Malibu Boats RESPONSE TXi 2021, Owner'S Manual

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128 Trailers | 2021 OWNERS MANUAL
a. DOT 3 Premium is the preferred automotive brake
fluid. Follow the instructions on the brake fluid
container.
b. Avoid shaking the brake fluid container and pour fluid
slowly to minimize air entrapment.
c. Let the fluid in the reservoir stand until it is
completely free of air bubbles.
2. IMPORTANT: Before bleeding the brake lines, bleed
the actuator master cylinder. Insert a screwdriver
though the hole in the bottom of the inner member
and use short strokes to pry on the push rod (while
holding the safety release bracket up) until no air
bubbles are seen coming from the small orifice hole in
the bottom of the master cylinder reservoir.
3. Start the bleeding procedure on the brake farthest
from the master cylinder.
4. At the brake assembly, connect a transparent bleeder
hose to the bleed screw fitting on the wheel cylinder
and submerge the free end into a container partially
filled with brake fluid. Do not reuse this fluid.
5. The first person should stroke the push rod slowly
while holding the safety release bracket up.
6. The second person opens the bleed screw fitting.
7. Then close the bleed screw fitting before the first
person slowly releases the push rod.
8. Repeat this procedure until the fluid expelled from the
bleeder hose is free of air bubbles.
9. Remember to always tighten the bleeder screw before
releasing the push rod. During this procedure, the
master cylinder reservoir fluid level must be maintained
at no less than half full.
10. Repeat Steps 4-9 for the other brake, as well as the
brakes on the front axle of tandem axles.
11. If installation is on a tandem-axle or triple-axle trailer,
repeat the bleeding procedure on the rear axle brakes
for a second time to assure purging of all air in the
system.
12. As a final check after bleeding is completed, stroke
the push rod and check to be sure the brake system is
pressurized. This is done by attempting to rotate a tire
around.
13. Push up on the safety release bracket to ensure that
the push rod is in the released position. (Does not
apply to the M240 trailer).
14. After the bleeding is completed, recheck the fluid level
in the master cylinder. Fill the master cylinder reservoir
to the indicator on the reservoir plug. Do not overfill.
Optional Electrical Brakes
As an option, Malibu offers electrical brakes. The system
uses electric power from the towing vehicle to drive the
hydraulic power source. In a breakaway situation, the electric
power is supplied by a breakaway battery connected to the
towed vehicle brake actuation system. This battery is charged
by a charger built into the control circuitry.
The actuator reacts in one of three ways: primarily, it turns
on when the brake pedal of the towing vehicle is depressed. If
due to road conditions it is desirable to apply only the towed
vehicle brakes, this is achieved by applying the manual override
on the in-cab brake controller. In a breakaway situation, the
towed vehicle braking system is applied by the breakaway
switch, which is explained elsewhere in this section of the
manual.
The system requires an in-cab electric brake control not
provided as part of the system. The system will operate from
most electric brake controllers when properly installed.
Proper electrical wiring is critical for the performance of
the braking system. Improper wiring can result in damage
to the actuation system or system failure after initial use. A
pure ground and direct power (+12 VDC) with fuse or circuit
breaker (30 amp) are necessary to ensure good performance.
Line losses and poor grounding will result in poor performance
or total loss of towed vehicle braking. The connection for
the system is provided by prewired harnesses and the plug
connectors are keyed so that they cannot be connected
incorrectly. However, if the plug between the towing and
towed vehicles is not wired properly, the unit will either not
function at all or will function improperly.
When Towed by 2006 Mid-Year or Later Ford, Chevy,
GMC Truck Equipped with a Factory Brake Controller
Any Malibu trailer with the electric over hydraulic brake system
installed and towed by a 2006 mid-year or later Ford or Chevy
truck may experience towing issues if the truck is equipped with an
optional factory-integrated trailer brake controller.
These trailer brake controller systems are intended to assist
with the trailer braking process. Because of the way these
systems are designed, however, they can prevent the electric
trailer braking system from engaging as intended. This is NOT
a malfunction of the Malibu trailer.
New in model year 2021 is an electric over hydraulic brake
system equipped with an adapter for 2006 mid-year or newer
Ford and Chevy factory-integrated trailer brake controllers. If
you have a newer model year vehicle, test the brakes before
leaving the dealership. If the brakes are not working correctly,
it takes only a matter of minutes to plug in the adapter.
The breakaway cable should never be used as a substitute
for braking or as a parking brake.
If there is any concern about the condition of any
component of the braking system, have an authorized Malibu
trailer dealer review and rectify the matter before towing the
boat.
Periodic inspection should be made of the electrical
Do not use brake fluid drained from the brake system to refill the
master cylinder reservoir as such fluids contain contaminants from
the system that may result in brake failure or costly repairs.
CAUTION
!
The trailer brakes should always be maintained in top condition.
This includes checking the fluid level in the actuator regularly. The
actuator access location is via a cap on top of the trailer tongue. 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.
! WARNING