25/03/2026
Let's open up a can of worms...shall we?
BREAKAWAY CABLES - where do you hook them up?
This is something we see all the time. Breakaway cables attached to the D-shackle or the tow tongue, which is a problem.
In fact, even attaching it straight onto the towbar assembly can be an issue if the towbar were to fall off or sustain damage. Slim chance, I know, but something to consider.
From VSB1 (Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1), the requirement is essentially:
The breakaway system must activate the trailer brakes automatically if the trailer becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle.
Simple…but it is left very open.
If your breakaway cable is attached to the tow tongue, the hitch pin, or even the towbar itself…and that component fails or detaches…The cable may go with it.
That means:
❌ No activation
❌ No brakes
Attaching the cable straight to the towbar is commonly accepted legally, but towbars CAN and have failed, although it's usually classed as a structual failure in that case.
The reason we've made this post is to create awareness. We have seen it happen, and seen it "almost" happen a few more times than that. Which makes you wonder if it's more common than people think.
Now, lets clear something up - the chance of a good quality towbar that's rated correctly, inspected, and maintained correctly should never be an issue. But let's face it, not all are in perfect condition, and while it's rare, bolts can come loose, rust, and bend, they can be overloaded and placed under enormous strain using various weight distributing devices. Add in
offroad driving; corrugations, washouts, and dips with heavy loads applie, and anything can happen.
There have also been well-publicised issues and recalls in recent years involving towbar assemblies (loose bolt, weak welds).
From my way of thinking, eliminating even the slightest risk that could have big implications is worth the few minutes of time required to assess if there's a better place to attach it than to the towbar.
Many tow training organisation's and authorities recommend attaching the cable ideally to the actual chassis or vehicle body, so it is independent of the towbar/hitch assembly. This way, it removes the "what if" scenario.
There's usually a bracket, factory tow point, spare tyre mount or similar to make use of. An alternative setup we’re seeing more of is using a Breakaway extension chain/cable, which is permanently connected to the vehicle chassis or underbody, usually looped and secured around a crossmember or through an original factory hole in the chassis itself.
This gives you an easy and consistent connection point while keeping the system independent of the towbar. Naturally, the extension cable needs to be strong and secure to ensure the cable can effectively remove the breakaway pin when required.
At the end of the day, the rules don't really tell you exactly where to attach the cable. It definitely should not be connected to removable components like hitch pins or the actual hitch, safety chains or shackles, and it obviously must work when required. The ADR's and VSB that guide us just say it needs to be attached to a substantial part of the vehicle, which generally includes the tow bar assembly.
For me, I consider these standards to be the minimum, and I've seen one too many towbars come loose. So when possible, I'll opt to attach the cable to the vehicles chassis or body.
Important exception:
Some vehicles — like the 200 & 300 Series LandCruiser — have a towbar that’s integrated into the chassis. In those cases, the towbar itself is effectively part of the vehicle structure without bolts.
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