Monterey Boats 268 SC Sport Cruiser, Owner'S Manual

Page: 108 / 135

TRAILER COMPONENTS
Hitch
Hitches are divided into classes that specify the gross trailer weight
(GTW) and maximum tongue weight for each class. Always use a
hitch with the same class number as the trailer, or greater.
Most boat trailers connect to a ball hitch that is bolted or welded to
the towing vehicle. Special heavy-duty equalizing hitches are nec-
essary for trailer tongue weights of 350 pounds or greater.
The trailer hitch coupler must match the size of the hitch ball. Never
use a hitch ball that does not match the trailer coupler. The correct
ball diameter is marked on the trailer coupler.
Safety Chains
Safety chains on your boat trailer provide added insurance that it
will not become completely detached from the towing vehicle when
underway.
Crisscross the chains under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue
from dropping to the road if the trailer separates from the hitch ball.
Rig the chains as tight as possible with just enough slack to permit
tight turns.
Make sure the proper chains are correctly attached between the
towing vehicle and trailer before and during each trip.
Trailer Jack
Manufacturers recommend using the jack (if equipped) to lift the cou-
pling of a loaded trailer from the hitch ball and for moving the trailer
about when it is disconnected from the towing vehicle. The trailer
jack should be lowered to a minimum position and tilted horizontally
before towing the trailer.
Like any mechanical assembly, a jack requires maintenance to func-
tion properly over a long period of time. The drive gear and the rack
and pinion should be greased. The caster and wheel bearing should
be oiled frequently.
Tie-Downs
Ensuring that your boat is held securely in place on the trailer’s hull sup-
port, especially when underway, is extremely important. If it is not firmly
and properly secured, your boat can be damaged as it bounces against
the hull supports.
TRAILERING
10-2
LOADED
TRAILER
WEIGHT
(POUNDS)
MAXIMUM TONGUE WEIGHT
TONGUE WEIGHT (POUNDS)
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
100 200 300 400
KC-1446
KC-1691A
TRAILER
TOW
VEHICLE
BOTTOM VIEW OF HITCH
COUPLING
CRISSCROSS SAFETY
CHAINS
KC-1700A
KC-5042
KC-5041