Emergency brake cable replacement

[goyer]

Hello. The emergency brake cable on my 1504T Hi Lo has frayed and broken. How do I go about replacing this? What type/gauge cable should I use? What clip should I use to attach it to my hitch?
Thanks, Jerry

 

[JackandJanet]

Jerry, I think you could find similar cable at a home improvement store such as Home Depot or Lowes. Just look for some that's the same or larger diameter and I'd buy stainless steel if available. It should not hurt if the cable is thicker, but it would be weaker if thinner. As far as the clip goes, it's just a common spring clip that you can also find at home improvement stores or hardware stores. Really, any kind of clip you can find that works would be fine.

- Jack

 

[goyer]

Thanks Jack!

 

[mtmiller302]

It might be a good time to make sure the e-brake (breakaway) works. I just replaced the whole breakaway switch on mine ('98 24TD) because the 'innards' had rusted to the point where a new cable wasn't gonna fix the whole problem. Only $17. Just a thought...

 

[JackandJanet]

Good catch, mt! The breakaway switch is certainly exposed to the elements and if it's old, is probably due replacement.

- Jack

 

[goyer]

Thanks for the help!

 

[goyer]

Hi. Where would I purchase this breakaway switch? Will I need to splice into the existing wires leading to it?
Also, the breakaway pin is stuck inside the switch; any helpful hints for that situation?
Thanks.

 

[JackandJanet]

Goyer, I think you could buy a replacement online at etrailer.com. Or, if there's an RV place nearby, they'd probably have it too. It's a standard item for towed house trailers.

If you're going to replace the switch, the new one will come with its own breakaway pin. If yours doesn't come out, the switch SHOULD be replaced. I don't know if you'll need to do any wire splicing, but the new one should hook up the same as the old one.

- Jack

 

[goyer]

Thanks Jack!