Should Breakaway Switch Cable Be Longer Or Shorter Than The Safety Chains?

Updated 08/11/2021 | Published 08/10/2021

Question:

So in 2018 your expert said RVIA said safety brake cable longer than safety chains and in 2019 your expert said shorter than safety chains recommending zip connector. So longer and let the safety chains fail first or shorter and stop the trailer before the safety chain failure but after hitch uncouples?

asked by: Daniel J

Expert Reply:

Since the RVIA recommends that the breakaway cable be longer than the safety cables, that is what I recommend you to do.

This will give you a chance to slow down and recouple the trailer in the event that it gets unhitched from your tow vehicle, and will not just automatically apply the brakes on the trailer while it is still attached to your two vehicle via the safety chains.

expert reply by: Samuel C