The trailer is equipped with a hydraulic
brake actuator. Trailer brakes will auto-
matically apply whenever the tow vehicle’s
brakes are applied. Stopping (deceleration)
force is developed in direct proportion to
the stopping force generated by the tow ve-
hicle.
The breakaway system actuators will ap-
ply the trailer brakes if the trailer becomes
completely detached from the tow vehicle
while under power. Failure to properly con-
nect the breakaway system prior to towing
may result in serious injury or death and/or
property damage.
(See breakaway cable detail earlier in
this section of the Owner’s Manual.)
The breakaway cable is a line of de-
fense at separation. Before the breakaway
cable is pulled, the coupler must become
detached from the hitch ball and then the
safety chains fail. At this time the break-
away cable is pulled, which applies a brak-
ing force to the trailer. Note that the break-
away system is not intended to lock up
the trailer brakes after separating from the
tow vehicle but rather to apply just enough
braking force to keep the trailer from free-
wheeling. The breakaway system must be
reset manually after it has been activated.
DO NOT USE THE BREAKAWAY
SYSTEM AS A PARKING BRAKE!
A surface rust will build up on the ro-
tor brake surface if the trailer isn’t used for
a week or more. The brake pads will wipe
off the rust in the rst few miles of travel.
However, if the trailer has been idle for
several months, or it has been frequently
submerged in salt water and the brakes not
ushed out, severe corrosion can occur.
Try the brakes before each trip. On a
regular basis, have the brake linings in-
spected, necessary adjustments made and
any damaged or worn parts replaced by an
authorized MasterCraft dealer.
Wet brakes usually do not hold especial-
ly well. If the wheels have been in water,
several brake applications at slow speeds
should dry them out. If the wheel assem-
blies have been submerged in salt water, it
is important to ush the rotors and calipers
thoroughly with fresh water to minimize
subsequent corrosion.
• If the stopping capacity does not meet
Page 7-20 2014 MasterCraft Owners Manual • MasterCraft Trailers
M A S T E R C R A F T T R A I L E R S
The trailer’s brakes are designed to ener-
gize automatically when the tow vehicle’s
brakes are applied. These are known as
“surge brakes.” (Note: Somejurisdictions
donotallow surgebrakes.Always check
within the locality in which you will be
towing.) When the vehicle slows down or
stops, the forward momentum (surge) of
the trailer against the hitch ball develops
hydraulic pressure in a master cylinder in-
side the trailer brake actuator. Hydraulic
lines are used to transfer pressure to the
brakes and engage them.
In most states, trailers with a Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 1,500
pounds or more are required by law to have
brakes on all wheels. (Auto manufactur-
ers generally recommend brakes even with
lighter trailers.)
Trailer brakes must be maintained in good
working condition at all times. Inspect the
brake system on a regular basis and verify
proper fluid level in the actuator. The loss
of adequate braking could result in serious
injury or death and/or property damage.
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