Crossing The Safety Chains; Backing Up With Surge Disc Brakes - Four winns Horizon 210 Owner's Manual

9. Safety chains are provided and must be used. Cross
the safety chains under the coupling and attach to
the towing vehicle’s frame or bumper. See Figure
S13. Always allow slack for turns. Four Winns®
provides securement clips for the safety chain hooks
and recommends you use them. Regulations vary
from state to state. Please check the local laws in
your state.
The trailer safety chains’ 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 con-
nected by the safety chains. The break-away
system should only be activated after BOTH
the trailer’s coupler and safety chains have
failed and allowed the trailer to completely sepa-
rate from the tow vehicle. Provide just enough
slack in the trailer safety chains to allow short
radius turns. The chains should not drag on
the ground. Safety chains must be used.
Figure S13: Crossing the Safety Chains
To reduce the risk of Break-away accidents, be
sure coupler is seated and safety chains criss-
crossed before trailering.
NOTICE
Rubber safety chain straps are included on the
“S” hooks to prevent chains from bouncing off
of the tow vehicle and must be used.
10. Retract jack fully and place in trailering or horizontal
position.
Horizon & Sundowner
Owner’s Manual
06/00
11. Check for proper tow vehicle-trailer hookup. The
tow vehicle and trailer should be level with a posi-
tive 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 Disc Brakes
Follow the steps listed above for hitching the trailer be-
fore 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 ex-
treme stress or fracture either the actuator or
trailer tongue.
NOTICE
Be sure to check for obstacles or persons be-
hind 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 for-
ward slightly to take strain off the actuator.
Uncouple 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.
Section S
Page 9