Lunar Caravans 2016 Ariva, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 21 / 156

21
PREPARING FOR THE ROAD
When the breakaway cable is attached,
check to ensure:
a) that the cable cannot snag in use on the
trailer coupling head, jockey wheel, or
any accessory, e.g. a stabiliser, bumper
shield, cycle carrier, etc.
b) that there is sufficient slack in the cable
to allow the towing vehicle and trailer to
articulate fully without the cable ever
becoming taut and applying the brakes.
NOTE: For peace of mind you might wish to
check the state of the cable by positioning
the trailer and towing vehicle at extreme
angles before setting off.
c) that it is not so slack that it can drag on
the ground. If left loose, the cable may
scrape along the ground and be
weakened so that it subsequently fails to
do its job. The cable may also be caught
on an obstacle when in motion thus
engaging the trailer brakes prematurely.
Having followed this advice, should you feel
that a satisfactory coupling arrangement
cannot be achieved, consult your trailer or
towbar supplier or service agent.
This is the Law
UK Law requires that all trailers with brakes
built on or after 1st October 1982 (e.g.
caravans, horse boxes, flat bed car trailers
etc.) are fitted with a safety device to provide
protection in the unlikely event of the
separation of the main coupling while in
motion. A device referred to as a "breakaway
cable" fulfills this requirement and when fitted
to a trailer its use is mandatory.
Trailer and/or towbar manufacturers should
supply advice on the correct use of these
cables. In the absence of such information,
the following guidance should be noted.
Purpose of a Breakaway Cable
To apply a trailer's brakes if it becomes
separated from its towing vehicle. Having
done this, the cable assembly is designed to
part, allowing the trailer to come to a halt
away from the towing vehicle.
Construction
Usually a thin steel cable, possibly plastic
coated and fitted with a means of attachment
for connection to the towing vehicle.
Operation
In the event of the main coupling of the trailer
separating from the towing vehicle, the cable
should be able to pull tight, without any
hindrance, engaging the trailer's brakes.
Note: The breakaway cable should never
become taut during normal use.
Please see document for full details.
www.thencc.org.uk/downloads/
breakawaycable.pdf