When choosing safety cables for towing, prioritize durability, secure attachments, and compatibility with your hitch system. This guide highlights five top options suited for common towing setups, from RVs to standard trailers. Read on to see which cables are best for heavy loads, weather resistance, or easy handling. The listed products target different buyer needs, such as simple install, high break strength, and self-coiling designs for tidy setups. A concise buying table and a practical guide follow to help you compare at a glance.
| Product | Break Strength | Length | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATRACYPART BX88196 Kit | 7,500 lbs | 7 ft | Medium-duty towing, frequent disconnections | Coiled design; aircraft-grade steel; plastic coating |
| PSLER BX88196 Replacement | 7,500 lbs | 7 ft | RV and Class III trailer tow | S-Hooks; tightly curled |
| CURT 80176 | 3/8″ steel, high strength | Standard length | General towing; easy to handle | Vinyl coating; resists rust |
| DocksLocks 48″ 2 Pack | 5,000 lbs | 48 inches | Compact setups; self-coiling | Vinyl-coated; spring-loaded latches |
| DLLRV 68″ Pair | 12,000 lbs | 68 inches | Heavy-duty towing; long reach | Two cables; hooks and quick links |
ATRACYPART BX88196 Coiled Safety Cable Kit
Best for: Owners needing a ready-to-install kit for standard 7-ft connections. This kit replaces OE BX88196, simplifying installation with OEM compatibility.
Why chosen: It combines aircraft-grade steel construction with a protective plastic coating, reducing wear on tow bars. The coiled design helps prevent slack that can drag on the ground.
Caution: Ensure to verify vehicle and trailer compatibility before installation to avoid misfit parts or improper anchoring.
PSLER BX88196 Replacement 7FT Coiled Cables
Best for: RVs and Class III trailers needing a direct BX88196 replacement with strong S-Hooks for secure connections.
Why chosen: Cargo-ready safety with aircraft-grade steel, tightly curled to prevent sagging and ground contact. It offers straightforward compatibility with common tow systems.
Caution: Check length fits your hitch layout; a too-long cable can introduce added risk during travel over bumps.
CURT 80176 Safety Cable Assembly
Best for: Tow setups requiring dependable two-cable connections with protection from the elements.
Why chosen: High-strength 3/8-inch steel with a vinyl coating resists rust and corrosion, while the coating makes handling easier in outdoor conditions.
Caution: Ensure you use two cables for reliable redundancy; a single cable is insufficient for safety in most towing scenarios.
DLFZWB 44-Inch Vinyl-Coated Cables
Best for: Light to medium towing tasks where compact, store-friendly cables are preferred.
Why chosen: Heavy-duty galvanized steel with vinyl coating resists corrosion and weathering; snap hooks on both ends provide a secure grip.
Caution: The 44-inch length may not suit long-reach hitch setups; consider longer cables for larger trailers.
DocksLocks 48-Inch Self-Coiling Cables
Best for: Towing applications where reducing cable slack is critical to prevent dragging and noise.
Why chosen: Self-coiling design minimizes slack, while hardened S-hook latches prevent unhooking on rough roads. Vinyl coating protects both cable and vehicle surfaces.
Caution: Verify the break strength matches or exceeds your gross trailer weight to ensure legal and safe towing standards.
DLLRV 68-Inch Trailer Safety Cables
Best for: Heavier towing setups requiring longer reach and higher load capacity.
Why chosen: A durable pair with 12,000 lbs loading capacity, offering extended length for challenging hitch alignments.
Caution: Longer cables can sag if not properly coiled; ensure secure routing to avoid contact with moving parts or ground.
Buying Guide
What load rating do I need? Choose cables with a break strength that meets or exceeds your gross trailer weight. For heavier trailers or RVs, opt for pairs around 7,000–12,000 lbs or higher.
Which length is right? Shorter cables (around 4–5 feet) are compact for small trailers; longer cables (68 inches or more) work better for larger tow setups but may require careful stowage to prevent dragging.
Should I prefer coated or uncoated? Vinyl or plastic coatings resist rust and weathering and are easier to handle. Coatings also help prevent scratches on other metal surfaces.
What about design features? Self-coiling cables prevent slack and ground contact. S-hook latches enhance security, while some kits include clevis hooks or mounting hardware for permanent setups.
Safety practices: Always use two cables when towing to provide redundancy. Regularly inspect cables for fraying, corrosion, or deformation before trips. Ensure proper attachment to both the trailer and tow vehicle with secure mounting points.
FAQ
- What should I look for in trailer safety cables? Break strength, length, coating, and the type of hooks or latches. Choose a match for your trailer’s weight and hitch system.
- Is longer always better? Longer cables offer more flexibility but can sag or drag if not stored properly. Balance length with the space you have behind your hitch.
- Do I need two cables? Yes. Using two cables reduces the risk of complete decoupling in a disconnection scenario.
- Can I reuse old cables? Only if they show no signs of wear, fraying, corrosion, or broken strands. For safety, replace compromised cables with rated replacements.
- How do I install these safely? Attach cables to rated anchor points on both trailer and tow vehicle, ensure proper slack clearance, and engage any built-in latches or hooks to prevent unhooking during travel.
- Are there regulations for trailer safety cables? Many regions require safety cables as part of standard towing equipment. Check local and state requirements for your area and towing setup.