How Long Should Break Away Cables Be

Published 04/01/2022

Question:

I have a question as to how long the break away cable that activates the EM brakes on a travel trailer should be? I’ve read reasons why they should be shorter then safety chains and read that they should be longer? More importantly I’ve read this also on etrailer as well. So which is it longer then safety chains or shorter in case coupler becomes detached but still attached by safety chains but brakes would be activated on trailer so trailer doesn’t slam into tow vehicle? Thanks

asked by: Dennis

Expert Reply:

The RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) recommends that the trailer break away cable be slightly longer than the safety chains. The logic behind that is that the brakes will apply should the safety chains fail.

expert reply by: Mike L