Trailer Emergency Breakaway Cable - Original Factory Cable Not Long enough

[QuestionMark 96]

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

[Overland 1,622]

Interesting - mine came with a coiled cable similar to the one you linked to.  What is Oliver using now?

[QuestionMark 96]

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

[topgun2 1,354]

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

[Overland 1,622]

Mine is stretched pretty much to the limit when attached, but has never pulled loose in a turn or anything. 

[QuestionMark 96]

Even with the new 6' cable, the cable is stretched out pretty much as well but it has not been a problem when traveling.

[Ray Kimsey 22]

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

[SeaDawg 1,553]

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.