Break away safety cable on hitch

[Scott]

So I accidentally pulled the safety cable like an idiot. Now I can't get it to fully retract. Anyone have any ideas how to get it back to where it belongs? I tried to release the brakes by pushing on the tab under the hitch and it retracted some but not all the way. I even pushed on the actuator with a pry bar like the instructions say and still not helping. I'm pretty sure the little ball showing is supposed to be tucked inside the hole with a retaining clip holding it in. I'm leaving for the lake Friday morning and need advice. Thanks for the help.

Scott

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Are your brakes locked?

 

[Scottintexas]

I agree, jack up one side and see if the tire spins, maybe it already reset,

 

[veedubtek]

I did the exact same thing a few months ago, @Scott . I still swear the cable is out further than it was, but my brakes work fine. I've trailered almost 2000 miles since then, including backing up with the lights unplugged to ensure the brakes worked fine.

 

[Ronnie]

I was in an incident where the safety cable was triggered, it worked but it also snapped. I ended up replacing just the cable but it would have been cheaper overal, to just replace the entire surge brake assembly.

Here is a link to a string on the subject.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/mfi-trailer-issue.5601/#post-96780

Here is another link to a site on which you should be able to buy whatever trailer parts you may need. As a bonus their is also a short animation on the page showing how surge brakes work.

http://www.pacifictrailers.com/UFP-A-60-Brake-Actuator-Replacement-Parts-for-Disc-Drum-brakes/

Good luck but from what I've read so far your brakes dont sound like they are locked up so although the the cable is extended further than usual you may not have a problem to solve.

 

[Scott]

My brakes seem to be fine. I will try to do the back up without the trailer wires hooked up to see if the brakes lock up tomorrow. Thanks for all the help guys. Love this site!

Scott

 

[dansshin]

On my trailer, break-away cable that sticks out seems to be on the bit long side as well as I have more than enough to connect to the car hitch but I'm not able to push it in any more even after pressing the release lever at the bottom. I'm not sure exactly how long of section needs to be sticking out but I'm thinking this may be normal length.

 

[Englewoodcowboy]

There is a little metal tab that semi crimps on the cable in between the ball and the inside of the coupler to keep plenty of slack so accidental engagement doesnt accur. That tab is a one shot piece and you just need to locate the right part, buy a new one and reinstall it.

 

[Scott]

I checked the brakes today by not hooking up the trailer wireing to my truck and tried to back up. The brakes engaged and would not let me back up. So now I know the brakes work.

@Englewoodcowboy the tab is still in place with the cable attached. I was able to shine a flashlight in the hitch and see it.

For some reason it just didn't retract all the way but everything seems to be in working order.

Thanks again for all of the help.

Scott

 

[USN SCPO RET]

I was in an incident where the safety cable was triggered, it worked but it also snapped. I ended up replacing just the cable but it would have been cheaper overal, to just replace the entire surge brake assembly.

Here is a link to a string on the subject.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/mfi-trailer-issue.5601/#post-96780

Here is another link to a site on which you should be able to buy whatever trailer parts you may need. As a bonus their is also a short animation on the page showing how surge brakes work.

http://www.pacifictrailers.com/UFP-A-60-Brake-Actuator-Replacement-Parts-for-Disc-Drum-brakes/

Good luck but from what I've read so far your brakes dont sound like they are locked up so although the the cable is extended further than usual you may not have a problem to solve.

I used your link to buy a replacement break away cable...snapped it yesterday. Thanks for sharing.