attached my new one using a stainless steel shackle between the handbrake and the "key ring" - easy, secure, and no rsik of weakening the key ring.