Operation; Hitching Trailers - Four winns Horizon Owner's Manual

Figure R11: Rear Tie Down Straps
The tie-down is a mechanical ratchet device. To allow
line out, follow the procedures below:
1. Place two fingers on spring-loaded release, and pull
release away from spindle/gear.
2. Open tie-down to a flat, 180° position.
NOTICE
Spring-loaded release should click into a notch
on the painted handle. Both spring releases
should clear the inner gear.
3. Pull line out. The inner spindle/gear should move
freely.
To ratchet line or tighten down the strap on the boat:
1. Place two fingers on spring-loaded release, and pull
release away from spindle/gear.
2. Bring both handles together. Both handles should
ride on the inner gear.
3. Open (to approximately 110°) and close handles to
ratchet. Leave in closed position to maintain pres-
sure on line.
R - 3

OPERATION

A. Hitching Trailer
Before towing, the trailer must be properly hitched to the
tow vehicle.
180/190/200 Horizon
Owner’s Manual
08/01
To ensure proper engagement of the actuator’s
coupler to the tow ball, DO NOT use a multi-
piece ball, an incorrectly sized ball, or a worn/
damaged ball. Four Winns 180 Horizon®, 190
Horizon® and 200 Horizon® trailers require
a 2" diameter ball hitch.
1. Position actuator ball socket above ball hitch.
2. Lift up on release handle fully (approximately 30
for a trailer with brake actuator and coupler assem-
bly) to allow the ball latch to rotate open. The handle
will remain up to indicate that it is not yet attached
to the ball. See Figure R6.
3. Lower trailer tongue until ball is seated or rests in
ball socket.
4. Close release handle. If it is a trailer with brake
actuator and coupler assembly the handle will snap
to its closed position when properly seated.
The release handle will close freely with finger pressure
when ball is properly seated in socket. If the handle
does not close freely or does not snap to its closed
position properly, do not tow trailer. DO NOT force
handle into closed position, otherwise damage could re-
sult. Inspect actuator for bent parts or cause of improp-
er operation.
NOTICE
Keep the coupler clean and lubricated to pre-
vent damage to the coupler.
5. Make sure the actuator is secure. If unsure, extend
the trailer tongue jack to the ground and lift (with the
jack) the car and trailer combination approximately
2" to 4". If the ball does not disengage and remains
secured, the actuator is latched properly.
NOTICE
To prevent back injury, DO NOT PHYSICALLY
LIFT the trailer tongue when loaded.
6. The locking pin, provided with the trailer, or a pad-
lock must be inserted in the locking lever hole. This
ensures the coupler’s locking lever remains in the
locked position during towing of the trailer. Use of
a padlock will help to deter theft.
o
Section R
Page 8