breakaway cable

yeoman1
yeoman1 Forum Participant Posts: 7
edited May 2019 in Towcars & Towing #1

Just changed my car to a BMW X3, it is fitted with a BMW detachable tow bar but there is nowhere to clip the breakaway cable, or indeed anywhere to bolt either a plate or eye. A policeman acquaintance has told me it is illegal to put the breakaway cable around the tow ball. Advise please

Comments

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2019 #2

    You would like to think a copper would know the law. While I'd prefer not to look around the tow ball, it's definitely legal to do so .... there's a specific breakaway cable available for it. Breakaway Cable (for looped attachment)  AL-KO Shop

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2019 #3

    I'd do a live link but on my phone and it's too difficult on this gas powered web site ...... 

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited May 2019 #4
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • Amesford
    Amesford Club Member Posts: 685 ✭✭✭
    500 Comments
    edited May 2019 #5

    The polceman may be right in certain circumstances 

    https://www.caravanguard.co.uk/news/video-caravan-breakaway-cables-15969/

  • compass362
    compass362 Forum Participant Posts: 619
    500 Comments
    edited May 2019 #6

     I've always attached breakaway cable around base of towball , never had a car where I could attach it to anywhere else on the chassis or eye / drilled hole on the bump plate. 

    I have to admit I've never thought it might be illegal. 

  • compass362
    compass362 Forum Participant Posts: 619
    500 Comments
    edited May 2019 #7

    I've just watched this excellent video...... I'll be changing the way I attach my breakaway cable from now on. 👍

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2019 #8

    not illegal. https://www.al-ko.com/shop/media/uploads/NCC_breakaway_cable_advice.pdf.pdf 

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