Backing Up With Surge Brakes - Scarab SB Series Owner's Manual

The break­away system is not designed to
operate if the trailer does not separate com-
pletely from the tow vehicle, or if the trailer
tongue "submarines" and goes beneath the tow
vehicle. DO NOT use break­away cable as a
park ing brake.
9. Safety cables are provided and must be used.
Cross the safety cables under the coupling and
attach to the towing vehicle's frame or bumper.
See Figure F16. Always allow slack for turns.
Regulations vary from state to state. Please
check the local laws in your state.
The trailer's safety cable length MUST be set
short enough so the actuator's break­away
cable is NOT pulled if the coupler separates
from the tow vehicle's hitch but remains con-
nected by the safety cables. The break­away
system should only be activated after BOTH the
trailer's coupler and safety cables have failed
and allowed the trailer to completely separate
from the tow vehicle. Provide just enough slack
in the trailer safety cables to allow short ra-
dius turns. The cables should not drag on the
ground. Safety cables must be used.
Figure F16: Crossing the Safety Cables
To re duce the risk of break­away acci dents, be
sure cou pler is seat ed and safe ty cables are
cris s cros sed be fore trail er ing.
10. Retract jack fully and place in trailering/horizon-
tal posi tion.
Trailer Information - Section F
11. Check for proper tow vehicle-trailer hookup. The
tow vehicle and trailer should be level with a posi-
tive tongue load. Scarab trailers are designed with
tongue weights between 7% and 11% 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 Scarab 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 Scarab boat
and trailer.
B. Backing Up With Surge Brakes
Follow the steps listed above for hitching the trailer
before 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 for ward position.
2. Back the trailer up.
Avoid sharp turns. This could bend, cre ate ex-
tre me stress or frac ture ei ther the actu ator or
trailer tongue.
NOTICE
Be sure to check for obsta cles or per sons be-
hind the trailer before backing up. Also, adjust
your mir rors for clear view of the area behind
the trailer.
3. If the trailer is to be un coupled from the tow
vehicle after back ing, block all trailer wheels and
pull forward slightly to take strain off the actua-
tor. Uncouple the actuator by lifting the release
handle and raise the trailer tongue with the jack.
Owner's Manual Page 137