Safety Cables; Breakaway Cable - Axis A20 Owner's Manual

If the hitch height is incorrect and does not allow the trailer to be lev-
el, it may be necessary to install air-pressure adjustable shock absorb-
ers on the tow vehicle. If a weight-distributing hitch is installed, change
out to a weight-carrying hitch instead. Or consult with the tow vehicle
manufacturer's authorized dealer for other assistance.
In general, for Class 3 rigs (3,500-5,000 lbs.) a two-inch (2") ball is
required. For Class 4 rigs, (5,000-10,000 lbs.) a ball of two inches (2") or
two-and-five-sixteenths (2-5/16") is required.
The safety cables can prevent a trailer from totally disengaging from
the hitch. If it becomes necessary in the future to replace the cables,
ensure that the replacement cables meet the Society
of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J684 standard for trailer
hitching and coupling. The cables must match or exceed
the trailer's GVWR.
Cables must be as centrally attached as possible to the
safety bumper or frame of the tow vehicle. The hitch should
provide a location through which the safety cables can
cables
be attached. Holes or rings should be on both sides of
the hitch ball.
Most states require that the safety cables should be
criss-crossed under the trailer tongue prior to being
attached to the other hole or ring location. If the trailer
should disengage, these cables should be able to pre-
vent the trailer tongue from falling onto the tow surface.
The cables should be attached as tautly as possible but still allow for
turning, including close-quarters turns.
The trailer also is equipped with a surge-brake breakaway cable.
This cable, explained elsewhere in this Owner's Manual, must also be
attached to the tow vehicle frame, securely but allowing for turns.
A truck or van with a "step bumper" requires eye-bolt or equivalent safety
cable attachment, which meets the Society of Automotive Engineers: SAE J684
Standard.
breakaway
If the cable clip is missing, or it has been broken by the cable being pulled, first
check and attempt to release the emergency brake mechanism by pressing up
cable
on the brake release tab under the actuator nose, right behind the tow ball insert
location. Press up on the brake release tab, and if a metallic clunk or sound of a
spring releasing is heard, that means the emergency brake mechanism had pre-
Verify that the entire length and width of
the trailer is level. If the trailer is not level, it
can either cause the brakes to activate or not
to activate at all, which could cause loss of
control of the vehicle.
Safety cables and the breakaway cable must be securely attached to the
tow vehicle, while allowing for turns. Failure to do so could result in
serious injury or death, as well as property damage to other persons
and vehicles on the road if the trailer becomes disengaged from the
tow vehicle.
Axis
Owners
Manual
2019
Page 116