elddis 2016 Buccaneer, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 15 / 146

3-4
PREPARING FOR THE ROAD
USE OF YOUR CARAVANS
BREAKAWAY CABLE
The law requires that any trailer with a
MTPLM (GVW) exceeding 750 kg must have
a braking system and it must work. If such a
trailer becomes detached from the tow vehicle
then these brakes must be applied
automatically by way of the breakaway cable.
This breakaway cable is an important part of
the management of the braking system and
when the trailer is built the braking system is
part of the certification process for the safe
use of the trailer - so any replacement parts
must be equivalent to the original parts fitted.
There are two types of breakaway cable in
use in the UK. One uses a spring clip (one of
the Al-Ko versions, the other uses a Karabiner
clip (available from Al-Ko and BPW).
Looking at the two clips it is easy to see that
there is a difference.
The spring clip type is designed to be hooked
back over the breakaway cable when it is
fitted to the tow vehicle and must always be
used this way.
The Karabiner type is designed to be secured
onto a mounting point on the two vehicle, it
does not need to pass back over the cable to
secure it in place (but can if necessary).
So how should the breakaway cable be
secured to the tow vehicle? In the absence of
specific advice from the manufacturer/supplier
follow these simple guidelines:
Fixed tow ball systems
The cable with spring clip should be passed
behind the towbar assembly (where cable
length is sufficient) and then clipped back on
itself. The cable should be in as straight a
path as possible to ensure correct operation.
Where there is insufficient cable length then
the cable should pass around the base of the
tow ball and then be clipped back on itself.
Detachable tow bar systems
Vehicles with a detachable tow bar system
may have a securing point provided on the
tow bar assembly. This securing point should
be part of the towbar assembly fitted to the
tow vehicle but this securing point may not be
large enough to allow the spring clip type
fastener to pass completely through, do not
be tempted to clip onto the securing point
directly. Where this is the case, or where
there is no hooking point provided, then the
cable should pass around the tow ball
assembly and then clipped back on itself.
Where the towbar provides a securing point
and a Karabiner type fastening is provided,
then this can be secured to the securing
point. Make sure that it is completely closed
to ensure that it operates correctly.
Be careful to check that the cable does not
sag so much that it could drag on the ground
- if it does it may become damaged or catch
on debris on the road surface. Also ensure
that the cable is long enough to allow for any
sharp turns, otherwise the cable may
inadvertently apply the trailer brakes and this
could cause damage to the brake
components.
Remember to check the breakaway cable for
any signs of damage. The cable is designed
to apply the trailer brakes and then snap
once the brakes are applied so any damage
may result in premature failure and the
brakes not being properly applied.
And ... remember ... Many inadvertent
detachments occur at low speed - normally
as a result of the hitch head not being
engaged properly onto the tow ball assembly.
A low speed detachment may not result in the
breakaway cable operating properly - so
ALWAYS check that the head is fully secure
before setting off.
Karabiner type clip
Spring type clip