Malibu Boats RESPONSE TXi 2021, Owner'S Manual

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2021 OWNERS MANUAL | Trailers 129
connector, wiring, brake lines, and hose for the entire brake
system to ensure there are no abraded or bare wires, damaged
steel lines, or cracked and damaged hoses. During inspection
verify that there are no loose or hanging lines or wire that
might drag or catch on objects/debris while being towed.
Prior to EACH towing:
• Check the fluid level in the reservoir on the trailer
tongue. The fluid level must be maintained with 3/8”
to ½” below the filler opening. If brake fluid is needed,
add only NEW, CLEAN DOT3 PREMIUM BRAKE
FLUID. Use caution when removing the filler cap to
prevent the introduction of dirt and/or contaminants
into the fluid reservoir.
• Check to be certain the breakaway battery is charged
and that the breakaway works. This is accomplished
by pulling the cable on the breakaway switch. If the
vehicle has been parked for extended periods of time,
the breakaway battery may be discharged. If that
occurs, charge the breakaway battery in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations prior to
operation. If the battery is allowed to discharge in
a cold environment there is a possibility of freezing,
which could cause damage to the battery. Such
damage may not be covered by warranty.
Hand Parking Brake Option
The ability to manually activate the parking brakes on the
trailer is offered as optional equipment.
In the off position, the trailer’s braking is operated through
the normal operation. As long as the electrical system is plugged
into the tow vehicle’s system as described elsewhere in this
section of the manual, the brakes operate as described in the
provided Brakes information.
The hand brake is intended for use only when the trailer is
disconnected from the tow vehicle. It is particularly useful when
the trailer is parked on a hillside or in any location at which the
trailer jack may be deemed insufficient to hold the trailer firmly
in place.
To lock the brakes, push the handle down towards the front of
the trailer. To release, pull back up to the position shown above.
Additional Option
Depth Alarm
Backing into water to a sufficient depth to safely unload the
boat without exceeding appropriate depth can be a challenge,
even for veteran boaters. Malibu offers an option depth alarm
on all its trailers. Regardless of the pitch of the ramp, when
the correct depth has been achieved a sensor sends an alert
to an alarm on the bow stand. The alarm will sound until the
tow vehicle is placed in Park (or a forward gear on manual
transmission-equipped tow vehicles).
Towing Advice
Prior to Towing
Be certain that you have a jack and lug wrench that will work
on the tow vehicle and the trailer. The same ones may not work
on both, so verify that you are prepared. You don’t want to
end up on the side of the road and find that you are not fully
prepared.
In addition to the spare tire that can be mounted on the trailer
spare tire mount, also have available in your tow vehicle’s storage
Appropriate installation, maintenance, and repair procedures are
essential for the safe, reliable operation of vehicle brakes. Anyone
who undertakes to maintain or repair vehicle braking systems must
establish that they neither compromise their personal safety nor the
vehicle integrity by their choice of methods, tools, or parts.
! WARNING
Use of the hand brake is supplemental. Malibu does not guarantee
that the trailer will not move from its parked location. Never operate
the trailer with the hand brake in any position except stowed. If the
brakes “drag” during operation, it can adversely affect control of the
trailer, which could cause the operator to lose control, resulting in
damage to the trailer, as well as potential serious injury or death to
those in the tow vehicle.
! WARNING
The brake tension is preset and nonadjustable. The preload may vary,
however, with brake usage. As the brake is used, the parking handle
will get easier to move. As it becomes easier to move, it also means
there is less holding force—no resistance, no brakes! The preload
should be adjusted when the brake shoes are periodically replaced.
The preload should be set only by an authorized Malibu dealer.
DANGER
!
Never tow a trailer with faulty brakes. Whether the brakes are
grabbing or failing to respond, the result is usually a loss of control of
the entire rig. This situation can result in serious injury or death to
persons onboard, and damage to the tow vehicle and/or trailer and
boat, as well as to other people and vehicles on the road at the time.
DANGER
!