Breakaway cable length?

[Morganic]

Is there a standard length for a break away cable?

 

[Guest]

There are 2 lengths. One is designed to clip directly to the ring on the tow vehicle, the other is designed to loop round the tow hitch and clip on itself.

If possible try to use the one recommended by the van manufacturer, although both will work.

 

[Robtel]

I didn't realise they came in different lengths, I recently changed mine to the alko heavy duty type that clips directly onto a fitting on the tow bracket. I had changed my car and new vehicle came with detachable towball, the wrap around technique is not recommended for these. I thought the main difference in the breakaway cables was in the type of clip used.
I bought it directly from Alko's website, inexpensive and very prompt delivery.

 

[Guest]

As a world trained cynic I am not really too sure what exactly the breakaway cable will achieve. It is supposed to apply the brakes if the van parts from the tow vehicle but at any speed a the tow hitch will drop to the ground long before it stops and to my mind is far more likely to cartwheel into the air. Also I woudl not say the brakes on the van are as efficient as say car brakes so stopping 1.5 tons of van? Hmmm?

Anyway fit a cable and be happy.

 

[DerektheSecond]

As a world trained cynic I am not really too sure what exactly the breakaway cable will achieve. It is supposed to apply the brakes if the van parts from the tow vehicle but at any speed a the tow hitch will drop to the ground long before it stops and to my mind is far more likely to cartwheel into the air. Also I woudl not say the brakes on the van are as efficient as say car brakes so stopping 1.5 tons of van? Hmmm?

Anyway fit a cable and be happy.

I was wondering about that I thought I was missing something, two wheels it would have to be very well balanced 🙂

 

[jonmelkay]

I always believed that the break away cables on trailers was meant to keep the trailer in the vicinity of the towing vehicle if they became separated and stop the trailer ploughing into other vehicles or the scenery. As mentioned above any braking effect it managed to cause would be minimal and might just alert the driver.