Owner’s Manual Page 122Trailer Information - Section S
NOTICE
To prevent back injury, DO NOT PHYSICALLY
LIFT the trailer tongue when loaded.
6. The safety pin, provided with the trailer, or a pad-
l
ock must be inserted completely in the coupler
latch hole. This ensures the coupler’s locking latch
remains in the locked position during towing of the
trailer. Use of a padlock will help to deter theft.
7. Connect actuator break-away cable S-hook
securely to one of the tow vehicle hitch’s safety
chain connection points. Do not connect S-hook
to the safety cables or chains. The cable should
hang clear of trailer tongue and be long enough to
permit short radius turns without pulling the break-
away cable. DO NOT loop the break-away cable
around a bracket and loop it back onto itself.
8. If the break-away system is accidently applied
whileunhitching,insertaat-bladedscrewdriver
into the spring clip slotted hole under the actuator
and pry down to release. See Figure S-13.
Figure S-13: Emergency Break-Away System
The break-away system is not designed
to operate if the trailer does not separate
completely from the tow vehicle, or if the trailer
tongue “submarines” and goes beneath the
tow vehicle. DO NOT use break-away cable
as a parking brake.
9. Safety chains or cables (depending on which
model you have) are provided and must be used.
Cross the safety chains/cables under the coupling
and attach to the towing vehicle’s frame or
b
umper. See Figure S-14. Always allow slack for
turns. Four Winns provides securement clips for
the safety chain/cable hooks and recommends
you use them. Regulations vary from state to
state. Please check the local laws in your state.
To ensure proper engagement of the actua-
tor’s coupler to the tow ball, DO NOT use a
multi-piece ball, an incorrectly sized ball, or
a worn/damaged ball. Please refer to the
trailer’s certication plate, coupler or actuator
on the trailer for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or visit our website at www.fourwinns.
com. Trailers with a GVWR of 7000 pounds
or below require a 2” tow ball and trailers
above a GVWR of 7000 pounds require a
2 5/16” tow ball.
1. Position actuator ball socket above ball hitch.
2. Open the coupler latch fully to allow the ball latch
to rotate open. Note: You will have to remove
the safety pin from the coupler latch hole to fully
extend the coupler latch. The coupler latch will
remain up to indicate that it is not yet attached to
the ball. See Figure S-7.
3. Lower trailer tongue until ball is seated or rests in
ball socket. Ensure the ball latch is in the correct
position to retain the hitch ball.
4. Close coupler latch by pushing latch down until
safety latch engages the plate below latch.
The coupler latch should close and secure freely with
ngerpressurewhenballisproperlyseatedinthe
ball socket. If the coupler latch does not close
freely and the safety latch does not engage the
plate below the latch properly, do not tow trailer.
DO NOT force the coupler latch into closed position,
otherwise damage could result. Inspect actuator for
bent parts or cause of improper operation.
NOTICE
Keep the coupler clean and lubricated to
prevent damage to the coupler.
5
. Make sure the actuator is secure. If unsure,
extend the trailer tongue jack to the ground and
lift (with the jack) the car and trailer combination
approximately 2” to 4”. If the ball does not
disengage and remains secured, the actuator
is latched properly.
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