Malibu Boats M235 2019, Owner'S Manual

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2019 Malibu Boats, LLC Owner’s Manual • Page 146
Trailer Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch should be used for towing a Malibu trailer.
No other hitch type meets the requirements for safely operating
the trailer. The tow vehicle may have requirements regarding an
acceptable hitch, so verify by reading the tow vehicle’s owner’s
manual for direction. A weight-distributing hitch can be used,
particularly in an emergency, but it will not allow the Malibu trailer’s
brakes to operate.
Hitch up with the trailer in a level position to the tow vehicle. Note
that attempting to tow with a trailer that is not level across the length
of the trailer could either cause the brakes to prematurely activate or
not activate at all, potentially causing a loss of control.
Verify that the entire length
and width of the trailer is
level. If the trailer is not
level, it can either cause the
brakes to activate or not activate at all, which could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
If the hitch height
is incorrect and does
not allow the trailer
to be level, it may
be necessary to
install air-pressure
adjustable shock
absorbers on the tow
vehicle. If a weight-
distributing hitch is
installed, change out
to a weight-carrying
hitch instead. Or
consult with the tow
vehicle manufacturer’s
authorized dealer for
other assistance.
In general, for
Class 3 rigs (3,500-
5,000 lbs.) a two-inch
(2”) ball is required.
For Class 4 rigs,
(5,000-10,000 lbs.)
a ball of two inches
(2”) or two-and-five-
sixteenths (2-5/16”) is
required.
Safety Cables
The safety cables can
prevent a trailer from totally
disengaging from the hitch.
If it becomes necessary in
the future to replace the
cables, ensure that the
replacement cables meet
the Society of Automotive
Engineers (SAE) J684
standard for trailer hitching
and coupling. The cables
must match or exceed the
trailer’s GVWR.
Cables must be as
centrally attached as
possible to the bumper or
frame of the tow vehicle.
The hitch should provide
a location through which
the safety cables can be
attached. Holes or rings should be on both sides of the hitch ball.
Most states require that the safety cables should be criss-crossed
under the trailer tongue prior to being attached to the other hole or
ring location. If the trailer should disengage, these cables should be
able to prevent the trailer tongue from falling onto the tow surface.
The cables should be attached as tautly as possible but still allow
for turning, including close-quarters turns.
The trailer also is equipped with a surge-brake breakaway cable.
This cable, explained further in this Owner’s Manual, must also be
attached to the tow vehicle frame, securely but allowing for turns.
Safety cables and the
breakaway cable must be
securely attached to the tow
vehicle, while allowing for
turns. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or
death, as well as property damage to other persons and
vehicles on the road if the trailer becomes disengaged
from the tow vehicle.
A truck or van with a “step bumper” requires eye-bolt or
equivalent safety cable attachment, which meets the Society of
Automotive Engineers: SAE J684 Standard.
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