2011 MasterCraft Trailer Manual

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uuuuuuuuuuuQuick TipsHere are some quick tips for maintaining the trailer in excellent condition.chips in the paint, especially on the axles and frame, result whenthese surfaces are subjected to repeated or severe hits by external objects. Usually,these are gravel or asphalt chips thrown up by the rear tires of the towvehicle. Over time, rust may develop where paint has been chipped away, andthis is not covered by the Limited Warranty for the trailer. To avoid this situation,consider attaching mud flaps behind the tow vehicle’s rear tires. Exceptional careshould be taken to travel as slowly as practical when traveling on gravel or otherloose surfaces.To ensure proper operation of the trailer jack, wipe itdown and lubricate it on a regular basis.If the trailer is backed into salt water, you must completelyand thoroughly wash the trailer in fresh water to retard rusting. Salt water is verycorrosive, even on galvanized trailers, and can corrode the braking system as well.Exposure to salt water can also cause brake pads to stick and malfunction.Check the braking system in the spring and again in the fall, alongwith the wheel bearings. If there is anything that appears to be worn or leaking,take the trailer to an authorized MasterCraft dealer for a check and possible repair.Tow vehicles must ALWAYS approach the TRAILer slowly prior tobeing hitched to the trailer. This allows the operator to retain greater control. Hardimpact with the trailer or improper alignment on the trailer can result in damage to theboat, the trailer, or both, and this is not covered under warranty. Also, if the traileris equipped with the Boat Buddy System, a hard hit against it could cause damage,which is also not covered by warranty.The tow vehicle must have a seven-wire connector in orderfor disc brakes and the trailer lights to function properly. It is important to properlyconnect the seven-wire connector on the trailer to the seven-wire connector onthe tow vehicle.The correct method for determining the load limit is to:Locate the statement, “The weight of cargo should never exceed____ kg or ___ lbs.,” on the trailer tongue. (This figure equals the available amountof cargo and luggage load capacity.)Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loadedon the vehicle. (That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo andluggage load capacity.)WALK AROUND: The majority of potential roadside issues are eliminatedby a walk-around visual inspection. This should be done after hitching up and ateach fuel or rest stop. A quick visual check of: the coupler, safety cables, emergencybrake cable, wiring connector, tie-downs, and tires; and for: any obviousfluid leaks; unusually hot brakes or hubs; or damage by road hazards. Make apoint to pay particular attention to the right (starboard) side of the trailer, as this ismost typically where road hazard damage occurs.These are some brief tips for maneuvering with a trailer attached to a tow vehicle:When backing up, place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel.To turn left, move your hand left. To turn right, move your hand right. Back upslowly. Because mirrors cannot provide all of the visibility you may need whenbacking up, have someone outside at the rear of the trailer to guide you wheneverpossible. Use slight movements of the steering wheel to adjust direction. Exaggeratedmovements will cause greater movement of the trailer. If you have difficulty,pull forward and realign the tow vehicle and trailer and start over.When parking, try to avoid parking on grades. If possible, have someoneoutside to guide you as you park. Once stopped, but before shifting into Park,have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the trailer wheels. Apply theMasterCraft Trailer Manual • Page 1
uuuparking brake, shift into Park, and then remove your foot from the brake pedal.Following this parking sequence is important to be sure your vehicle does notbecome locked in Park because of extra load on the transmission. For manualtransmissions, apply the parking brake and then turn the vehicle off in either firstor reverse gear.When UNCOUPLING the trailer, place blocks at the front and rear ofthe trailer tires to ensure that the trailer does not roll away when the coupling isreleased.An unbalanced load may cause the tongue to suddenly rotate upward;therefore, before uncoupling, place jack stands under the rear of the trailer.If a trailer seems hard to pull or sways to one side, a brake rotormay not be rotating freely. If this appears to be the problem, immediately contactyour authorized MasterCraft dealer for assistance. Ignoring this symptom couldresult in brake failure.INTRODUCTIONWith the purchase of a new MasterCraft trailer, custom-built to integrate with a MasterCraftboat, value has been added to the boating experience. Thousands of recreationalwaterways are now available.As the manufacturer, MasterCraft has provided a vehicle designed specifically for manyyears of attractive, trouble-free service. Now, it is up to the owner and/or operator to give itproper care and maintenance to be sure it will continue to perform safely and satisfactorily.The purpose of this section of the Manual is to help owners and operators do just that.Please read and follow the warnings and instructions carefully. Also, because all trailers arenot exactly alike, be sure to read and comply with any warnings and additional informationsupplied by MasterCraft and parts suppliers within the owner packet. It’s the best way toobtain peak performance.Before towing this trailer, be sure to readand understand this Manual.A Proper matchThe key to carefree boat trailering is the proper match of boat to trailer. This propermatch is only one reason why the MasterCraft engineering staff has designed the trailer tocarry the full weight of the boat, engine and a reasonable amount of gear. It also providesthe proper support for the boat hull during storage.The total weight of the boat, engine, fuel,water and gear must not exceed the trailer’smaximum load-carrying capacity. Overloadingcan cause instability and loss of controlwhile towing, which may result in death, serious injury or property damage.MasterCraft Trailer Manual • Page 2
Page 4 and 5: towing, which may result in death,
Page 6 and 7: Use great care when walking, standi
Page 10 and 11: Load-Carrying CapacityCheck the cer
Page 12 and 13: This can be corrected in a number o
Page 14 and 15: If the breakaway cable is accidenta
Page 16 and 17: Warnings at TongueRead and adhere t
Page 18 and 19: LightsBefore each use make certain
Page 20 and 21: gear, and retain but do not re-use
Page 22 and 23: The trailer’s brakes are designed
Page 24 and 25: When pulling the trailer forward an
Page 26 and 27: Also, it is very important to be su
Page 28 and 29: • Signal your intentions. Well be
Page 30 and 31: Trailering TipsThe trailer jack and
Page 32 and 33: (h) damage to any componentparts an
Page 34 and 35: 6. Warranty Claims. In order to mai
Page 36 and 37: time. Any exposure to a hard winter
Page 38 and 39: • Relieve the load on the tires b
Page 40 and 41: Possible cause: Remedy:Contaminated

2011 MasterCraft Trailer Manual

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