How to replace a damaged breakaway cable

[LizziePope]

Breakaway cables are small but critical items for all caravanners. Read our guide to fitting a replacement.

 

[Damian]

Having changed numerous breakaway cables, whilst Nigel makes it sound easy using mole grips, it is not !!
You need hand muscles like a monster as the clip is very hard material and does not like bending.
So, if you use moles, you need the biggest pair you can find and even then I is very difficult.
I used a small vice with a extension tube on the handle, and that was hard enough.

 

[Anseo]

Having changed numerous breakaway cables, whilst Nigel makes it sound easy using mole grips, it is not !!
You need hand muscles like a monster as the clip is very hard material and does not like bending.
So, if you use moles, you need the biggest pair you can find and even then I is very difficult.
I used a small vice with a extension tube on the handle, and that was hard enough.

I very much concur Damien, donkeys years ago I bought a pair of 20" adjustable pliers for pushing back brake cylinders on brake calipers, they proved invaluable for other purposes, effortless squeeze and no white knuckles 😛

Pretty much like these, and worth every penny of the 20 quid or so I paid for them, and can be bought for around the same price today, some things really are cheaper nowadays 🙂

https://www.gemplers.com/product/134208/Giant-20-1-4L-Adjustable-Pliers

 

[VicMallows]

While on the subject, does anyone know a source of the type of cable with an 'L' shaped end as used on BPW/Witerhof ZAF1 hitches? They seem unobtainable. I guess a fork/clevis type fitting will work, assuming the pin diameter is suitable.

 

[Raywood]

I have replaced a couple. Routing it is straightforward enough if you look, but it needs some effort to fit so if you have issues with that either borrow someone who is fit or get it done for you by a repairer.