Four winns S Series, Owner'S Manual

Page: 142 / 180

Owner’s Manual Page 140 Trailer Information - Section S
Figure S15: Emergency Break-Away System -
Manual Release
When resetting the break-away system keep
hands and fingers clear as you reset the me-
chanism. Hydraulic pressure held in the sys-
tem may cause the assembly to snap back
suddenly.
The break-away system is not designed to
operate if the trailer does not separate com-
pletely from the tow vehicle, or if the trailer
tongue “submarines” and goes beneath the
tow vehicle. DO NOT use break-away cable
as a park ing brake.
9. Safety cables are provided and must be used.
Cross the safety cables under the coupling and
attach to the towing vehicle’s frame or bumper.
See Figure S16. Always allow slack for turns.
Regulations vary from state to state. Please
check the local laws in your state.
The trailer’s safety cable 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 connected by the safety cables.
The break-away system should only be
activated after BOTH the trailer’s coupler
and safety cables have failed and allowed
the trailer to completely separate from the
tow vehicle. Provide just enough slack in
the trailer safety cables to allow short radius
turns. The cables should not drag on the
ground. Safety cables must be used.
Flat-Bladed Screw Driver
3. Lower trailer tongue until ball is seated or rests in
ball socket. Ensure the ball latch is in the correct
position to retain the hitch ball.
4. Close coupler latch by pushing latch down until
latch engages properly.
The coupler latch should close and secure freely
with finger pressure when ball is properly seated in
the ball sock et. If the coupler latch does not close
freely or does not engage properly, do not tow
trailer. DO NOT force the coupler latch into closed
posi tion, otherwise damage could result. Inspect ac-
tuator for bent parts or cause of im prop er operation.
NOTICE
Keep the coupler clean and lubricated to pre-
vent dam age to the coupler.
5. Make sure the actuator is secure. If unsure,
extend the trailer tongue jack to the ground and
lift (with the jack) the car and trailer combination
approxi mately 2” to 4”. If the ball does not disen-
gage and remains se cured, the actuator is latched
properly.
NOTICE
To prevent back injury, DO NOT physically lift
the trailer tongue when load ed.
6. The safety pin, provided with the trailer, or a pad-
lock must be inserted completely in the coupler
latch hole. This ensures the coupler’s locking
latch remains in the locked position during towing
of the trailer. Use of a padlock will help to deter
theft.
7. Connect actuator break-away cable S-hook
securely to one of the tow vehicle hitch’s safety
chain connection points. Do not connect S-hook
to the safety cables or chains. The cable should
hang clear of trailer tongue and be long enough
to permit short radius turns without pulling the
break-away cable. DO NOT loop the break-away
cable around a bracket and loop it back onto
itself.
8. If the break-away system is accidently applied
while unhitching, insert a flat-bladed screwdriver
into the slot of the break-away catch hole under
the actuator and pry down to release. See Figure
S15.