Four winns SL series, Owner'S Manual

Page: 139 / 175

Owner’s Manual Page 136 Trailer Information - Section S
Figure S14: Emergency Break-Away System
Manual Release
When resetting the break-away system keep
hands and fingers clear as you reset the
mechanism. Hydraulic pressure held in the
system 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 S15. 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 con-
nected 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.
Figure S15: Crossing the Safety Cables
To re duce the risk of break-away acci dents,
be sure cou pler is seat ed and safe ty cables
are cris s cros sed be fore trail er ing.
10. Retract jack fully and place in trailering/horizontal
posi tion.
11. Check for proper tow vehicle-trailer hookup.
The tow vehicle and trailer should be level with
a positive 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, con-
sult your Four Winns dealer before proceeding.
Be sure the tow vehicle and trailer are level
and have a positive tongue load. This will
allow the brake actuators to function prop-
erly on trailer models having such braking
systems.
Be sure to read the manufacturer’s literature, included
in the owner’s packet, before towing your Four
Winns
®
boat and trailer.
B. Backing Up With Surge Brakes
Follow the steps listed above for hitching the trailer
before backing up.
1. Before backing up a slope or through soft ground,
pull the trailer forward slightly to assure the
actuator socket is in the fully for ward position.
2. Back the trailer up.
Flat-Bladed Screw Driver