A breakaway cable is a thin steel cable that runs from your trailer to the towing vehicle. This cable is attached to the trailer's handbrake and ensures that the trailer automatically comes to a stop if it unexpectedly disconnects while driving.
Imagine that the coupling between your car and the trailer becomes loose for whatever reason. The breakaway cable then pulls the handbrake of the overrun brake, causing the trailer to stop independently. This prevents the trailer from going its own way uncontrollably and causing damage.
Trailer overrun brake
The overrun brake of a trailer is mounted on the drawbar, which is the connection between your car and the trailer. If you brake suddenly, the trailer will shoot forward. To prevent the trailer from disconnecting or colliding with your vehicle, the overrun brake slows the trailer down as soon as the trailer starts moving forward.
Which brakes are required on the trailer?
Legislation regarding brakes on your trailer differs per country within the EU. Check your local legislation or, in case you're going on holiday, check the requirements in your destination country, but don't forget to check the rules in any of the countries that you are crossing.