Breakaway Cable 25BRDS

DoughertyFour · 08-14-2021, 06:56 PM

The breakaway cable on our 2018 Flagstaff 25BRDS is splitting/breaking. We want to get a new one. Are these one size fits all, or are they specific to the RV? If specific to the RV what replacement type should I get? Thanks!

azfansinnc · 08-14-2021, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoughertyFour

The breakaway cable on our 2018 Flagstaff 25BRDS is splitting/breaking. We want to get a new one. Are these one size fits all, or are they specific to the RV? If specific to the RV what replacement type should I get? Thanks!

https://www.amazon.com/Fastway-Foot-...456803231&th=1

I'm not sure what length you would need but you can definitely sub it with a different style such as the one in the link above. We use a 4' fastway ourselves. You want one that will not yank the emergency brake during cornering or any other "normal" maneuver but would be activated if the trailer ever became detached.

chriscowles · 08-14-2021, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoughertyFour

The breakaway cable on our 2018 Flagstaff 25BRDS is splitting/breaking. We want to get a new one. Are these one size fits all, or are they specific to the RV? If specific to the RV what replacement type should I get? Thanks!

The pin may be specific to the breakaway switch. You can detach the cable at the ring. The cable should be longer than your 7-pin (or 4-pin) trailer umbilical, which should be longer than your safety chains. (If someone wants to correct that, I'll readily accept a different approach.)

While you're at it, get a Fastway ZIP breakaway cable. They're more convenient because they're out of the way.

Also while you're at it, be sure your breakaway switch actually works. Pull the pin and measure the voltage in the wire. I pulled the pin on mine, not for that reason, but to test the voltage of each individual brake. I found out the switch itself didn't work. I wasn't expecting that. It corroded, I guess. I travel with a spare, so I was able to replace it. If you find you need to replace your switch, the Fastway cable is available with a switch.

Fastway 80-01-2404 Zip Breakway Cable, 4'

flyflotrtim · 08-14-2021, 08:15 PM

Yes, I replaced mine with the fastway, it was a nice upgrade. Keep your old one for a spare.

chriscowles · 08-14-2021, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyflotrtim

... Keep your old one for a spare.

Good idea to have a spare, but not if it's frayed, which is why the OP is replacing it.

5picker · 08-15-2021, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoughertyFour

The breakaway cable on our 2018 Flagstaff 25BRDS is splitting/breaking. We want to get a new one. Are these one size fits all, or are they specific to the RV? If specific to the RV what replacement type should I get? Thanks!

Just a question?...
Is the actual fibers of the cable splitting or breaking or is it just the plastic outer coating many of these breakaway cables have?

I have seen LOTS of the cables where the outer plastic coating has cracked/broken but it in no way affected the integrity of it doing its job.

chriscowles · 08-15-2021, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5picker

... I have seen LOTS of the cables where the outer plastic coating has cracked/broken but it in no way affected the integrity of it doing its job.

I had one where the coating peeled away and didn't immediately affect the integrity of the cable, but it eventually started rusting. If there's significant rust I'd replace it but agree that peeling plastic, alone, is not a functional problem.

Weekend Wonder · 08-22-2021, 06:29 PM

Hello RV'ers. FYI, about once a month go ahead and pull your breakaway switch while your camper is parked. Give it a strong tug and examine the plastic plug. These plugs are plastic and many times they are stuck due to dirt and grime. Some are also cracked. Most owners have never checked their breakaway plug. If its dirty and stuck, it will never function as intended and if you should ever fishtail and become disconnected, well the trailer brakes will never engage. The plastic switch is easily cleaned and reinstalled. This exam takes 30 seconds and it might prevent a mishap. Plus its a good time to exam your safety braided cable for rust and fray.

**bikendan** · 08-22-2021, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weekend Wonder

Hello RV'ers. FYI, about once a month go ahead and pull your breakaway switch while your camper is parked. Give it a strong tug and examine the plastic plug. These plugs are plastic and many times they are stuck due to dirt and grime. Some are also cracked. Most owners have never checked their breakaway plug. If its dirty and stuck, it will never function as intended and if you should ever fishtail and become disconnected, well the trailer brakes will never engage. The plastic switch is easily cleaned and reinstalled. This exam takes 30 seconds and it might prevent a mishap. Plus its a good time to exam your safety braided cable for rust and fray.

Disconnect the battery before doing this.

chriscowles · 08-22-2021, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikendan

Disconnect the battery before doing this.

Dan, I discovered my breakaway switch was non-functional only by pulling the pin with the battery still connected. The pin came out and went back in normally. Had I not had it energized and checked the voltage I would not have known it was useless.

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