Where to Attach Breakaway Cable

Updated 06/14/2022 | Published 06/13/2022

Question:

So just curious where people attach their breakaway cable on their TV. I’ve always just attached to receiver on pickup. Recently saw a terrifying article on line where someone’s receiver actually tore off the bottom of there TV while towing, breakaway cable went with it and trailer almost went backwards down a hill because the breaks didn’t engage. This has got to be one of those 1 in a million things I would hope but just got me thinking of alternative placement of break away cable. Believe the individual in the article ended up mounting on the license plate. Just curious if anyone attaches breakaway anywhere other than TV receiver?

asked by: Vince D

Expert Reply:

When installing The Replacement Cable and Pin for Hopkins LED Breakaway Switches # HM20051, I recommend you attach the cable to a tie down point in the bed of you truck. You could also use a stake pocket tie down and attach the cable to it. Another way is you could run the cable down to the safety chain loop on the bumper hitch if your vehicle is equipped. Finally you could attach the cable to the rails installed in the bed of your truck.

When installing the cable you need to remember is that where 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 also need to make sure that the cable can not severed or pinched by any moving parts while towing.

In the end I would recommend attaching it to the hitch though. The hitch is a perfectly fine spot and there is no reason that it would get pulled off if it is properly secured to the frame.

I attached a review video link below.

expert reply by: Noah E