Break-away cable broke...

[crazylev]

Greetings.

I was hooking up our trailer a while ago and noticed that the break-away cable on our CCD bambi has been compromised. It looks like the cable has been cut and is being held together by just a few metal strands.

Can this cable be replaced or does the cable and the switch thingie have to get replaced? I noticed that the cable is crimped together with some sort of metal sleeve.

Also, if the break away switch should accidently deploy, meaning somehow someone who has had one to many Flemish Red Ales, how would you reset it? Does the switch thing that the cable is attached to just push back in?

Thanks In advance.

Jonathan

[smily]

Been there done that. Everything you need is at Home Depot and cost around 5 dollars.
No you do not have to replace switch or the key that goes into it.
Simply replace cable and crimp new sleeves onto it.
Smily

[74Argosy24MH]

The switch is just a set of contacts held open by the thingie. When it pulls out the contacts make and brakes are applied. You should pull the thingie out ever now and then, listen for the brakes. Don't leave it out or the magnets will fry. Also make sure the contacts inside are clean and dry.

John

[crazylev]

Ken and John.

Thanks for the info. I think I will test the breakaway...right after I take care of the cable.

JL

[smily]

Never test break away switch while plugged into tow vehicle.

Test while unhooked from Tow vehicle.
Smily

[jcanavera]

If you don't like making cables you usually can find the premade cable and pin insert at most RV stores. Just note the brand name of your breakaway switch. It comes already made so you just pull out the old pin and push in the new one. The new cable is preattached.

Jack

[aluminauts]

FWIIW
A helpful hint I have heard says to use a compass to detect that the wheel brake magnets are really powered when the break-away cable plug is pulled.

[thenewkid64]

Originally Posted by crazylev

Greetings.

I was hooking up our trailer a while ago and noticed that the break-away cable on our CCD bambi has been compromised. It looks like the cable has been cut and is being held together by just a few metal strands.

Johnathan,

The slice you describe is likely caused by the cable getting pinched between the A frame and the hitch head. If you look around at some of the WBCCI rallies you will see many ingenious ways that members have for resolving this issue. One of them is to get a 2 or 3 inch eye bolt, mount it so the bolt is horizontal away from the side that the breakaway switch is, and route the cable through it before connecting. This supports the cable and keeps it form getting pinched.

[markdoane]

I seem to recall a discussion a few month ago about whether you brakeaway cable should be longer than your safety chains, or vice versa.
Did that ever get resolved? Now would be a good opportunity to get the cable made longer or shorter.

[john hd]

another hint,

use about 18 inches of chain and a dog clip attached to the cable. the chain (light weight) is less likely to be sheared off by the hitch.

we use this method at the power company because the pintle hitches we use cut the breakaway cables quite easily.

i carry a spare in the door of my truck.

john