Breakaway Switch Position

[Paul Labelle]

I have had the switch pull out several times while turning right, thankfully all have been at low speed. I would like to relocate the switch, has anyone else experienced this? have you moved the switch, or is there a better way? maybe my switch is too loose?

Thanks

[Scott_Trailer_Newbe]

Locate the cable switch with 6-8” of slack.

[freetime58]

Originally Posted by Paul Labelle

I have had the switch pull out several times while turning right, thankfully all have been at low speed. I would like to relocate the switch, has anyone else experienced this? have you moved the switch, or is there a better way? maybe my switch is too loose?

Thanks

Extend the cable a few inches, simple mod!

[JFlightRisk]

We exchanged out the cable on our breakaway with a coiled one like this.

https://www.fastwaytrailer.com/zip-breakaway-cable

[Route 66 Traveler]

I have that same coiled cable. I am not sure how it is supposed to work because if the trailer comes off the ball the safety chains will go taut before the safety cable pulls the brake release. The only way I see it working is if the safety chains break away from the tow vehicle. If the break away cable is tight enough to pull out before the safety chains go tight then it will be impossible to make any turns.

[JFlightRisk]

Originally Posted by Route 66 Traveler

I have that same coiled cable. I am not sure how it is supposed to work because if the trailer comes off the ball the safety chains will go taut before the safety cable pulls the brake release. The only way I see it working is if the safety chains break away from the tow vehicle. If the break away cable is tight enough to pull out before the safety chains go tight then it will be impossible to make any turns.

I see what you're saying. Even the original cable on ours was so long, it would drag on the ground, if I didn't tuck it in a little. I think the cables are a generic length to begin with. If you would want the breakaway to activate if off the ball, and chains stretched out, the cables would have to be custom cut to length for each camper. I was under the impression the breakaway should activate when the TT was completely disconnected, and heading for the ditch! I suppose you could hook up to the safety chains, tighten up with the truck, and measure for cable length to just pull the pin.

[freetime58]

Originally Posted by Route 66 Traveler

I have that same coiled cable. I am not sure how it is supposed to work because if the trailer comes off the ball the safety chains will go taut before the safety cable pulls the brake release. The only way I see it working is if the safety chains break away from the tow vehicle. If the break away cable is tight enough to pull out before the safety chains go tight then it will be impossible to make any turns.

Chains would go taut for a split second until the trailer caught up with the TV as the tow vehicle is slowed down with it's brakes....cause you'd be hitting the brakes to slow down. The safety switch is designed to activate if the trailer becomes totally detached from the TV.

[DrSmart]

Originally Posted by Paul Labelle

I have had the switch pull out several times while turning right, thankfully all have been at low speed. I would like to relocate the switch, has anyone else experienced this? have you moved the switch, or is there a better way? maybe my switch is too loose?

Thanks

We've had this happen about 3 times since we picked up our fiver this summer. Only while maneuvering at low speed and hard angles. Didn't have a problem with our previous fifth wheel. The break away cable on the Jayco is shorter. I'm planning on extending it by maybe 12 to 16 inches. That should solve the problem.



Dave

[Route 66 Traveler]

Originally Posted by freetime58

The safety switch is designed to activate if the trailer becomes totally detached from the TV.

That’s my thinking as well. Of course that doesn’t apply to 5th wheels because they don’t have chains. Maybe a strong tailgate will keep it in tow...

[AKRUEBBE]

Originally Posted by JFlightRisk

We exchanged out the cable on our breakaway with a coiled one like this.

https://www.fastwaytrailer.com/zip-breakaway-cable

x2, the 6' one.

[Shokyle1]

I was having this problem. To the end of my breakaway cable I added a coiled tool holder used to attach tools to your belt while fishing. Cost about 5 dollars at Walmart.