SMMT Guide on Trailer Maintenance > Trailer Breakaway Cable
| Tyres Braking Systems Breakaway Cable |
Secondary Couplings Lighting Systems |
Trailer Breakaway Cable
A "breakaway cable" is a cable (or chain) fitted between a braked trailer and towing vehicle, which operates the trailer brakes in the event of separation of the primary coupling.
The cable applies the trailer brakes and "breaks away", allowing a controlled separation of the vehicle and trailer.
The breakaway cable must be in good condition and attached to the towing vehicle whenever the trailer is being. towed.
It is advisable to connect the cable clip to a suitable eye or lug attached to the towing bracket. If the design of the eye / lug does not allow this, the cable end fitting may be passed through the eye and clipped back to the cable between the trailer coupling and the eye.
In the absence of a suitable eye / lug, the cable may be wrapped around the stem of the towball and clipped back to the cable.
