Proper Way to connect a Trailer Breakaway switch
walbern1
Reg. Jul 2008
Posted 2009-06-22 4:03 PM (#106836)
Subject: Proper Way to connect a Trailer Breakaway switch


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Posts: 26
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Location: Saskatoon, Canada		I have talked to a bunch of different people and get conflicting answers on how to connect the breakaway wire to the tow vehicle. Some connect at the trailer chains some around the bumper. Some are shorter than the chains and some are longer. What is the correct way to do it?
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gard
Reg. Aug 2007
Posted 2009-06-22 4:36 PM (#106846 - in reply to #106836)
Subject: RE: Proper Way to connect a Trailer Breakaway switch


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Location: western PA

I don't know the "legal" way, but this is my thinking by having my cable longer than the chains. If the hitch fails, I want the chains to contain the forward direction of my trailer until I can stop slowly and safely. If the E brakes came on first, before the tension was taken on the chains, it can cause additional strain on the chains, the towing vehicle, and possibly cause a jackknifing condition.

I use the breakaway system as a last resort. If the hitch fails, and then the chains also fail, the switch is the last hope I have to try to stop the trailer.

Gard

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