Malibu Boats RESPONSE TXi 2021, Owner'S Manual

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120 Trailers | 2021 OWNERS MANUAL
scale, provided you know the total weight of the trailer, boat, and
items onboard.
Some vehicle manufacturers limit tongue weight to a
maximum of two hundred pounds when using certain types
of weight-carrying, bumper-mounted hitches. Check the tow
vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the correct distribution.
How to Connect to the Tow
Vehicle
Attaching to the Tow Vehicle
Open the coupler mechanism. (Instructions below).
If necessary, use the trailer jack to have the trailer at the
proper height, which is just above the height of the ball on the
tow vehicle.
Hitch only to a ball that is sized properly for the coupler.
Back up the tow vehicle slowly to the trailer. Many tow
vehicles now have a backup camera that makes this process
easier, but it will still require practice. If you do not have a
backup camera, having a second person to offer hand signals can
be helpful.
Release the coupler latch. The hitch pin should fit easily
into the hole. If it does not, this means that the latch is not
completely closed. It will not close unless the coupler fits snugly
over a properly sized ball. If the hitch pin is damaged or lost, it
must be replaced prior to operating the rig.
To Open the Coupler
• Remove the hitch pin from the hole in the side of the
coupler.
• On the Malibu M240 trailer, push the button on the side.
(Other trailers do not have the button.)
• While holding the button, raise the handle.
To Close the Coupler
• Place the coupler over the ball.
• Lower the coupler.
• Close the handle. An audible sound will be heard. If the
handle does not close easily, the ball is not fully within the
socket. DO NOT FORCE the handle to close as it is likely
that the ball is the wrong size and should be replaced.
Hitching and Unhitching
• The coupler should easily unlatch, but if it does not,
check to see if the ball is correctly sized, or if the
trailer is parked on a hill, which will inhibit the ability to
! WARNING
The hitch pin must be properly installed and secure prior to operation.
If it is damaged or missing, you can operate temporarily with a ¼” or
5/16” shank padlock. Never operate without the hitch pin or padlock
as the trailer and contents can become disengaged from the tow
vehicle, which may result in serious injury or death.
NOTICE
Never move the trailer toward the tow vehicle. When the trailer is not
fully hitched up, the brakes are not operational.
When using a second person to assist in the backing up process to
hitch the trailer to the tow vehicle, always watch in your mirror. Do
not allow the person to stand between the tow vehicle and the trailer
as they can be struck by the vehicle or caught between the tow
vehicle and the trailer. Such activity requires common sense and care
to avoid injury.
! WARNING
Never tow with the coupler handle open or partially open. If the
handle will not remain closed, go back through the steps to ensure
that it will close and stay closed. If you are unable to get the
system to perform correctly, see an authorized Malibu dealer for
assistance. Failure to get the coupler secure could result in the trailer
disengaging, which could lead to serious injury or even death.
!
WARNING
NOTICE
As part of the hitching up process, late model tow vehicles are usually
equipped with a sensor that reports when the trailer lights have been
connected to the tow vehicle’s connector. However, the LED light
utilized on Malibu trailers sometimes does not pull a sufficient load on
the tow vehicle’s electrical system to register. This situation can be
simply remedied by the tow-vehicle’s dealership.
CAUTION
!
Malibu trailers require a seven-pin connector. Some older tow vehicles
may have a five-pin connector instead of a seven-pin connector. An
adapter is available through the tow vehicle’s manufacturer. This is
required to allow the back-up lights and solenoid to operate correctly.
Failure to ensure that the entire lighting system on the trailer is
operating correctly can mean that other vehicles following or in the
vicinity of your tow equipment may not be alerted when you shift into
reverse. This could lead to vehicle damage or injury.