Header
Return to home page
Index of Site contents
Thomson Caravans
Helpful advice and tips
Recommended Books and Manuals
Visit Our Features Section
My Health News
All about our Thomson T-Line Glen Nevis
Have a look through the photos of the various places we have been.
Caravn and Campsites information index page
Link to Vintage Adverts and Articles Index
Thomson Caravans and parts for sale
Contact Us
Looking for a website, try our comprehensive list of links.
UK Camp Sites - The Camping and Caravanning Internet Directory. Hundreds of details of campsites, retailers, free classified ads, a message board, weather forecast, camping articles and newsletter plus loads more
The Highway Code - do a refresher course often!
Think! Road Safety logo
The UK hotline for reporting illegal content specifically: Child abuse images hosted worldwide and criminally obscene and incitement to racial hatred content hosted in the UK
Firefox 2
Correct Attachment of Breakaway Cables
by the National Caravan Council

 

Frequently Asked Questions Handy Hints and Tips Instruction Manuals & DIY
Correct Attachment of Breakaway Cables Braked Trailers (up to 3500kg GVW)

This advice is supported by:

logos

Other means of attachment:

In some instances it may be possible to attach the cable assembly:

Either:

a) to a permanent part of the towbar structure, as long as this meets the approval of the towbar manufacturer/supplier,

Or:

b) to an accessory sold for the specific purpose of breakaway cable attachment.

Correct procedure for use:

  • Regularly check the cable and clip for damage. If in doubt, contact your dealer or your service agent.
  • Make sure the cable runs as straight as possible and goes through a cable guide underneath the trailer coupling.
  • Determine whether or not the towbar has a designated attachment point (i.e. a part specifically designated by its manufacturer for a breakaway cable).
This is the law!
When the breakaway cable is attached, check to ensure:

a) that the cable cannot snag in use on the trailer coupling head, jockey wheel, or any accessory

e.g. a stabiliser, bumper shield, cycle carrier, etc.

b) that there is sufficient slack in the cable to allow the towing vehicle and trailer to articulate fully without the cable ever becoming taut and applying the brakes.

Note: For peace of mind you might wish to check the state of the cable by positioning the trailer and towing vehicle at extreme angles before setting off.

c) that it is not so slack that it can drag on the ground. If left loose, the cable may scrape along the ground and be weakened so that it subsequently fails to do its job. The cable may also be caught on an obstacle when in motion thus engaging the trailer brakes prematurely.

Having followed this advice, should you feel that a satisfactory coupling arrangement cannot be achieved, consult your trailer or towbar supplier or service agent.
Purpose of breakaway cable

THIS ADVICE DOES NOT APPLY TO UNBRAKED TRAILERS UP TO 750kg GVW which are required by law to have the use of a SECONDARY COUPLING. A secondary coupling should keep the trailer ATTACHED to its towing vehicle even if its main coupling becomes separated.

The guidance set out in this leaflet is provided for general guidance purposes only, and does not purport to be legal advice or a definitive interpretation of the law.

This document has been produced by the National Caravan Council on behalf of the supporting organisations overleaf. National Caravan Council, Catherine House, Victoria Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 1SS. www.thecaravan.net

Ref. CAN001 - Date of issue 01/05/2003

Frequently Asked Questions Handy Hints and Tips Instruction Manuals & DIY
The advice and tips on Thomson T-Line History & Information are free to copy for personal use, if you are a webmaster or company who wishes to use these sheets for your business or website please ask permission from the webmaster.
Thomson T-Line History & Information shall not be liable for any damage or difficulty, direct or indirect, arising from utilisation of the information contained within these pages.
Top
Homepage
Our Caravan
Advice/Tips
Thomson
 Parks index Photo Album Links Contact
Copyright © 2000-2008 'Thomson T-Line History & Information'
Domain name registration , Web Hosting , me.uk .com names with free forwarding, or use our Windows web hosting with ASP , CGI-bin etc
Disclaimer
The information provided on this Website site is offered with no warranty as to the authenticity, suitability or competence of the individual, company or service quoted here in. The Website shall not be liable for any damage or difficulty, direct or indirect, arising from utilisation of the information contained within these pages. Thomson T-Line History & Information is not responsible for the content of external websites.