Correct Procedure For Use; Loading And Distribution Of Weight In The Caravan And Car - Bailey Pursuit Owner's Manual

Having done this, the cable assembly is
designed to part, allowing the trailer to come
to a halt away from the towing vehicle.
Construction; A thin steel cable, coated in red
plastic and fitted with a means of attachment
for connection to the towing vehicle.
Operation; In the event of the main coupling of
the trailer separating from the towing vehicle,
the cable should be able to pull tight, without
any hindrance, engaging the trailer's brakes.
The breakaway cable should never
become taut during normal use.

Correct procedure for use:

Regularly check the cable and clip for damage.
If in doubt, contact your trailer or towbar
supplier or your service agent.
Make sure the cable runs as straight as
possible and goes through a cable guide
underneath the trailer coupling.
Determine whether or not the towbar has
a designated attachment point (i.e. a part
specifically designated by its manufacturer for
a breakaway cable).
Where a designated attachment point is
provided on the towbar:
Pass the cable through the attachment point
and clip it back on itself (fig.a).
Where no designated attachment point has
been provided on the towbar:
Fixed ball: Loop the cable around the neck of
the tow ball. If you fit the cable like this, use a
single loop only. See Figs. b and c.
Detachable ball: You must seek guidance on
procedure from the towbar manufacturer or
supplier.
Other means of attachment:
In some instances it may be possible to attach
the cable assembly:
Either:
To a permanent part of the towbar structure,
as long as this meets the approval of the
towbar manufacturer/supplier,
Or:
To an accessory sold for the specific purpose
of breakaway cable attachment.
When the breakaway cable is attached, check
to ensure:
a. That the cable cannot snag in use on the
Caravan coupling head, jockey wheel, or
any accessory, e.g. a stabiliser, bump shield,
cycle carrier, etc.
b. That there is sufficient slack in the cable
to allow the towing vehicle and caravan
to articulate fully without the cable ever
becoming taut and applying the brakes.
For peace of mind you might wish to check
the state of the cable by positioning the
caravan and towing vehicle at extreme
angles before setting off.
c. That it is not so slack that it can drag on the
ground. If left loose, the cable may scrape
along the ground and be weakened so that
it subsequently fails to do its job. The cable
may also be caught on an obstacle when in
motion, thus engaging the caravan's brakes
prematurely.
Having followed this advice, should you feel
that a satisfactory coupling arrangement
cannot be achieved, consult your trailer or
towbar supplier or service agent.
It is a legal requirement that the
secondary breakaway cable is used
when towing.
Loading and Distribution of Weight in the
Caravan and Car.
Equipment and personal effects should be
loaded in the caravan so that any heavy items
are low down near the floor and mainly over
the axles.
The remainder should be distributed to give a
suitable nose weight at the towing coupling.
It should be noted that with certain layouts
or models it may be necessary to load heavy
items, such as awnings, in the middle of the
floor to achieve an acceptable and safe nose
weight. It may not be possible to achieve the
desired nose weight with all items stored out
of sight in lockers and bed boxes (bunks).
Please take care that you have allowed for the
weight of all items you intend to load into the
caravan.
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