Hitches; Trailer Components; S - 2 Trailer Components; Bunk Supports - Four winns FREEDOM Owner's Manual

Improper weight distribution can place excessive strain
on the towing vehicle and trailer. It can also cause the
trailer to "fishtail" (sway side to side). Be sure gear and
other items are distributed evenly in the boat.
C. Hitches
The load-carrying capacity of trailer hitches will vary be-
tween manufacturers and must equal or exceed the
GVWR. Four Winns® trailers use surge disc brake sys-
tems and require a fixed hitch. Refer to Section S-2E
Surge Disc Brakes for more information.
Before hitching the trailer to the vehicle, make sure the
proper size hitch ball is installed to match the coupler.
The ball size is determined by the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating or GVWR. The GVWR is printed either on the
trailer plate or embossed on the tongue, coupler or ac-
tuator. For trailers with a GVWR of 7000 pounds or less
a 2" ball is used. For trailers with a GVWR over 7000
pounds a 2 5/16" ball is used. This information may
also be obtained on our website at www.fourwinns.com.
Refer to Section S-3 Operation for additional information
on hitches. Also, consult your Four Winns dealer for his
recommendation before purchasing a trailer hitch for your
towing vehicle.
To help guard against a sudden failure while in
use, do not use a worn hitch ball. Replace
all worn or damaged parts.
S - 2

TRAILER COMPONENTS

A. Bunk Supports
All bunk boards are made of pressure treated wood. This
wood is rot resistant. All boards are covered with a high
quality exterior grade carpet to protect the boat from dam-
age during normal use.
Bunk supports run parallel to the keel and support the
hull, extending beyond the transom. See Figure S1.
Freedom™/Horizon™ Owner's Manual
Figure S1: Trailer Bunks
Outer bunk supports provide stability for the boat. The
inside bunks are the main weight bearing members. Side
guide-on supports help to keep the boat straight while
driving the boat onto the trailer. Keeping the tie-downs
tightly fastened will prevent the boat from bouncing against
the bunk supports.
NOTICE
Improper trailer setup can cause hull damage.
B. Tongue
Four Winns® trailers are designed with tongue weights
between 5% and 10% of the total weight of the boat, fuel,
gear and trailer. If the downward weight on the coupling
ball does not fall within this range, coupler failure and
towing instability may occur. If using another
manufacturer's trailer, have the dealer check the tongue
weight before trailering.
NOTICE
DO NOT use a bent or damaged tongue or cou-
pler. Replacement parts may be ordered through
a Four Winns dealer.
The trailer tongue is hinged or removable on our painted
trailers and galvanized trailers. This allows for easier
storage. The tongue is attached with clevis pin(s) with
locking hair pin(s) or clevis pin keeper(s) to the trailer
frame. Refer to Figure S2.
Section S
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