Four winns HORIZON, Owner'S Manual

Page: 108 / 131

Section R
Page 9
180/190/200 Horizon
Owner’s Manual
08/01
7. Connect break-away cable S-hook securely to one
of the tow vehicle hitch’s safety chain connection
points. The cable should hang clear of trailer tongue
and be long enough to permit short radius turns with-
out pulling break-away cable forward. DO NOT loop
the break-away cable around a bracket and loop it
back onto itself.
8. Make sure the break-away lever is fully rotated to
the rear with the break-away catch pin securely lo-
cated under the break-away spring. The break-
away catch pin will be in the lever’s uppermost
notch. See Figure R12.
Figure R12: Break-away Cable
The Break-away system is not designed to op-
erate if the trailer does not separate completely
from the tow vehicle, or if the trailer tongue “sub-
marines” and goes beneath the tow vehicle. DO
NOT use break-away cable as a parking brake.
9. Safety chains are provided and must be used. Cross
the safety chains under the coupling and attach to
the towing vehicle’s frame or bumper. See Figure
R13. Always allow slack for turns. Four Winns pro-
vides securement clips for the safety chain hooks
and recommends you use them. Regulations vary
from state to state. Please check the local laws in
your state.
The trailer safety chains’ length MUST be set
short enough so the actuator’s break-away
cable is NOT pulled if the coupler separates
from the tow vehicle’s hitch but remains con-
nected by the safety chains. The break-away
system should only be activated after BOTH
the trailer’s coupler and safety chains have
failed and allowed the trailer to completely
separate from the tow vehicle. Provide just
enough slack in the trailer safety chains to al-
low short radius turns. The chains should not
drag on the ground. Safety chains must be
used.
Figure R13: Crossing the Safety Chains
To reduce the risk of Break-away accidents, be
sure coupler is seated and safety chains criss-
crossed before trailering.
NOTICE
Rubber safety chain straps are included on the
“S” hooks to prevent chains from bouncing off
of the tow vehicle and must be used.
10. Retract jack fully and place in trailering or horizontal
position.
11. Check for proper tow vehicle-trailer hookup. The
tow vehicle and trailer should be level with a posi-
tive tongue load. Four Winns® trailers are designed
with tongue weights between 5% and 10% of the
total weight of the boat, fuel, gear and trailer. The
trailer should be close to level. If unsure of tongue
load and trailer position, consult your Four Winns
dealer before proceeding.