Brake emergency (breakaway) cable problem
I had an interesting experience with a trailer emergency brake cable, the one that activates the brake if the trailer breaks loose from the TV. I came back to the trailer, and saw the switch end of th...
Forum Discussion
Before proceeding, think about how many trailers actually come completely free of the tow vehicule. Then put this in perspective.
The breakaway is there for an oh sht moment of epic proportions. How and what will happen is unknown, so as long as it activates when the trailer parts ways with the truck, it's fine.
Regarding the cable and hook, shorten it, use a spring latch, whatever, to adjust it to your liking.
Ideally, trailer pops off ball, chains catch it. Do you want the breakaway to engage?
It's situational. Doubt it's going to keep the trailer off the back of the truck when the driver hammers the brakes, so at that point, stuffing the trailer under the truck to stop may help. Or some "automatic" trailer braking may help. Can't predict the situation.
By the same token, and I got blasted for this in the past.....Trailer comes unhooked going down a windy Mountian 2 lane. Worst case scenario right? Do you want the chains keeping you hooked to an errant missile and the trailer brakes trying to pull you in the truck wherever the trailer is headed?
My answer is no. I want the trailer to live the rest of its short life not attached to the steering wheel that may get me out of going over the cliff with the trailer.
So point is, too many potential scenarios for one right answer.
Keep the breakaway hooked up so its not dragging on the road and coupled so it doesn't pop the brakes when you do t want it to.
The breakaway is there for an oh sht moment of epic proportions. How and what will happen is unknown, so as long as it activates when the trailer parts ways with the truck, it's fine.
Regarding the cable and hook, shorten it, use a spring latch, whatever, to adjust it to your liking.
Ideally, trailer pops off ball, chains catch it. Do you want the breakaway to engage?
It's situational. Doubt it's going to keep the trailer off the back of the truck when the driver hammers the brakes, so at that point, stuffing the trailer under the truck to stop may help. Or some "automatic" trailer braking may help. Can't predict the situation.
By the same token, and I got blasted for this in the past.....Trailer comes unhooked going down a windy Mountian 2 lane. Worst case scenario right? Do you want the chains keeping you hooked to an errant missile and the trailer brakes trying to pull you in the truck wherever the trailer is headed?
My answer is no. I want the trailer to live the rest of its short life not attached to the steering wheel that may get me out of going over the cliff with the trailer.
So point is, too many potential scenarios for one right answer.
Keep the breakaway hooked up so its not dragging on the road and coupled so it doesn't pop the brakes when you do t want it to.
