Trailer Breakaway Cable Guide (Canada)

Trailer wiring

The breakaway cable pulls the switch pin if the trailer separates from the tow vehicle so electric brakes can fire from the trailer battery. Clip it to a solid point on the hitch or vehicle — never to the safety chains alone.

Shop the partsAll towing guides

Push To Test Breakaway Kit WithCURT 52042$80.82 CADSee the part →

What the cable does

If the coupler leaves the ball, the cable should yank the breakaway pin. The trailer battery then powers the electric brakes. A cable clipped to a flimsy plastic loop or only to a chain can fail that job.

Clip and slack

Leave enough slack to turn tightly without tripping the switch, but not so much that the cable drags. Test the switch before the season. Keep the battery charged — a cable cannot stop a trailer with a dead pack.

Parts we commonly sell

Confirm ratings and fit notes on each product page before you order.

CURT part 52042Push To Test Breakaway Kit WithConfirm fit and rating on the product page.$80.82 CAD

CURT part 51170Spectrum Brake ControlConfirm fit and rating on the product page.$377.93 CAD

Official CURT context

Official clips from @curtmfg. If an embed stalls, use the YouTube link under the video.

Related guides

Breakaway kitsFull kit

Switch testsProve it before the trip

Breakaway batteryPower behind the cable

Brakes and breakawayBigger picture

Brake controllerVehicle-side brakes

Towing guides hubAll guides