Four winns FUNSHIP - B. Load Carrying Capacity

Owner’s Manual Page 123Trailer Information - Section S
The trailer’s safety chain/cable length MUST
be set short enough so the actuator’s break-
away cable is NOT pulled if the coupler
separates from the tow vehicle’s hitch but
remains connected by the safety chains/
cables. The break-away system should only be
activated after BOTH the trailer’s coupler and
safety chains/cables have failed and allowed
the trailer to completely separate from the tow
vehicle. Provide just enough slack in the trailer
safety chains/cables to allow short radius
turns. The chains/cables should not drag on
the ground. Safety chains/cables must be
used.
Figure S-14: Crossing the Safety Chains/Cables
To reduce the risk of break-away accidents,
be sure coupler is seated and safety chains/
cables crisscrossed before trailering.
NOTICE
Rubber safety chain straps are included on
the “S” hooks to prevent chains/cables from
bouncing off of the tow vehicle and must be
used.
1
0. Retract jack fully and place in trailering or
h
orizontal position.
11. Check for proper tow vehicle-trailer hookup.
The tow vehicle and trailer should be level
with a positive tongue load. Four Winns
®
trailers
are designed with tongue weights between 5%
and 10% of the total weight of the boat, fuel,
gear and trailer. The trailer should be close
to level. If unsure of tongue load and trailer
position, consult your Four Winns Dealer
before proceeding.
Be sure the tow vehicle and trailer are level
and have a positive tongue load. This will allow
the brake actuators to function properly on
trailer models having such braking systems.
Be sure to read the manufacturer’s literature, included
in the owner’s packet, before towing your Four Winns
®
boat and trailer.
B. Backing Up With Surge Brakes
Follow the steps listed above for hitching the trailer
before backing up.
1. Before backing up a slope or through soft ground,
pull the trailer forward slightly to assure the
actuator socket is in the fully forward position.
2. Back the trailer up.
Avoid sharp turns. This could bend, create
extreme stress or fracture either the actuator
or trailer tongue.
NOTICE
Be sure to check for obstacles or persons
behind the trailer before backing up. Also,
adjust your mirrors for clear view of the area
behind the trailer.
3. If the trailer is to be uncoupled from the tow
vehicle after backing, block all trailer wheels and
pull forward slightly to take strain off the actuator.
U
ncouple the actuator by lifting the release handle
and raise the trailer tongue with the jack.
For most trailering conditions, the brake actuator will
allow you to back up normally. However, if the coupler
is not wired or if there is a failure the trailer can still be
backed up by using the manual brake lockout.
To use your lockout, check that no force is being ap-
plied to the actuator. This is achieved by positioning
thetowingvehicleandthetraileronaatservice,or
with the trailer downhill from the tow vehicle. Set the
vehicle’s parking brake.