Malibu Boats RESPONSE TXi 2021, Owner'S Manual

Page: 133 / 202

2021 OWNERS MANUAL | Trailers 119
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 if the trailing
arms are used, the Malibu trailer’s brakes will not 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.
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 4 rigs, (5,000-10,000 lbs.) a ball of 2” or 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
crisscrossed under the trailer tongue prior to being attached to
the other hole or ring location. If the trailer disengages, these
cables should 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 section of the
Owner’s Manual, must also be attached to the tow vehicle frame,
securely but allowing for turns.
A truck or van with a step bumper requires eyebolt or
equivalent safety cable attachment, which meets the Society
of Automotive Engineers: SAE J684 Standard. Refer to the tow
vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for additional details. This is critical as
some tow vehicle’s safety cable attachments may be too small.
Breakaway Cable
If the cable clip is
missing, or it has been
broken by the cable
being pulled, 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.
Be sure the emergency brake mechanism is not engaged prior
to towing. If the cable was pulled hard enough to break the
clip on the cable, the cable and clip must be replaced, and the
actuator checked for proper function. Your authorized Malibu
dealer can obtain a cable replacement kit that is specific to the
actuator model used on your trailer.
Weight Distribution
A range between 5 to 10 percent of the total weight on the
trailer must rest at the coupling ball when the tongue is parallel
to the ground. This determination can be made with a bathroom
!
WARNING
Remove wakeboards and skis from above the boat deck (i.e., from
the tower). Even with careful attachment to the racks, these
paraphernalia can disconnect and become projectiles that threaten
other vehicles following.
!
WARNING
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.