2021 OWNERS MANUAL / 404
hitch ball, and the right side cable should be attached to the hole
or ring on the left side of the hitch ball). If the trailer separates from
the hitch ball doing so will slow the process of the dropping of the
trailer tongue. The cables should be rigged as tightly as possible,
with just enough slack to permit tight turns. If for any reason it
becomes necessary to replace a safety cable, do not substitute
with any part other than a genuine MasterCraft cable.
Breakaway Cable
Secure the breakaway cable to the bumper or frame of the tow
vehicle as close to the center as possible, but do not attach it to
the safety chains. The cable MUST hang clear of the trailer tongue
and be long enough to permit sharp turns without pulling the
cable to prevent the brakes from being engaged. The intent of the
breakaway cable is to apply the brakes if the safety chains fail. Do
not loop an S-hook over the breakaway cable to attach it.
Never tow a trailer without the breakaway cable secured to the
tow vehicle.
If the breakaway cable is accidentally pulled and the brakes applied,
determine why it happened and fix the problem. Inadvertent setting
of the brakes by pulling the breakaway cable is a common mistake.
To prevent light pulls from accidentally setting trailer brakes, a
small metal clip has been installed on breakaway cables in front
of the indicator bead. The clip will not inhibit the action of the
breakaway mechanism during actual breakaway conditions. However,
if breakaway should occur, the clip will be destroyed and should be
replaced. Spare clips are available through authorized MasterCraft
dealers. To retract the breakaway cable, slide the coupler fully
forward and push up on the push rod release bracket located on the
underside and behind the hitch ball socket. This allows the bead to
retract into the actuator. This releases the trailer brakes. Install a new
clip on the breakaway cable in front of the bead.
The breakaway system must be reset anytime the cable has
been pulled.
Checking and resetting the breakaway cable:
If pushing up on the bracket does not release the brakes or it is hard
to push, insert a pry bar into the 5/16” hole behind the bracket. Use
the pry bar to (gently) stroke the push rod backwards and relieve
the load on the bracket. Push up on the bracket and hold it up while
releasing the pry bar. The push rod release bracket should now
move freely and brakes should be released. Check to be certain the
actuator is reset. Extend the actuator fully. Remove the cap from the
top of the actuator and pull the plug from the top of the reservoir
cover. While looking at the fluid in the reservoir, manually compress
the actuator. In the first 1/8” of coupler movement the fluid in the
reservoir should splash or ripple slightly. If it does, the actuator is
working properly.
2021MCOwnerManualFINAL.indd 404 8/26/20 1:55 PM