Breakaway cable too long

[g1]

My new breakaway cable is longer than the original and if it goes from the towbar direct to the brake lever coupling it touches the ground. At the moment I pass it through the A frame cover to "use up" a bit of the slack but this doesn't seem right as it's not direct. Is it acceptable to shorten the cable with a loose knot or loop in it's length to take up the slack?

Cheers , Wes

 

[Guest]

I feel you should really try to get the correct cable. If your van is a standard make then a correct replacement should be avialable pretty easily. Do not tie knots in it and as you state it should run as straight as possible between the hitch and the tow eyelet.

 

[MikeA]

Hi Wes,

Apologies in advance if I am teaching grannie ...... but are you looping it back on itself correctly and not just clipping it onto the eyelet near the towbar? Here is a link to the caravan club advisory leaflet on how to route it.

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/NR/rdonlyres/28B9CDDE-B6B0-409B-AD38-EC2DE90F51E4/0/CorrectAttachmentofBreakawayCables.pdf
Most breakaway cable clips are not strong enough for the direct clip to the towbar eye and must be threaded through and clipped back onto the breakaway cable itself.

Cheers

Mike A

 

[g1]

Hi Wes,

Apologies in advance if I am teaching grannie ...... but are you looping it back on itself correctly and not just clipping it onto the eyelet near the towbar? Here is a link to the caravan club advisory leaflet on how to route it.

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/NR/rdonlyres/28B9CDDE-B6B0-409B-AD38-EC2DE90F51E4/0/CorrectAttachmentofBreakawayCables.pdf
Most breakaway cable clips are not strong enough for the direct clip to the towbar eye and must be threaded through and clipped back onto the breakaway cable itself.

Cheers

Mike A

I've looked at the advice sheet. I see your point. I guess you mean loop it round the towball neck? I can't loop it through the eyelet, it's too big. How Are you supposed to know if the clip is strong enough or not. It says consult the van manufacturer but obviously the cable isn't the original anyway.

Cheers , Wes

 

[TD42]

there are 2 types of clips on breakaway cables,1 has a solid moving section & can be hooked direct to the tow bar eye.

The other clip has a moving section made from spring steel, this must be clipped back on its self as conditions can arise where it wil break away without pulling on the brake if connected to the tow bar eye direct

Tony