Trailer cables

General Boats and Motors
1

I was in a hurry after putting the boat up this weekend and forgot to detach the cables from the truck. I felt a jerk and immediately knew what happened, but what suprised me was how little force it took to pop them and was glad that it didn’t happen on the highway.

Does vinyl-coated cable deteriorate over the years?

2

if you are referring to the safety chains, i have not seen vinyl coated cable used in that fashion. i’d replace them with chains.

3

Second what Floater said.

17’ Henry O Hornet
26’ Palmer Scott

4

Yes, the vinyl coated safety cables WILL rust inside the vinyl coating. They are good when new and I like the concept because you don’t have to worry about them dragging the ground or needing to adjust them to accommodate different tow vehicles. However, the corrosion you CAN’T see is what will get you! I’m going to replace mine for this very reason.

5

hey thanks guys; i am glad that i read this post. my cables are over 10 year old on my trailer under my seapro. i need to inspect them. i have a new set of chains hanging on the wall in my shop. been there for at least three years. might just need to change them out for this very reason. thanks again.

6

Some states require chains and do not allow cables.

7

Heavy chains, heavy hooks. As someone that had a tongue lock fail and thh trailer come loose, I was soooo glad I had installed good chain and good heavy-duty hooks.

8

I prefer using chains myself but if the cables are stainless steel coated in vinyl, I see no worries.

j

9
quote:
Originally posted by jisuho

I prefer using chains myself but if the cables are stainless steel coated in vinyl, I see no worries.
j

Mine on the Key West's trailer are rusting to hell so I ASSuME they are galvanized. I'll place a magnet on them and check for sure.

10

Stainless Steel doesn’t mean rust-proof.
Some grades of Stainless are more prone to rust than others, but salt is a rough element it can cause corrosion on a lot of things. If salt water ever gets between the cable and vinyl coating it will surely rust.
Get a good set of galvanized safety chains with the heavy hooks and spring-loaded retainers.

11

Well, I’ve been putting off changing mine and low-and-behold if one of the cables didn’t get wrapped around the trailer hitch ball as I pulled away and it snapped without even moving the trailer. New safety chains are now installed.