What is the main reason that cables break during towing?

The primary reason that cables break during towing is overloading. When a cable is subjected to a load that exceeds its rated capacity, it can experience stress that leads to failure. Every cable has a specific strength limit, and exceeding this limit can cause it to break. This can happen in towing situations where the combined weight of the vehicle being towed and any additional forces acting on the cable—such as sudden stops or sharp turns—can create forces that surpass the cable’s strength.

Properly understanding the weight limits and choosing the appropriate cable for a specific towing task is crucial for safety and effectiveness in towing operations. This underscores the importance of always knowing the weight of the vehicle being towed and ensuring that the towing equipment is sufficiently rated for that load, thereby minimizing the risk of breakage due to overloading.