[A/S] Re: Breakaway Cable

["Dick Kenan" <as5368@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> What was interesting to
> me was the note that in the majority of the cases the
> breakaway cables were connected to the hitch assembly
> on the tow vehicles rather than to the tow vehicle
> itself.  This was noted to be incorrect and the cables
> should be attached to the vehicle component other than
> a hitch component (I'm assuming I interpreted this
> correctly).
Yes, you have it right.
> 
> > Now to the question.  I was taught by a dealer 20
> years ago to hook the breakaway cable around the hitch
> pin on the tow vehicle receiver.  As a matter of fact
> every dealer including my local A/S dealer has done
> this when hitching up my new trailer to my tow
> vehicles.  Based on the article I read, this is wrong.

It *is* wrong.

> 
> I have looked for some alternative place on my van and
> really can't find a location other than the pin.  The
> supplied cable is too short to wrap around the van
> bumper.  If can't use the receiver what's the answer
> here?

On my Suburbans, there is sufficient metal in the recess around the 
license plate to put an "eye" in (you can reach around and under the 
bumper to affix the nut).  I have a closed "snap" fastener that I use 
to connect the breakaway.  there's nothing wrong with using the 
bumper - the hitch receiver is not connected to it (or, it shouldn't 
be).  A broken hitch receiver is the problem; the breakaway should 
not be connected to any part of that.

- Dick
(5368)