![]() ![]() Unbraked trailers up to a permissible total weight of 1,500 kg must be connected and secured to the towing vehicle via a safety cable, i.e. This does not apply for single-axle trailers or double-axle trailers with a wheelbase of less than one metre and the trailer does not exceed the permissible total weight of 1,500 kg. In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, the brake systems of trailers must be equipped in such a way that the trailer, even in the case of a break in the coupling device when in motion, can come to a halt. What requires special attention with a foreign/German trailer combination in the Netherlands and Switzerland? The Federal Office for Roads has approved additional eyelets or special fixing holes on the towbar as suitable for mounting. In Switzerland with trailers up to a permissible total weight of 1,500 kg without a service brake system, an additional safety cable, e.g. ![]() How to use a safety cable correctly in Switzerland Simply winding the cable round the knee-joint bar is not sufficient in the Netherlands. This is done with special eyelets or clamps. In any case, it is very important that in the Netherlands the specified safety cables must, in addition, be attached to the towbar for both unbraked and braked trailers. This is only available for vehicles (trailers) with brakes. ![]() ![]() a steel cable between the vehicle and the braking system of the trailer. With larger trailers an ultimate (at break) braking provision must be in place, i.e. This also applies for unbraked trailers up to 750 kg. With trailers without their own brakes a secondary coupling in the form of a cable or chain is compulsory. Trailers up to 1500 kg therefore require a safety feature and/or breakaway facility. In the Netherlands safety devices are foreseen for both braked and unbraked trailers. How to use a safety cable correctly in the Netherlands As far as technically possible, the safety cable has to be fixed through an opening, drill hole or eyelet on the towbar, not on the ball head. However, one thing is certain, the cable may not be looped over the towbar. Where exactly the cable should be installed is not specified. The use of a breakaway or safety cable is mandatory in Germany. In the event that the trailer becomes detached from the towbar, a safety cable should trigger the brakes and bring the trailer to a halt. This means that in the braking procedure the trailer overruns the towing vehicle and the resulting power is transmitted by lever transmission to the trailer brakes. with a permissible maximum weight of more than 750 kg and up to 3,500 kg, are generally equipped with inertia (overrun) brakes. In Germany trailers in the medium-weight class, i.e. For this reason, we’ve put together the provisions given by the ADAC (German Automobile Association) regarding the correct installation and use of the cable.īreakaway cable safety mechanisms when driving in Germany When travelling to our neighbouring countries, the Netherlands and Switzerland, if the breakaway cable is not correctly installed or you have no safety cable, this could lead to heavy fines. Anyone who drives a lot with a trailer is sure to be familiar with installing it – and probably also had many discussions about it. This is what we call the safety or breakaway cable. It makes sure that even in the event of the trailer coming loose from the coupling towbar it will still decelerate. ![]()
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