Should the Breakaway Cable be Shorter or Longer Than the Safety Chains

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Question:

from truck to switch- should it be longer or shorter than the safety chain? I have heard both ways.

asked by: Terry

0

Expert Reply:

I would recommend that the breakaway cable be cut shorter than the safety chains/cables that way if the trailer were to come uncoupled from the hitch ball it would come to a stop without slamming into the back of the tow vehicle. For a breakaway switch cable I really like the Fastway Zip Coiled Trailer Breakaway Cable part # FA80-01-2140 for 4' long or part # FA80-01-2160 for 6' long as the coiled design keeps it free from dragging or fraying.

I have also attached a list of our safety chain options for you as well if you need them.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Answer 1

I'm assuming that you're saying you have a 4' coiled breakaway cable kind of like the Fastway #FA80-01-2140. When it comes to replacing the cable it really doesn't matter what the style/length is as long as the length is less than…

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Answer 2

Trailer breakaway cables are not specific to any given brand of system so you can refer to the linked page that shows many such replacement cables such as 4-foot #FA80-01-2140 and 6-foot #FA80-01-2160.

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Answer 3

The best length for the cable of a breakaway system like the Fastway Cable #FA80-01-2160 that you referenced will be just a bit longer than the safety chains. The breakaway cable should be longer than the safety chains according to RVIA Recreational…

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Answer 4

For a 48 inch long breakaway cable the part #FA80-01-2140 would be perfect for you and would work well. This is a coiled breakaway cable that measures 48 inches in length.

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 9

Great question, Jeff! When the Rota-Flex first came out it renovated what a pin box could do and be, but at this point in time that technology is a little more dated and the Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel Pin Box #325-GH-8040 is the "new…

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Answer 10

When it comes to choosing between the Blue Ox Patriot #BLU37TR and the Brake Buddy Select 3 #HM39524, these systems are extremely similar in their setup and functionality. Both of these systems provide proportional braking in a compact and easy to…

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Answer 11

Whether or not you can flat tow with a Jeep bumper is really up to the manufacturers testing; some of the big names like MetalCloak or Poison Spyder have bumpers with D-ring attachments that can be used for flat towing connections. This is great…

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Answer 12

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Should the Breakaway Cable be Shorter or Longer Than the Safety Chains

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