Essential Steps for Attaching a Breakaway Cable to Your Towbar

When towing a trailer, safety must always come first. One key safety component is the breakaway cable. This cable helps activate the trailer's brakes if it becomes disconnected, preventing it from rolling away. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to attach a breakaway cable to your towbar, ensuring you have a safe towing experience.

Understanding the Breakaway Cable

Understanding the breakaway cable and its function is essential. The breakaway cable acts as a safety link between the trailer and the towing vehicle. If the trailer detaches while moving, the cable pulls a pin from the trailer's brake system, activating the brakes. This action brings the trailer to a stop, reducing the risk of accidents.

For instance, a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that properly functioning breakaway systems can prevent up to 75% of runaway trailer incidents. Such statistics highlight just how critical this simple feature is for towing safety.

Different Types of Breakaway Cables

When it comes to breakaway cables, there are several types to consider. Each type has its unique features and benefits.

Direct Clip-On (Spring Clip / Carabiner Style)

• The cable has a spring-loaded clip at the end.

• Clips directly onto a designated eyelet or hole on the towbar (never around the towball itself unless it’s specifically designed for that).

• Simple and secure if the towbar has a proper fixing point.

  
  

Looped Cable (No Clip, Just a Loop)

• The end is just a loop of cable.

• Designed to be threaded through a towbar’s eyelet and looped back through itself.

• Strong and secure but takes slightly longer to connect/disconnect.

  
  

Carabiner + Looped Cable Combination

• The cable has both a loop and a detachable carabiner clip.

• Flexible: you can clip directly to the towbar eye or remove the clip and use the loop-through method.

• Good if you tow with different vehicles.

  
  

Special Towball Attachment (Spring Ring or Clip-on Collar)

• Some cars/towbars (especially detachable or swan-neck towballs) don’t have a dedicated breakaway cable point.

• In this case, a special breakaway cable attachment plate or spring ring collar fits around the towball neck.

• Provides a proper fixing point for the breakaway cable.

  
  

Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before starting the installation process, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything ready will make the process smoother. Here’s a brief checklist:

• Breakaway cable kit

• Towbar

• Trailer

• Wrench or pliers

• Safety gloves

  
  

With these items on hand, you can minimize interruptions and focus on safely attaching the breakaway cable.

Locate the Towbar Connection Point

The first task in attaching the breakaway cable is locating the correct connection point on your towbar. Most towbars feature a designated spot for this cable, often close to the hitch or coupling mechanism.

To clarify the best attachment point, refer to your towbar's manual. Following the manufacturer's guidelines is crucial for maintaining safety throughout your towing experience.

Attach the Breakaway Cable

After finding the connection point, it’s time to attach the breakaway cable. Here is a straightforward approach:

Secure the Cable: Attach one end of the breakaway cable to the designated point on the towbar. Ensure it is tightly secured to avoid any movement during towing.

Route the Cable: Carefully route the cable toward the trailer. Be sure it is not tangled or pinched, as this could interfere with its functionality.

Connect to the Trailer: The remaining end of the breakaway cable should connect to the trailer, typically attaching it to a loop or bracket on the trailer frame.

Check for Slack: After connecting, check for slack in the cable. It should be taut but not overly tight, allowing some movement without jeopardizing safety.

What NOT to Do

• Don’t just loop the cable around the towball itself. The cable can slip off.

• Don’t leave slack in the cable—it should be long enough for turning, but not dragging.

  
  

Looping the breakaway cable around the towbar neck is a serious safety risk. Here’s why:

Purpose of the Breakaway Cable

The breakaway cable is designed to apply the trailer’s handbrake automatically if it becomes detached from the towing vehicle. This helps bring the trailer to a stop rather than letting it roll uncontrolled.

Risks if It’s Not Attached Correctly

• No emergency braking – If the trailer detaches, the handbrake won’t be pulled on, so the trailer could roll freely and cause a collision.

• Increased danger to others – A runaway trailer can veer into oncoming traffic, pedestrians, or property.

• Legal issues – In the UK (and most regions), using the breakaway cable incorrectly or not attaching it properly is an offence. It could lead to fines, penalty points, or liability in the event of an accident.

• Insurance problems – If an accident occurs and it’s found that the cable wasn’t attached properly, insurers may refuse to pay out.

• Mechanical damage – If the cable is clipped to an unsuitable place (e.g., the towball itself), it could slip off or get damaged, failing when needed.

• Failing to fit the breakaway cable properly can lead to substantial penalties—including fines up to £2,500, up to 3 penalty points, and even a driving ban, depending on the circumstances. Prohibition notices may also be issued on the spot until it's correctly fixed.

  
  

Best Practice

• Always attach the breakaway cable to the designated attachment point on the towbar (a small loop or eye).

• Make sure it has enough slack for turning but not so much that it drags on the ground.

  
  

Test the Breakaway System

Once the breakaway cable is attached, it’s vital to test the system to confirm it works. Here’s how to conduct the test:

• Simulate a Disconnection: Safely simulate a disconnection by pulling the breakaway cable sharply. This action should activate the trailer's brakes.

  
  

• Check Brake Activation: Confirm that the trailer's brakes engage as they should. If the brakes do not engage, recheck the connections and the cable’s routing.

  
  

• Inspect for Damage: Examine the cable and connections for any signs of wear or damage. If you see any issues, replace the cable right away to ensure safety.

  
  

Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Attaching the breakaway cable is only the first step. Ongoing maintenance and inspection are critical for safety. Here are some practical tips:

• Inspect Before Each Trip: Always check the breakaway cable before you hit the road. Look for frays, kinks, or signs of wear. A 2020 survey showed that 60% of towing accidents could have been prevented with proper pre-trip inspections.

  
  

• Replace When Necessary: If you spot any damage, replace the breakaway cable immediately. Investing a little time and money into this can greatly enhance your safety.

  
  

• Keep It Clean: Make sure the cable and its connection points stay free from dirt and debris. This precaution helps maintain a secure connection.

  
  

Towing Safely

Attaching a breakaway cable to your towbar is a simple yet crucial process that markedly boosts your towing safety. By following the outlined steps, you can be confident that your trailer features a reliable safety system that protects you and others on the road.

Remember, safety should always be your primary concern when towing. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your breakaway cable will help you avoid potential accidents, ensuring a smooth towing experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding and properly attaching a breakaway cable is vital for safe towing. Following the guidelines outlined in this article will help you ensure that your towing experience is secure and compliant with legal standards. Happy towing!