Backing Up With Surge Disc Brakes; Trailering; Checklist - Four winns Horizon Owner's Manual

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.
To use your lockout, check that no force is being ap-
plied to the actuator. This is achieved by positioning
the towing vehicle and the trailer on a flat service, or
with the trailer downhill from the tow vehicle. Set the
vehicle’s parking brake.
180/190/200 Horizon
Owner’s Manual
08/01
Rotate the lockout assembly forward and up. See Fig-
ure R14. Then push it rearward, so the pin ends will
rest in the notches in the sides of the outer case. The
actuator is now “locked out” and will not apply any no-
ticeable pressure to the trailer brakes as you back up.
If you can not rotate the assembly forward enough to
reach the notch, make sure the actuator’s coupler case
assembly is pulled fully forward out of the outer case.
Figure R14: Brake Lockout Mechanism
NOTICE
Trailer components may be different between
models and may change during the model year.
Be sure to read all manufacturer’s literature sup-
plied with your Four Winns® trailer.
R - 4

TRAILERING

A. Checklist
Before trailering, the trailer should be inspected for the
following:
1. Check tires for proper inflation. Under-inflated tires
heat up rapidly and may blowout or cause uncon-
trolled swaying. Also, make sure lug nuts are tight.
2. Be sure the coupler is secured to the trailer hitch
and safety chains are attached.
3. Be sure trailer taillights and turning signals are
operational.
4. Check the brakes for proper operation prior to de-
parture.
5. Check lug nuts for proper tightness.
6. Check tie-downs and make sure boat is secured to
the trailer.
7. Check the springs and under carriage for loose parts.
Section R
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