Safety Cable to Frame

[Blue Ribbon]

I'm sure the idea came off this forum, but I decided to move my safety cable MH hook points from the MH hitch to the MH frame. Let me explain.

On most set-ups, you hook your safety cable (chains) into the hitch. What happens if the hitch comes loose.

It was so simple to get a few lengths of 1/4" cable from Lowes, some cable clamps, a couple thimbles and 4 shackles. One end of these cables is shackled (which has been safety wire secured) to the frame of the MH. The other end, there is a loop (with thimble) in the cable, and a shackle, and this end is attached to the hitch with a couple heavy wire ties. Now, when I hook up the safety cables (from the toad,) it is to these 18" "extender" cables, so if there is ever a problem with the bolts on the hitch, I still change a chance of the toad staying with me.

By the way, it is much easier to hook and unhook the cable hooks into a shackle than the flat plate (on the hitch that has a couple holes. Didn't take much time, less than $10 in parts, and a whole lot more piece of mind.

[Luv2go]

Great post, Bill!

This is often overlooked when installing safety chains. I have "extensions" like these that wrap around the frame (or what passes for a frame on unibody car) on the toad as well as the coach. They call the attachment points on my tow bracket "convenience points" for a reason!

We've had several posts about failing round-tube hitches in this forum. I'd rather not see my (or anyone elses) toad pass me on the road without a driver!

Another thing I have done is make sure the breakaway switch cable is short enough so it will release before the safety cables tighten up (or if one of the towbar pins come off), I want the brakes to be on on the toad to try to keep it from slamming into the coach!

Stewart