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

Question

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

0

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

0

Answer 1

Yes, it will! The Parallax/Magnetek or WFCO RV Power Centers #PD4655V will work with Lithium batteries like the Lifepo you mentioned, flooded lead acid, AGM, and gel batteries.

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Answer 2

To convert the WFCO WF-8955PEC to be lithium compatible you'd need the part #PD4655V and you'd be set. This fits in the panel without any modifications.

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Answer 3

Hey Kyler, thanks for reaching out! **UPDATE IN COMMENT SECTION - JUMPER LOCATION IS DETERMINING FACTOR** The Progressive Dynamics Replacement Section #PD4655V is compatible with lithium batteries. There is a button on the board (see photo) that…

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Answer 4

The breakaway cable should be longer than the safety chains according to RVIA Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. This will activate the brakes in the event you lose the trailer connection and the safety chains fail which will bring the…

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Answer 5

I would recommend that the breakaway cable be cut shorter than the safety chains/cables that way if the trailer were to come uncoupled from the hitch ball it would come to a stop without slamming into the back of the tow vehicle. For a breakaway…

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Answer 6

Yes. The way that a breakaway switch such as #HM20010 works is that the pin inside holds two pieces of metal apart. Once pulled out it allows the 2 pieces of metal to touch completing the circuit between the breakaway battery and the trailer brakes.…

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Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 8

Thanks for the picture! I checked with Progressive Dynamics the replacement power converter you need for your Parallax Series 7300 Model 7345 is the Replacement Converter for Parallax/Magnetek or WFCO RV Power Centers - 45 Amp item #PD4645V.

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Answer 9

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 10

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 11

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 12

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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

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