Malibu Boats 21 VLX, Owner'S Manual

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• Make sure your tire valves have valve caps.
• Check tire pressure before going on a long trip.
• Do not overload your vehicle. Check the tire information placard for the maximum recommended load for the
vehicle.
• When towing the trailer, remember that some of the weight of the loaded trailer is transferred to the towing
vehicle.
For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov or call (888) 327-4326.
Brakes
Most Malibu trailer brakes are “surge” brakes, which can be effective and helpful particularly when towing
heavy loads. (NOTE: Not every jurisdiction allows surge brakes. Check with authorities in the area in which you
will be towing.) Trailers may be equipped with optional electric brakes instead. Information follows regarding
that type of braking system.
When the tow vehicle slows or stops, the trailer’s momentum moves against the hitch ball and causes
hydraulic pressure in the master cylinder (located in the trailer’s tongue) to transfer pressure through the brake
lines, causing the brakes to engage.
Note that if the breakaway cable has been engaged—even slightly, as can
happen when the trailer is disengaged from the tow vehicle and the cable is
tripped over—it can cause the cable clip to break. If the cable clip is missing,
or it has been broken, first check and attempt to release the emergency brake
mechanism by pressing up on the brake release tab under the actuator nose, right behind the tow ball insert
location. Press up on the brake release tab, and if a metallic clunk or sound of a spring releasing is heard,
that means the emergency brake mechanism had previously been engaged. When pressing up on the brake
release tab, if it moves up and down freely with just the resistance of its spring, then the emergency brake
system was likely not previously engaged. If the cable clip is broken or missing, the breakaway cable
cannot operate properly. Such failure could result in serious injury or death.
(Pictured at right is a sample of a broken clip.)
The trailer brakes should always be maintained in top
condition. This includes regularly checking the fluid level in the
actuator. The loss of brake function can result in loss of control or
the inability to stop the trailer, which could lead to serious injury
or death.
See the information provided in this section of the Owner’s
Manual about the breakaway cable. The breakaway cable should
NEVER
be used as a substitute for braking or as a parking brake.
Note that brakes will be submerged when the trailer is backed
into the body of water to unload or load the boat. If the brakes
(and/or wheels) are hot, it is recommended to wait a brief period
of time and allow them to cool before submerging.
Excessive heat in the wheels as a result of road use, meeting
cooler water can cause damage to the components, especially
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 201