How does the emergency break away brake system work?

[kscherzi]

Just an observation... My trailer safety chains are both factory welded to the same spot on the trailer tongue, so it's impossible to cross chains. Its 2013 model and not sure if all trailers were made like this or just a few years worth. So if it pops off the ball the trailer tongue is pretty much guaranteed to be digging a trench in the asphalt until the chains snap.

For this reason I shortened the breakaway cable to ensure the brakes are activated asap.

[richard5933]

Originally Posted by kscherzi

Just an observation... My trailer safety chains are both factory welded to the same spot on the trailer tongue, so it's impossible to cross chains. Its 2013 model and not sure if all trailers were made like this or just a few years worth. So if it pops off the ball the trailer tongue is pretty much guaranteed to be digging a trench in the asphalt until the chains snap.

For this reason I shortened the breakaway cable to ensure the brakes are activated asap.

Have you got a photo of this you could post?

All that I've seen had one chain connected to each side of the tongue.

[kscherzi]

Originally Posted by richard5933

Have you got a photo of this you could post?



All that I've seen had one chain connected to each side of the tongue.

I'll get a photo later this week when I'm back at the storage yard. Nonetheless, with the force those weight distribution bars are pressing the tongue down on the ball I think popping off the ball is close to impossible. Probably only a real concern for those towing on the ball (no weight distribution).

[richard5933]

Originally Posted by kscherzi

I'll get a photo later this week when I'm back at the storage yard. Nonetheless, with the force those weight distribution bars are pressing the tongue down on the ball I think popping off the ball is close to impossible. Probably only a real concern for those towing on the ball (no weight distribution).

Logically speaking, I'd agree with you.

However, it seems that hitch failures rarely seem logical when they happen.

[John Ware]

The chains are connected in the center on my lowboy trailer. I wrap the chains together several times to create a "Y" between them and still have enough length to allow turns and keep the tongue off the ground should I have a disconnection.