Trailer brakes

[Cheaperrooter]

Is it just me, or is reading a message from someone extremely difficult? Got a private message and after a WEEK still can read the dang thing...

Shouldn't the chain for the trailer brakes go before the safety chains? Way mine is rigged up, the safety chains would have have to break before the trailer brake chain engages.

I would think if the hitch broke and the trailer came loose, brakes should go right then and there in conjunction with safety chains?

[Jmooney]

Can you shorten the break away cable!

[Cheaperrooter]

Sure, but want make sure that's the way it is designed first!

[oldmanAZ]

Interesting question. Here's my thoughts...

Originally Posted by Cheaperrooter

snip...
Shouldn't the chain for the trailer brakes go before the safety chains? ...snip

I would think if the hitch broke and the trailer came loose, brakes should go right then and there in conjunction with safety chains?

Maybe not:
If the hitch breaks and the chains hold the TT behind the TV and it is still plugged in, you stand a chance of staying in control and stopping the TV and TT.
If the hitch breaks and the brakes on the TT lock up with the chains still attached, the TT might slide sideways and pull the TV sideways, too.
If the hitch breaks and the chains break, then you want the TT to travel the shortest distance possible; straight or sideways.

[dennis b]

Originally Posted by Cheaperrooter

Is it just me, or is reading a message from someone extremely difficult? Got a private message and after a WEEK still can read the dang thing...

Shouldn't the chain for the trailer brakes go before the safety chains? Way mine is rigged up, the safety chains would have have to break before the trailer brake chain engages.

I would think if the hitch broke and the trailer came loose, brakes should go right then and there in conjunction with safety chains?

NO! If chains are connected than so is your harness. Hence you have brakes. Breakaway is to lock up TT brakes incase trailer becomes completely unattached. Don't want a box on wheels going down the road at 65mph. Hope that makes sense!

[norty1]

Originally Posted by dennis b

NO! If chains are connected than so is your harness. Hence you have brakes. Breakaway is to lock up TT brakes incase trailer becomes completely unattached. Don't want a box on wheels going down the road at 65mph. Hope that makes sense!

And I would add, if a box is going down the road unhitched from the tow vehicle, you surely don't want to be chained in front of it when the trailer brakes lock up!