Should 4' Cable for Breakaway Kit be Cut Short to Match Length of Safety Chains
Question:
Hello, Im looking for a replacement trailer breakaway cable and the coiled versions like the Fastway Zip cable look promising. The problem is with the length. My trailers safety chains are 25 inch long and the breakaway box is about 5 inch past where the chains bolt to the trailers A-Frame. Ideally I need a 28 inch - 29 inch breakaway cable so it can remain shorter than the safety chains. Is it easy to adjust the size or will I need to re-crimp one of the loops? Are there shorter options? I think doubling back the coiled cable will be more annoying than staying with a straight cable. Thanks for any insight
asked by: Jeff M
Expert Reply:
The 4' of cable that comes with the Fastway Zip Coiled Trailer Breakaway Cable # FA80-01-2140 is actually standard for breakaway cables. If your trailer comes uncoupled then the chains should catch the coupler (which is why you criss-cross the chains).
The only time you want your trailer brakes to lock up like that is if the trailer were to completely disconnect from your vehicle, safety chains and all. The 4' of cable is enough to let you tow normally without the pin being pulled and it ensures that the only time your brakes are applied by the breakaway kit is when your trailer is completely disconnected.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Fastway Zip Coiled Trailer Breakaway Cable - 4' Long
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Breakaway Kit
- Cables
- Fastway
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fastway Zip Coiled Trailer Breakaway Cable - 4' Long
- Video: Fastway Trailer Breakaway Kit FA80-01-2140 Review
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Fastway Zip Coiled Trailer Breakaway Cable Review
- Search Results: break away cable
- Search Results: break away cable
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Fastway Zip Coiled Trailer Breakaway Cable - 6' Long
- Shop: Optronics LED Clearance or Side Marker Trailer Light w/ Reflector - 1 Diode - Round - Amber Lens
- Q&A: How Long Should Break Away Cables Be
- Video: Review of Roadmaster Tow Bar Braking Systems - RM-8603
- Search Results: fastway
- Search Results: trailer breakaway cable
- Search Results: jack foot
- Shop: Curt Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 3-1/8" Rise - 9-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Fastway Flip Automatic Fold-Up Jack Foot for 2-1/4" Jacks - 6" Extension - 1,400 lbs
- Shop: RV Jack Pads
- Shop: etrailer Horizontal E Track - Galvanized Steel - 2,000 lbs - 94" Long - Qty 4
- Shop: BOLT brand vehicle and hitch locks
- Q&A: How Far Out Does the Pin on the Ultimate Trailer Jack # 322-RDJ-2K Stick Out
- Video: Fastway Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock Review FA86-00-3050
- Video: Durabilt Hammer Lock Coupling Link Installation - 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty
- Video: Draw-Tite QSP Trailer Hitch Silencer and Cover Review
- Video: RoadMaster Coiled Safety Cables Installation - 2013 Honda CR-V
- Search Results: sun shade
- Search Results: caribiner
- Shop: Ladder Rack
- Q&A: How to Lubricate the B&W Companion Slider Part # BWRVK3400