A complete guide to caravan breakaway cables

When you’re towing a caravan, a caravan breakaway cable is an essential piece of kit. Drivers can face serious safety and legal issues if their device is damaged, attached incorrectly, or nonexistent.

In this guide, we detail what a caravan breakaway cable is and the different types available. We’ll also look at how to attach one correctly and provide some top tips that will help you travel safely and legally.

What is a caravan breakaway cable?

A caravan breakaway cable is an important safety device that connects your caravan to your vehicle when towing a caravan. If your caravan accidentally becomes detached while towing, the breakaway cable activates the caravan’s brakes and brings it to a stop before it causes an accident. The cable then snaps or detaches, allowing the caravan to stop safely without being dragged along.

A breakaway cable is simple in design and consists of a thin steel cable with a clip at one end. One end attaches to the caravan’s handbrake mechanism while the other clips onto your vehicle. 

Types of breakaway cables for caravans

There are two main types of breakaway cables to consider. The most common type is a standard option with a loop and clip. This consists of a steel cable with a clip on one end and a loop on the other. The clip connects to a fixed point on your vehicle, while the loop connects to the caravan’s brake lever mechanism. This type of breakaway cable is popular as it’s simple to use and compatible with most vehicles and caravans.

Another common option is a breakaway cable with a carabiner or quick-release clip. This is more premium than a standard breakaway cable and has a carabiner-style clip or spring-loaded clasp, which allows for a faster, more secure attachment. This type of cable is particularly popular with experienced caravanners, those who regularly need to hitch and unhitch their vehicle, and people with heavy or long caravans that may benefit from enhanced security.

Other features to look out for when choosing a caravan breakaway cable include:

• Coiled breakaway cable – Reduces slack, which helps to prevent the cable from dragging on the ground, protecting it from wear and tear
• Heavy-duty cable – A thick cable perfect for heavy caravans
• Weather-resistant coating – UV-resistant or waterproof coating for increased durability in wet or frosty conditions

How to attach a caravan breakaway cable correctly

Attaching a caravan breakaway cable correctly is a must for safety and legal compliance, whether you're driving abroad with your touring caravan or travelling the UK. If the cable is attached incorrectly, your caravan could cause an accident or damage property. Here’s how to attach a cable correctly:

• Check the cable is in good condition with no fraying or rusting, and ensure the fittings are secure
• Locate the point on your vehicle where you can safely attach the breakaway cable – there is usually a dedicated loop for this
• Clip the cable to the loop, ensuring it’s not twisted, too tight, or too slack
• Pull gently on the cable to make sure it’s secure

Where to fit a caravan breakaway cable

It’s important to fit your caravan breakaway cable to the right place, so it works effectively and doesn’t malfunction. There are two options:

Designated tow bar attachment point

Most modern UK tow bars have a built-in attachment loop or ring specifically for breakaway cables. This is typically a small hole or metal loop welded or bolted onto the tow bar frame below or near the tow ball. It shouldn’t be clipped to the tow ball as this is not secure. Simply clip the breakaway cable directly to the designated loop. This is the legally preferred attachment method.

No designated tow bar attachment point

If your vehicle doesn’t have a designated tow bar attachment point but has a fixed tow ball, you can wrap the cable once around the neck of the tow ball and clip the end back onto the cable or onto itself to form a secure loop. This method is legal, but only if there isn’t a designated loop.

Common mistakes when fitting a breakaway cable

There are several common mistakes that people make when fitting a caravan breakaway cable, all of which could prevent it from working properly in an emergency. These include:

• Not attaching the cable to a secure point, like a dedicated loop
• Looping that cable around a detachable tow ball – this could slide off during an emergency
• Forgetting to check the condition of the cable before each trip – always look for fraying or damage and replace it if necessary
• Making sure the cable isn’t too tight, as this could activate the brake while turning
• Ensuring the cable isn’t too loose, as this could mean it doesn’t trigger in time

How to replace a caravan breakaway cable

Replacing a caravan breakaway cable is an important task that helps keep your caravan safe and legal. Breakaway cables can become frayed, rusty, or damaged, so knowing how to replace yours is essential.

You’ll need to locate where your existing breakaway cable is attached. This can usually be found connected to the caravan’s handbrake mechanism on the A-frame and is typically secured with a split pin, clevis pin, or bolt. Use pliers or a spanner to carefully remove the clip or pin and detach the cable. During this step, check for rust or damage where the cable was attached, as this may need addressing.

To attach the new breakaway cable, line up the looped end with the same hole or fitting on the handbrake mechanism. Next, insert the pin or bolt through the loop and fix it with a washer and split pin or nut. Once attached, pull the cable gently to make sure it’s secure, and engage and release the caravan’s handbrake to check it works smoothly.

You can then attach the clip end to your tow vehicle as previously described. Learn how to match a caravan and a car here if you haven't already got a tourer.

Legal requirements for breakaway cables in the UK

In the UK, all caravans with brakes must have a breakaway cable unless they have an alternative safety device. The breakaway cable must be correctly attached to a secure, fixed point on the tow vehicle via a designated loop when this is present. If there is no designated loop, the cable can be attached around a fixed tow ball. It’s the responsibility of the driver to ensure the cable is in good condition and securely attached without being too tight or too slack.

If someone is found to be towing a caravan without a properly attached breakaway cable, or with a damaged one, this could result in fines up to £2,500, a driving ban, or three penalty points.

Specialist touring caravan insurance through Ripe

Now you’re clued up on caravan breakaway cables, you may want to protect your holiday home with specialist insurance for added reassurance.

Touring caravan insurance through Ripe provides cover for your tourer up to the value of £75k. You can also select additional cover to protect your contents and awnings. Get an online quote in minutes.