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Old 01-24-2014, 12:25 PM   #1
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Breakaway cable

Are there any videos out there demonstrating how to hookup your breakaway cable ?
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Old 01-27-2014, 09:10 PM   #2
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A simple description with two photos is found under the heading of "Attaching the Cable to the Tow Vehicle" at the end of eTrailer's article about installing a breakaway system (you don't need the installation, just that last section).

I note that they don't use any kind of additional clip, so they must pull the plug out of the switch end to hook up the cable - I don't think many people actually do that, but if you do, finish (put the plug back in) before plugging in the electrical cable, since some brake controllers apparently don't like being exposed to the 12V due to the breakaway switch being activated like this.

eTrailer's videos are oriented to products (e.g. brake controller), rather than to activities (e.g. hooking up), but you might find something among their video collection.
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Old 01-28-2014, 12:00 AM   #3
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You remove the metal cable at the switch and install the new red cable, any one can do it easily.
Chuck
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Old 01-28-2014, 12:11 AM   #4
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You remove the metal cable at the switch and install the new red cable, any one can do it easily.
Chuck
I must have missed something. I looked at the etrailer pix. I didn't see any red cable. Are you referring back to something else?
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Old 01-28-2014, 08:51 AM   #5
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I am assuming that the original question was about breakaway cables in general, but my guess is that Chuck is referring to the Fastway Zip coiled cable, in the cable-and-pin version which completely replaces the plastic pin (or plug) that goes into the breakaway switch.
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Old 01-28-2014, 08:55 AM   #6
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The Fastway Zip photos all show a security snap being used to connect the cable to the tug, rather than looping the cable through itself (as shown by eTrailer). The snap is what I use, and generally I what I think most people would use.

The top photo on the Fastway Zip page shows how any cable with a snap is connected: simply hook it on the tug, usually on the same loop provided for a safety chain.
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Old 01-28-2014, 09:17 AM   #7
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So if I understand correctly my trailer ( 19 ' Escape) will already have a switch box ( new rver) and if I get the Fastway Zip that will simply replace the original cable?
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Old 01-28-2014, 11:07 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by PAB4 View Post
So if I understand correctly my trailer ( 19 ' Escape) will already have a switch box ( new rver) and if I get the Fastway Zip that will simply replace the original cable?
It does. And it comes with a cable from the manufacturer of the switch.
Presumably the original equipment works.
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Old 01-28-2014, 12:06 PM   #9
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I agree.
  • You don't need anything - the trailer comes from Escape complete with breakaway switch and cable.
  • If the cable doesn't have a convenient snap on the end, I would add one just to make hookup quicker and more convenient - they come from hardware stores for a couple of dollars.
  • If you choose to change from the plain cable to a coiled one such as the Fastway Zip, it replaces your original cable (don't need to replace the switch) and looks like it comes with a snap, too.
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