Key takeaways
- Safety cables are a backup, not a replacement, for the tow bar.
- Cross them beneath the tow bar and keep them off the ground.
- A breakaway cable triggers the towed vehicle's brakes if the vehicles separate.
What safety cables do
Safety cables keep the towed vehicle connected to the motorhome if the tow bar uncouples from the motorhome or the towed vehicle. They are generally required by law in most states.
How to attach them
- Connect each cable from the motorhome hitch area to the corresponding attachment point on the base plate.
- Cross the cables beneath the tow bar, forming a cradle that can catch the bar if it drops.
- Leave enough slack for turns, but keep the cables from dragging on the ground.
- Use quick links or rated connectors that are suited to the cable and attachment point.
Short cables on some base plates
Some base plate and tow bar combinations use shorter cables that connect removable arms to brackets on the towed vehicle. Follow the manufacturer's directions for your specific system.
Cable types
- Long straight cables: often used with tow bars that have built-in cable channels.
- Coiled cables: stay off the ground but are not suitable for every tow bar design.
Choose cables with a rating above your towed weight, and check the tow bar's instructions for which style to use.
Breakaway cable
A breakaway cable connects from the motorhome to the braking system's breakaway switch. If the towed vehicle separates, the cable pulls the switch and triggers the towed vehicle's brakes. Attach it separately from the safety cables, according to your braking system's instructions.
Inspect before every trip
- No fraying, kinks, or rust
- Hooks and links are not bent
- Cables are crossed, secure, and clear of the ground
- Breakaway cable is connected and routed correctly
Frequently asked questions
Why do you cross the safety cables?
Crossing creates a cradle that can catch the tow bar if it fails and falls.
Can I use chain instead of cable?
Use what the tow bar and base plate manufacturer specify, with a rating above your towed weight.
Is the breakaway cable the same as a safety cable?
No. It is a separate cable that activates the braking system if the vehicles separate.
This page is general information. Always follow your vehicle owner's manual, equipment instructions, and the laws of the states and provinces you travel through.