Break-away Cable?

That is a matter of opinion. Some like it shorter than the chains so that if the chains catch the trailer, it sets the trailer brakes. Some like it longer than the chains so they can manually control the trailer brakes with the brake controller unless they lose the trailer completely. Then the brakes activate.

Is there an authoritative statement concerning the length of the breakaway cable?

I may be missing something, but it seems as long as the umbilical cord stays attached to the TV, then full braking controlled by the brake controller is still applicable, right?

Bobbo wrote:
That is a matter of opinion. Some like it shorter than the chains so that if the chains catch the trailer, it sets the trailer brakes. Some like it longer than the chains so they can manually control the trailer brakes with the brake controller unless they lose the trailer completely. Then the brakes activate.

While it might just be an opinion among non expert arm chair engineers the SIX credible and what I would consider authortative (some more than others) sources that Ron cited in the link I provided above all say the breakaway switch should be activated when the safety chains are still connected. I have never seen a credible or authorative source other than personal opinions to suggest otherwise.

It's obvious one has the choice.

Larry

I wouldnt want the trailer brakes to be activated fully unless the trailer was completely detached and rolling around by itself

if my tt came unhitched, the a frame would be supported by the safety chains, the umbilical cord would still be attached, so the tt still has lights and controlled braking.

if the safety chains failed(or total hitch failure), the trailer becomes a completely uncontrolled vehicle. of course the umbiblical cord would get a massive yank, the plug would likely come off the whip and the breakaway cable would get pulled applying full braking on the tt.

my safety chains and breakaway are setup that way. safety chains will cradle the front of the a frame so that it wont dig in and the breakaway wont do anything unless there is complete separation

OP here...
That does it. I've made my decision. I've heard the arguments for shorter and those for longer. I'm leaving our break-away cable alone and just the way it came from the factory.

and...I've decided to just not allow my trailer to break away at all so it doesn't matter what length it is.

Thanks to all who weighed in on this never to be solved debate. You all make good points to be considered.

Now, next question. Who makes the best truck?

Downtheroad,
Please learn how to use the smilies such as ;) :B :) :E etc. It sure would help many who tend to take you seriously.

Best truck - you have to be kidding! Of course it is the RAM with the Cummins turbo diesel! :E :B
Barney

downtheroad wrote:
OP here...

Now, next question. Who makes the best truck?

hino, Volvo, Mercedes, the've all got our north American pickups beat by miles

BarneyS wrote:
Downtheroad,
Please learn how to use the smilies such as ;) :B :) :E etc. It sure would help many who tend to take you seriously.

Best truck - you have to be kidding! Of course it is the RAM with the Cummings turbo diesel! :E :B
Barney

Never heard of a Cummings before!!!!

LarryJM wrote:

Bobbo wrote:
That is a matter of opinion. Some like it shorter than the chains so that if the chains catch the trailer, it sets the trailer brakes. Some like it longer than the chains so they can manually control the trailer brakes with the brake controller unless they lose the trailer completely. Then the brakes activate.

While it might just be an opinion among non expert arm chair engineers the SIX credible and what I would consider authortative (some more than others) sources that Ron cited in the link I provided above all say the breakaway switch should be activated when the safety chains are still connected. I have never seen a credible or authorative source other than personal opinions to suggest otherwise.

It's obvious one has the choice.

Larry

LarryJM, I want to sincerely and humbly apologize for, ummmm, going in your Cheerios. I am sorry. :W

Trailer will be much more stable if its brakes are on than not. Pin should pull before chains break (which they shouldn't) - otherwise you're just adding manual trailer brake control to what you have to do to safely slow down. You really don't want to stop the combo using just the vehicle brakes, with the tongue under the vehicle, or swinging from side to side on the chains.

It won't be like a parachute, like someone said, more like a drogue chute - trailer brakes slow the combo, while the vehicles steers and maintains control.

If you've ever pulled a vehicle with a tow strap, you'll understand - you want to keep it taught or you're going to get yanked around and sacrifice control.