also pay attention to insurance requirements and to fully insure the
trailer and boat and be prepared for any potential liability. Review
114—Trailers
the tow vehicle’s owner’s manual as well, prior to operation and
towing.
Connection to the Tow Vehicle
Preparation
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) is the total estimated weight
that a road vehicle loaded to capacity
(including the vehicle weight itself)
can be expected to tow safely. This
includes the trailer, boat engine, any
liquids including fuel, and items carried
on and in the tow vehicle and the boat.
This is a maximum established by
federal mandate and enforced by law
enforcement authorities. Overloaded
capacity can cause the trailer to
disengage from the hitch, which could
result in serious injury or death, in
addition to damage that is not covered
under warranty.
Never tow the trailer and contents,
including the boat, behind a vehicle that is
not rated to tow this weight. Also, be certain
that the tow hitch is correct. Additional
information follows regarding this important factor.
On the left front side of the trailer is a certification label that
shows the maximum load-carrying capacity of the trailer. The GVWR
will be indicated on this label.
Many truck stops offer complimentary weigh scales. If you are
not able to locate scales, nor compute the total GVWR from the
individual components being towed, contact your DMV for assistance
in finding scales in your area.
Remove wakeboards and skis from
above the boat deck (i.e., from the
tower). Even with careful attachment
to the racks, these paraphernalia can disconnect and become
projectiles that threaten other vehicles following.
Never tow with water in the ballast
or bilge systems! All water must be
released prior to loading the boat on
the trailer. Water onboard can cause
an imbalance on the trailer that further heightens the likelihood
of an accident due to loss of control when there is insufficient
percentage of weight at the tongue and hitch.
Trailer Hitch
A
weight
-
carrying
hitch should be used for towing a Malibu
trailer. No other hitch type meets the requirements for safely
operating the trailer. The tow vehicle may have requirements
regarding an acceptable hitch, so verify by reading the tow vehicle’s
owner’s manual for direction. A
weight
-
distributing
hitch can be
used, particularly in an emergency, but if the trailing arms are used,
the Malibu trailer’s brakes will not operate.
Hitch up with the trailer in a level position to the tow vehicle.
Note that attempting to tow with a trailer that is not level across the
length of the trailer could either cause the brakes to prematurely
activate or not activate at all, potentially causing a loss of control.
If the hitch height is incorrect and does not allow the trailer
to be level, it may be necessary to install air-pressure adjustable
shock absorbers on the tow vehicle. If a weight-distributing hitch is
installed, change out to a weight-carrying hitch instead. Or consult
with the tow vehicle manufacturer’s authorized dealer for other
assistance.
In general, for Class 4 rigs, (5,000-10,000 lbs.) a ball of 2” or 2
5/16” is required.
Safety Cables
The safety cables can prevent a
trailer from totally disengaging from
the hitch. If it becomes necessary
in the future to replace the cables,
ensure that the replacement cables
meet the Society of Automotive
Engineers (SAE) J684 standard for
trailer hitching and coupling. The
cables must match or exceed the
trailer’s GVWR.
Cables must be as centrally
attached as possible to the bumper
or frame of the tow vehicle. The hitch
should provide a location through
which the safety cables can be
attached. Holes or rings should be on
both sides of the hitch ball.
Most states require that the
safety cables should be crisscrossed under the trailer tongue prior
to being attached to the other hole or ring location. If the trailer
disengages, these cables should prevent the trailer tongue from
falling onto the tow surface.
The cables should be attached as tautly as possible but still allow
for turning, including close quarters turns.
The trailer also is equipped with a surge brake breakaway cable.
This cable, explained further in this section of the Owner’s Manual,
must also be attached to the tow vehicle frame, securely but allowing
for turns.
A truck or van with a step bumper requires eyebolt or equivalent
safety cable attachment, which meets the Society of Automotive
Engineers: SAE J684 Standard. Refer to the tow vehicle’s owner’s
manual for additional details. This is critical as some tow vehicle’s
safety cable attachments may be too small.
Safety cables and the breakaway cable
must be securely attached to the tow
vehicle, while allowing for turns.
Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death, as well as
property damage to other persons and vehicles on the road if the
trailer becomes disengaged from the tow vehicle.
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Страница 171: ...Service Log 163 Date Date Date Date Date Date Date Date...