Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning

Topic: Break Away Cable Broke Off!

Page: 1 2 3

helen8785

28/10/2011 at 8:44pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Renault Kadjar 2016+Lunar Venus 500-4

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 13/4/2010

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 305

Site Reviews Total:	13

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	1
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	1
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

On unhitching the caravan we forgot to remove the breakaway cable and we drove off.

Guess what, it broke off, snapped, totally ripped away!

Can these be fixed? Are they expensive? Why did it come away when its a break away cable, should it actually snap, as I thought it was a safety feature so the caravan doesnt leave the car if the hitch fails?

Yes, yes we know we are stupid, but one day we will get the hang of this caravanning!

kenles

28/10/2011 at 8:48pm
Location: Gloucestershie
Outfit: Fiat Ducato campervan

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 25/2/2007

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1541

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

£5 for a new one they just pull the hand brake on then snap off

Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!

UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

millermicm

28/10/2011 at 8:49pm
Location: west country
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 29/3/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4665

Site Reviews Total:	15

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

It will break but it should put the caravan brakes on as it snaps. It is normally attached with a fastening that allows it to release in such circumstances. This is what should have happened to yours.

The caravan will not remain attached but such a small cable.

They can be replaced. Its not a big deal. You are not the first to have done this.

-------------
Steve

Greendemon315

28/10/2011 at 8:51pm
Location: Blackburn Lancashire
Outfit: Coachman Laser 650 and Discovery

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 06/2/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 2137

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

It's meant to apply the handbrake and then snap, so the caravan comes to rest separately from the car. So that's all OK.
They are quite cheap, and available at almost all caravan dealers.
No harm done.
Jim

helen8785

28/10/2011 at 9:11pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Renault Kadjar 2016+Lunar Venus 500-4

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 13/4/2010

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 305

Site Reviews Total:	13

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	1
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	1
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Phew - I had to drive it home without it and panicked all the way home.

I even had pedestrians passing me I was going that slow - Ok maybe not that slow!

Thanks Guys!

michael

28/10/2011 at 9:29pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Caravan now Sold

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 30/6/2002

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 23517

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

no it is meant to apply the brakes and after the clip on the end of the cable straightens out,they only cost £4 to £5 but can be a pig to fit the o ring on the handle.i did it myself one time.got one at a boat yard,clever er.. no cost me £9 because he had made one.

-------------
the only silly question is the one you do not ask.

jhsw

28/10/2011 at 9:54pm
Location: Lanarkshire
Outfit: Compass Lynx 340 2

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/5/2005

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1549

Site Reviews Total:	3

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Hi helen8785, as above posts, also you could get a spare brake away cable, and if for any reason the one on the van brakes again, you will be able to replace it and continue your journey with peace of mind.

-------------
If everything runs smoothly then I must have done something wrong
If in Doubt Check it Out.

John

Gailk

28/10/2011 at 10:59pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Swift Speedbird 2003

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/8/2002

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3045

Site Reviews Total:	18

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

We did exactly the same thing!

As JHSW says, we have a spare in the caravan now just in case we do it again..

-------------
Gail
March - Bamburgh
Easter - Low Park Wood CC Kendal
May - Yellowcraigs CC North Berwick
June - Wharfedale CC Grassington

jennifernn

28/10/2011 at 11:51pm
Location: NW of Glasgow
Outfit: Sterling Searcher 2008 Volvo XC90

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 14/1/2005

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9057

Site Reviews Total:	17

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

We have never broken one, but we always carry a spare just in case.

Helen......did you get your lack of hot water to the shower head sorted out?

-------------
Jennifer

D S B

29/10/2011 at 10:22am
Location: Polesworth Warwickshire
Outfit: Bailey Unicorn III Valencia (LR Disco)

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 06/8/2004

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4700

Site Reviews Total:	26

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Yep! I've done it too! I thought I had hitched the van up properly - the little green button was showing on the stabiliser. What I'd actually done was to leave the red Alko ball (the one you fit with the hitch lock) under the hitch and in effect, rested the hitch on the tow ball. We just moved away and the caravan hitch bounced off the towball and ended up on the floor. Fortunately the broken cable was the only damage. Won't ever forget the little red ball again!

-------------
David

birder99

29/10/2011 at 11:56am
Location: Cambs
Outfit: Tin tent diddy tent BIG tent

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 24/9/2010

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1847

Site Reviews Total:	3

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

David, little red balls can cause all sorts of problems!

In response to the OP the name Breakaway cable has a good clue in its name as to what it is supposed to do - ie break if the caravan or trailer becomes detached. the idea is that it applies the brakes and brings the unit to a safe stop and breaks away from the car. If it did not break you would end up dragging a unit along with the brakes on. I seem to recall the only exception is with unbraked trailers where a chain is used that does not allow the trailer to breakaway, as having no brakes it could end up anywhere.

-------------
'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'

Chalkie56

29/10/2011 at 12:14pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 28/1/2005

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1741

Site Reviews Total:	7

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I recently read somewhere that it is very important you purchase a genuine Alko / BPW spare part. As they have been tested and they do the precise job they suppose to do at the right time (snap). I wasnt aware of this when my cable somehow was left dangling and wore in half. I went on the internet and bought a cheap one. I am now looking for a genuine BPW part.

-------------
A barman is just a pharmacist
with a limited inventory

michael

29/10/2011 at 12:31pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Caravan now Sold

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 30/6/2002

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 23517

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

there are also about three different colours and lengths so its important to ge the right one when you replace it.

-------------
the only silly question is the one you do not ask.

brianaauk

29/10/2011 at 4:04pm
Location: Bromborough Wirral
Outfit: Kia Soul 1 - ABI Manhattan 2000

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 21/10/2009

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 59

Site Reviews Total:	3

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

OK - Brilliant thread - Sensible advice.

Now - How can you tell what length/colour you need to replace broken/fraying old one?

I ordered of the dreaded ebay and bought a RED one - liked the colour !

My van is a 1995 Abbey Piper 12-2.

The cable does seem a shade long but I wrap it around the hitch-lock protection plate.

How wrong am I ! ! !

-------------
Brian Ainscough

tag 18

29/10/2011 at 9:02pm
Location: Glasgow
Outfit: Avondale Eagle

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 24/6/2010

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 249

Site Reviews Total:	20

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

good idea to keep a spare, never thought of that!

-------------
T

michael

29/10/2011 at 9:22pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Caravan now Sold

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 30/6/2002

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 23517

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

red is good,but i read a warning about ebay breakaway cables may not be up the job when it is required as they are being cheaply made for pennies.unless its from a reputable dealer do not use it.see

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/redirect.asp?redir=http://www.towsure.com/product/Trailer_Breakaway_Safety_Cable_Plastic_Coated

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/search?getfields=tccmemberonly&q=breakaway+cable

Post last edited on 29/10/2011 21:38:26

-------------
the only silly question is the one you do not ask.

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Jump To Page: 1 2 3
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

4366 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder