Where to Attach the Electric Brake Emergency Break Away Cable When Towing with a Fifth Wheel Hitch
Published 06/25/2010
Question:
I have a 16K Reese Fifth Wheel Hitch, part number 30047. Im sure there is a simple answer. Where do I hook the emergency break away wire on the hitch. Thanks.
asked by: Steve
Expert Reply:
There are many options for attaching the breakaway cable from the Tow Ready Trailer Break Away Kit, item # 50-85-315, to your vehicle.
You could attach to a tie down point in the bed of your truck or you could use stake pocket tie down and attach the cable to it. You could also run the cable down to the safety chain loop on the bumper hitch if your vehicle is so equipped. Finally, you could attach the cable to the rails installed in the bed of the truck.
The thing to remember is that the place the cable is attached to needs to be strong enough that, no matter the reason for it to be pulled, the cable will pull the pin out of the breakaway unit and not pull the cable loose at the other end. You will also need to make sure that the cable cannot be pinched or severed by any moving parts while towing.
Usually the pin is pulled and then the cable is looped through the mounting point, the pin is then passed through the loop in the cable and inserted back into the breakaway switch. Attaching the cable to the fifth-wheel rails can be accomplished using another Fifth Wheel Hitch Replacement Pin and Clip, item # 6014, and an empty slot in the rail. Just install the pin in the rail, running it through the loop in the end of the cable and then attach the clip to the pin.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer breakaway cable
- Q&A: Where Should the Breakaway Cable and Pin Be Attached on 5th Wheel Hitch Application?
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Replacement Cable and Pin for Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kits
- Shop: Buyers Products Replacement Breakaway Pin and Cable
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: Replacement Trailer Connector For 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit ETBC7 and ETBC7L
- Q&A: Flush Mount Female 7-Way Trailer Connection
- Search Results: accessories and parts
- Q&A: Does a Trailer have to be towed Level or Can it be Off Up or Down
- Search Results: brake controller
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: 7 way to 4 way
- Search Results: 7 way bracket
- Search Results: 7 way plug
- Video: B and B 3" Rain Gutter Spout for RV: The Breakdown
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Calculating 5th Wheel Turning Clearance
- Shop: B&B 3" Rain Gutter Spout for RV - Left - Polar White
- Shop: B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: HitchMate TireStep Adjustable Step for SUVs, RVs and Light Trucks - 22" x 10" - 400 lbs
- Q&A: Weight Capacity Of 3" B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Ball
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Quick Splices - Self-Stripping Connector - Closed Port - 14-16-18 Gauge - Blue - Qty 1
- Q&A: How Much Air Pressure to Use in Airbags While Towing
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
on Trailer Breakaway Kit
