QuestionMark 96 Posted December 23, 2020 Share Posted December 23, 2020 (edited) Not sure if others came across the same problem but when we went to pickup our trailer with our F150, the original trailer breakaway cable was not long enough to connect to the hitch on the truck as required. We have since replaced the original standard cable with a longer "coiled" cable that allows for the cable to reach the hitch connection point on the truck and eliminated any slack in the cable while towing. Below is a link to what we purchased and installed on the trailer and have been very happy with it. Fastway Zip 6 Foot Breakaway Cable 80-01-2160 To replace you only need to cut off the old cable and install the new one. Takes about 2-5 min. Edited December 23, 2020 by QuestionMark 2 2018 F150 XLT Supercrew 5.0 4x4 2020 Oliver Legacy Elite I * Hull #664 Located SE Texas Region Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators Overland 1,622 Posted December 23, 2020 Moderators Share Posted December 23, 2020 Interesting - mine came with a coiled cable similar to the one you linked to. What is Oliver using now? Snowball • The world's only spherical Ollie Link to post Share on other sites
QuestionMark 96 Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 (edited) Overland, The original cable was just a straight cable about 4' in length (not sure as I threw it away). We could only clip it on one of the trailer chains (not a good option) until we could replace it with the longer cable. I decided to go with the "coiled" style to eliminate any slack caused when turning left. The bright red color ended up being an additional benefit in that it is easy to see and acts as an additional reminder when hooking up the trailer. Edited December 23, 2020 by QuestionMark 2018 F150 XLT Supercrew 5.0 4x4 2020 Oliver Legacy Elite I * Hull #664 Located SE Texas Region Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators topgun2 1,354 Posted December 23, 2020 Moderators Share Posted December 23, 2020 Wow - I'm the same as Overland. I've always felt that even though it is "coiled" the stretch is a bit more than I would prefer. However, with all of the towing that I've done in over five years, it has never failed. If, indeed, the newer Olivers come with a straight cable I would look to replace it with a coiled model and certainly replace it, as you did, if it is not long enough to reach the Tow Vehicle. Bill 2017 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5EB FX4 Max Towing 2016 Oliver Elite II - Hull #117 "Twist" Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators Overland 1,622 Posted December 23, 2020 Moderators Share Posted December 23, 2020 Mine is stretched pretty much to the limit when attached, but has never pulled loose in a turn or anything. Snowball • The world's only spherical Ollie Link to post Share on other sites
QuestionMark 96 Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 Even with the new 6' cable, the cable is stretched out pretty much as well but it has not been a problem when traveling. 2018 F150 XLT Supercrew 5.0 4x4 2020 Oliver Legacy Elite I * Hull #664 Located SE Texas Region Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Kimsey 22 Posted December 23, 2020 Share Posted December 23, 2020 (edited) I have the same issue with our Ram 1500. When we picked it up our Ollie this fall the 48" straight cable was not long enough to reach the hitch and had to attach to the chains. Thank you for the link. Edited December 23, 2020 by Ray Kimsey 2019 Ram 1500 - 2020 LEll - Hull #676 Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators SeaDawg 1,553 Posted December 23, 2020 Moderators Share Posted December 23, 2020 The idea is that the cable is long enough to make turns and maneuvers, but actuates if you actually have a hitch failure. Yes, it's tricky. But should something give, you want it to work. I've never had it happen. But I've known a few (non oliver) friends who actually needed that safety. 2008 Ram 1500 4 × 4 2008 Oliver Elite, Hull #12 Link to post Share on other sites
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