When The Trailer Is Not In Use - Axis A20 Owner's Manual

down in the water or on the land surface. Sufficient width, especially if you are inexperienced in
backing up, is important, too. Consider that the land may also be slippery if wet, which can affect
control over the rig.
Before backing into the water, double-check that your boat is ready for launch. This includes
ensuring that the drain plugs are installed to avoid swamping and potentially flooding the boat.
Then you should release the tie-downs except the winch.
Slowly back the trailer and boat into the water. If possible, have a second person standing
by (but never directly in back of the rig) to help guide you. When backing up, note that the trailer
will go in the opposite direction to the direction in which the steering wheel is turned. Perhaps
the easiest manner to back up is to place a hand at 6:00 (the lowest point on the steering wheel).
Moving the steering wheel right (counter-clockwise) will then turn the trailer to the right. If your
hand or hands were higher on the wheel, it would appear that you are actually turning the steer-
ing wheel to the left.
Back up in the water until the trailer's back tire is about half-submerged in the water. If the
ramp has a shallow drop, it will be necessary to back in further; if the drop-off is more signifi-
cant, you may be able to stop before the wheel is half under.
Place the tow vehicle in Park (or a forward gear if the tow vehicle has a manual transmission), and
shut off the tow vehicle engine. Set the parking brake.
After checking that the water depth is sufficient for your boat's hull (it should not make
contact with the ramp surface or ground underwater), release the trailer winch latch and hook.
Assuming that all tie-downs are released, back the boat into the water and secure to a dock as
described in the boat's Owner's Manual or anchor while you remove the tow vehicle and trailer
from the ramp.
To re-load at the conclusion of your outing, reverse the process. When the trailer is in posi-
tion, verify that the trailer bunks on which the boat will rest are free of dirt, sand or other debris
that could scratch the boat hull. It is a good idea to back the trailer sufficiently to wet the trailer
bunks completely as this will add to protection for the hull when the boat is loaded.
Directions and suggestions for driving the boat onto the trailer are provided in the boat Own-
er's Manual. This requires practice to master, but correctly loading the boat is critical for both
safety and protection of the condition of the boat and trailer.
Be sure that the tie-downs are secure prior to towing.
when the trailer
is not in use
Most boaters experience an off-season in which both the boat and trailer are not used for
several weeks or months. As this period begins, many boat owners have an annual maintenance
routine performed on the boat by the authorized Axis dealer. This is the appropriate time to also
perform pre-storage activity for the trailer. Most of these tasks are best done by the authorized
dealer at the same time as the boat is prepared for storage.
Axis
• Have the authorized Axis dealer:
Owners
• service or re-pack wheel bearings;
Manual
• touch-up any nicks, chips or rusted areas;
2019
Page 129 • repair or replace damaged or worn tie-downs and straps;
Submerging part of the trailer in water will cause the brakes to be
wet. See the Brake information in this Owner's Manual regarding care
following an outing. Also be aware that while the brakes are wet, they
will not work as quickly or efficiently as normal. As soon as they dry,
the brakes should resume their normal characteristics.