Trailer Brake Question

['Lil Guy']

Going on our first trip in a couple of weeks. Where is the correct place to install the brake cable from the trailer. It has a loop in it. Looks like it should go over the ball. I understand it's to apply the brakes if the TT comes loose. The guy at the dealer hooked it in the chain. Is there a correct way to connect it. Thanks in advance

 

[danemayer]

Since it's a breakaway cable, you want to make sure it's arranged so that it won't pull apart when making a sharp turn in either direction. You also don't want it so loose that it could snag on something and get pulled apart.

 

[cookie]

Along with what Dan said, you will want to attach the cable to a part of the truck that will is not removable.
If attached to the ball, and the ball breaks or hitch comes out of the receiver the breakaway switch will not activate.
The cable will not pull out of the switch if the ball stays with the trailer.
Same with the safety chain, but it would be ok to attach the cable to the loop on the hitch where the chain attaches.
Some people have added an extension to that cable.

Peace
Dave

 

[Garypowell]

I have always thought it best to attach it somewhere totally independent of the hitch system. Of course I have a 5th wheel so inside the bed of the truck is easy answer for me.

Maybe you could attach a snap ring or similar device to your bumper so it was out of the way when not in use.

 

[JohnD]

I've always attached mine to the loop on the truck hitch where the chain connects.

And the loop of the cable I put the chain hook (spring clip) through it to hold in place on the hitch.

 

[Ray LeTourneau]

All good info. I used to put a spring clip on the wire and clip it to one of the holes where the safety chains attach.

 

[Lynn1130]

My truck has tie down connections on each lower side of the bedwall. I use a snap ring that is placed through that tie down and attach the breakaway to that.

 

['Lil Guy']

Thanks for all of the replies. If I understand this, I can route the cable through the chain links to take up some of the slack and just use some kind of hook on the end to attach it to the loop where the chain goes. If the TT comes loose from the truck, the chains should keep it attached to the truck. So, the cable should be shorter than the chains when extended, applying the TT brake. Is this right? Pulling the cable taught is like applying the emergency brake. Is this correct? Releasing the pressure on the cable would release the brake. Again, thanks for the relies.

 

[cookie]

Pulling the cable taught is like applying the emergency brake. Is this correct? Releasing the pressure on the cable would release the brake.

Wrong.
Take a look at the breakaway switch. The part that the cable is attached to actually pulls out of the switch. If you pull it out, you will apply full braking. Be sure to put the plug back into the switch.
I would not run the cable through the chain.
If you need to prevent it from dragging, use some small bungees or tie straps.
As mentioned earlier, be sure you have enough slack to prevent pulling the breakaway switch in a turn.

Peace
Dave

 

['Lil Guy']

Is the cable longer than the chains? I see how it works now. If the TT comes loose from the hitch for any reason the cable will pull out of the unit and lock the TT brakes. Reason I'm asking about the length of the cable is, I would think it would lock the brakes while the TT is still being pulled by the chains. Is this correct? I understand that you cross the chains to catch the tongue of the TT. So, I would guess the cable would be of the right length to pull out to stop the TT instead of having it slam into the back of the TV. Probably making a big deal of nothing here but just wanting to understand completely how it operates. Should of asked more questions when I picked it up. Thanks for the reply and hopefully one more. Thanks in advance. On another note, How receptive are fellow campers at the sites with a few questions. I won't put our names or home on the back of my TT till I get seasoned. lol Don't want to read about the ignorant Bakers on all of the RV forums.

 

[hoefler]

The cable needs to be attached at a point that is permanently attached to the truck. The loops for the safety chains is a good place. The cable needs to be short enough to pull the pin out of the switch BEFORE the chains go tight, but long enough to not be pulled out in turns. The idea is for the brakes to activate and pull the chains tight while the chains cradle the tongue and keep the trailer behind you for a controlled stop. If the chains go tight before the pin is pulled, it will be uncontrollable and the trailer will push the tow vehicle around, causing damage and possibly a wreck.

 

['Lil Guy']

Thanks for the reply. Been looking elsewhere and even saw it on youtube. They make it sound like it's a preference for the cable length.(pulled before chain tightens and pulled only if TT comes completely free) Said not to route the cable through the chain where it could bind. Needs to be free. I think I have an accurate grasp of it now. Thanks for all of the replies.