2023 OWNER’S MANUAL
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To ensure that the boat is riding properly on the trailer supports,
the trailer should be in a level position when hitched to the tow
vehicle. With the trailer hooked up to the tow vehicle and the jack
stowed, a quick way to measure parallelism is to measure the
distance from the ground to the bottom of the frame at or between
the tires, and measure from the ground to the bottom of the frame
at the swing tongue. Ensure that the measurements are even.
Failure to run the trailer parallel to the ground may prematurely
activate the surge brakes. This can be corrected in a number
of dierent ways. For example, air pressure adjustable shock
absorbers may be installed on the tow vehicle, or you can switch
from a weight-carrying to a weight-distributing hitch. Consult with
the tow vehicle’s dealer or manufacturer.
If the total weight on the loaded trailer exceeds the load capacity
of the hitch on the tow vehicle, the trailer may break free, which
may result in serious injury or death and/or property damage.
Never Attach The Trailer To Any Device Between The Trailer And
The Tow Vehicle.
The photo shows an example of an improper device attached
between a trailer and tow vehicle that may create a dangerous
condition for towing a boat. Devices like the one shown in the
photo may be built or marketed with the idea of improving stability
in towing, but instead, devices of this nature may create a very
unstable condition in which control of the trailer may be lost
during towing. The MasterCraft trailer was designed and built to be
attached directly to the tow vehicle, and the trailer should only be
attached in that manner. This is especially critical in maintaining
the proper weight balance, which is described in more detail in this
section of the Owner’s Manual.
This photo shows an example of an
improper device attached between the
trailer and towing vehicle.
Trailer sway control devices that restrict
the operation of the actuator MUST NOT
be used. These devices can limit the
effectiveness of the trailer brakes.
Safety Cables
The safety cables on a MasterCraft trailer provide added
security so that the trailer will not become detached from the tow
vehicle when underway. These cables conform to the Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) J684 standard for trailer coupling
and hitches automotive type. If it ever becomes necessary to
replace these cables, ensure that the replacement cables meet
the SAE J684 standard.