Tactics; Maintenance; Care Of Exterior Finish; Bunks - Four winns Horizon Owner's Manual

8. Before towing, close and secure all hatches, doors,
and windows. Securely store all equipment and can-
vas. Installed tops, side curtains, and aft curtains
can be damaged while towing.
9. Carry a spare tire for both the trailer and towing ve-
hicle. On extended trips, carry spare wheel bear-
ings, seals, and races. Be sure and carry the proper
tools to complete the repairs.
To avoid bearing failure and possible wheel loss,
keep wheel bearings properly lubricated. Insp-
ect the wheel bearings periodically and check
for damage.
10. Before trailering, inspect the bearings for wear and
adequate lubrication. When traveling, check the
wheel hubs during stops at gas stations, restaurants
or other places. If the hub feels abnormally hot, the
bearing should be inspected before continuing the
trip.
B. Tactics
NOTICE
Be sure to check the towing vehicle manufactu-
rer’s literature for recommendations on towing.
1. Install outside rear view mirrors on both sides of the
towing vehicle to improve vision. Check the rear
view mirrors at frequent intervals to be sure trailer
and boat are riding smoothly.
2. Allow at least one car and trailer length between ve-
hicles for each 10 mph. DO NOT tailgate.
3. Anticipate stops, brake early.
4. Use low gear (on manual transmissions) when trav-
eling up steep hills or over sand, gravel, or dirt roads.
5. Use care if shifting to a lower gear while traveling
downhill. This could activate the trailer’s surge
brakes for the duration of the downhill run and cause
overheating. Extended overheating could result in
complete loss of the trailer brakes.
To help prevent overheating, slow down while ap-
proaching the crest of a hill and maintain a slow,
controlled downhill speed. Apply brakes in short in-
tervals to allow time between braking for the brakes
to cool off.
180/190/200 Horizon
Owner’s Manual
08/01
5. When rounding turns on highways or streets, DO
NOT cut corners. Also, travel slowly over railroad
tracks.
6. If the trailer begins to “fishtail” when accelerating,
reduce speed until it ceases. If the trailer “fishtails”
again during acceleration, stop to investigate the
cause of the problem. Check for improper trailer
load and uneven weight distribution inside the boat.
Check the winch line and tie-downs. Also check the
tires for proper inflation or damage. If necessary,
redistribute the load before continuing.
For additional information on trailering, refer to the “Boat-
ing Basics” manual included in the owner’s packet.
R - 5

MAINTENANCE

A. Care of Exterior Finish
When using the trailer, keep in mind the paint can scratch
and become marred during normal use. In most cases,
touch-up paint can be ordered. Please contact a Four
Winns dealer for assistance.
Some maintenance is required to maintain the finish and
minimize rusting. The trailer should be washed and
rinsed with clean water immediately after each use. On
galvanized trailers, rinse only with clean water. Depend-
ing upon use, waxing is recommended twice a year. Use
paste wax designed for enamel paint.
B. Bunks
The bunks should be replaced if they are cracked,
warped, or evidence of dry-rot is found. The replace-
ment boards should be treated lumber of the same length
and width.
DO NOT burn damaged or broken bunks. Toxic
fumes will be released. Dispose of bunks prop-
erly.
C. Swivel Jack
Keep the swivel jack clean of dirt, tar, and mud. Lubri-
cate every six months. The swivel jack’s inner ram should
be lubricated with SAE 30 weight oil. The top cover may
be removed to lubricate the gears with wheel bearing
grease.
Section R
Page 11