Re: [A/S] Breakaway Cable

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jack,
 I think there's some misinformation in your post below. If the trailer
becomes unhitched and is hanging from the safety chains, applying the
trailer brakes will cause the tounge to dip down further, not "lift the
hitch".

You definitely don't want the breakaway cable to be attached to your
hitch, probably not even the receiver on the tow vehicle. If the bolts
or the receiver frame should break, the whole schmere goes merrily down
the road, looking for something to run into. :-(

My truck has a hitch ball on the chrome bumper. I don't use it, of
course, but can't get it off. However, there's also provisions on the
bumper for eyes for safety chains. I installed a 1/4" eyebolt in one of
those holes and connect my breakaway switch to that so it'll work even
if the entire receiver leaves the truck.

FWIW: I made my cable long enough that the trailer brakes will NOT
actuate until/unless the safety chains break. My reasoning is that I
don't want the trailer brakes locking up while the trailer is still
attached to the truck. Sliding tires on the rear will cause severe
controllability problems and cause me to stop RIGHT NOW, something that
may not be in my best interest. Hopefully, I'd notice if the trailer was
hanging on the safety chains instead of the ball and would be able to
stop normally. I should be able to use the manual electric brake control
to keep the trailer from banging into the truck too hard.

                                     <<Jim>>