Trailer Components
and How They Function
Trailer Jack
The trailer is equipped with a trailer jack, which serves several
purposes. (Larger Malibu models come equipped with a heavy-duty
jack.)
The trailer jack can hold and lift the trailer to position for
lowering on the hitch ball of the tow vehicle. It is also useful for
assisting and balancing as a trailer rests free of the tow vehicle or
is moved. Malibu trailers are also equipped with a level on the frame
behind the jack to assist with ensuring the boat can be towed levelly.
Rotate the trailer jack so that it is vertical and snap the locking
pin before placing any kind of load on the trailer jack. Always retract
and rotate back into the horizontal position for stowing or towing.
Also snap the locking pin on the trailer
jack prior to placing any kind of load on
the jack. Failure to do so could result in
the trailer jack collapsing or otherwise failing, which could lead to
serious injury or death.
Tie Downs
As part of the security for towing, the boat is equipped with tie
downs fore and aft on the boat and optionally on the trailer. Seek
assistance from an authorized Malibu trailer dealer to determine the
location on your boat model and trailer as they vary by model. Also
seek instruction for the proper way in which to tie or hitch the lines
for both a secured boat and ease of unlatching the hitches when you
arrive at your destination.
Trailers—117
Failure to
properly stow
the trailer jack
in a horizontal position and lock in place
could result in damage to the jack or other
trailer components that is not covered under
warranty.
The drive gear and rack-and-pinion that
control the trailer jack movement should be
periodically greased with a marine-grade
grease. The wheel bearings in the jack and
the coaster should also be periodically oiled
to ensure that the components continue to
operate as designed.
Removable Guide Poles
Malibu trailers are equipped with removable guide poles as
standard equipment. The poles, located on each side of the trailer,
assist in assessing the total width of the boat and trailer relative to
towing or while backing up, as well as parking the trailer and boat
inside shelter such as a garage.
Please note that, depending upon the state or jurisdiction in which
the trailer is being towed, the guide poles may need to be removed
while the trailer is in transit.
It is the responsibility of the tow vehicle
owner/operator to determine whether the total width of the trailer at the
guide poles exceeds the legal limits and remove the guide poles where
necessary.
The poles are held in place on the trailer with
quick release pins. When the guide poles are
removed, the poles and pins must be stored in a
clean, dry location. This could be the bed of the tow
vehicle, and some storage locations in the boat may
be large enough to store them. Regardless of the
solution, the poles and pins should be kept where
they can be accessible as needed.
Lights
NEVER operate the trailer, even during
daylight, without verifying that the
lights work properly. When the brakes
are applied, it is critical that traffic following can see that you are
slowing and/or stopping by seeing the brake lights come on. In
the event of rain, running lights are required in most locations to
tow the trailer. Even assuming you will return prior to dark, events
could occur that result in towing after dark.
Malibu trailers will
integrate with most tow vehicle
wiring harness requirements.
If the harness will not connect
to the plug, contact either the
authorized Malibu trailer dealer
for assistance or the tow
vehicle’s authorized dealer. A
different harness or an adapter
