LOL

S

I tend to agree with you but this is not Alko's advice (see www.al-ko.co.uk/edit/files/how-to/how-to-attach-your-breakaway-cable-rev2.pdf). They actually recommend looping the cable around their long neck towball. I have a flanged towbar with 4 holes so there are two options for towball height. I am inclined to fit a "D shackle" to one of the spare holes and loop the cable through that. I note that my type of clasp (apparently there are two types) should not be attached (clipped) directly to the towbar. The clip needs to be the heavier duty version.

Looping breakaway cable round tow hook. You only need to do that if you don't have somewhere else designed to hook it onto with the carabiner style clip. The breakaway cable only has to pull the caravan handbrake on. It's strong enough for that. If it then breaks (as it probably will) it doesn't matter- you're well and truly screwed. At least the caravan is. I don't think that the breakaway cable would pull 1000kg+ very far. The brakes are now fully on. Trouble is, the hitch then falls onto the road (taking the towing electrics with it) and presumably the van can veer off and go just about anywhere. If you want a system which keeps the caravan connected to the towing vehicle then you need two chains crossing over each other under the towing hitch and connected to two points on the towing vehicle as in Canada and, I believe, US. The hitch then falls onto the crossed over chains and doesn't fall onto the road, and stays with the tow. Different provinces and states have their own regulations for towing, so this may vary. Moral: Make sure you're hitched up properly and check it each time you stop for a break. I've never heard of a trailer coming off the tow ball, but I have no doubt that it does happen. KZfaq videos show caravans snaking and crashing but mainly they seem to stay connected even when the towing vehicle turns over. If I'm talking through my hat, please feel free to correct me.

the way it was shown is actually how it is practiced and taught everywhere I ve been, however in some countries there are other requirements

Yes it is. If the car doesn't have a loop to connect to its "acceptable" but not recommended to do so. Thats the UK anyway.

And in the Netherlands

Not sure it was a good instructional video ! You've spotted one of the mistakes.

Thanks for your comment.

Hui 9697 The "armchair engineers" know what they are talking about. The danish board off transportation states on their homepage: Translation from danish. "If the trailer has a safety chain or cable, you must put it firmly in the safety eye by the tow. It is important that it is not just hanging around the neck off the tow, so there is a risk that the cable comes off, if the trailer jumps of the tow and thereby lose its safety. Remember, if you connect a trailer with brakes, it always has to be secured with a safety wire in a so-called "eye" on the towing bracket. It may cost a fine of 1000 kr. if you fail in installing the safety wire correctly."

Hui 9697 nb

There are plenty of competent carvanners out there. But, you make a good point. It's quite easy to buy a caravan and take it on the road with no training or experience. Given how much towing a caravan can change how your towcar behaves, people should get some training from a reputable club and also ensure their caravan is roadworthy (not always easy when you have bought one privately).