from the ball, unlock and go back to the third
step above.
• Be certain the jack is in the fully raised and
locked position.
• Your MasterCraft trailer has a surge brake-away
cable. Attach it to the tow vehicle, making sure
there is enough slack for tight turns.
• Attach the safety cables.
• Connect the trailer wiring harness to the lighting
system of the tow vehicle and check the operation.
Trailer Techniques
With a boat trailer in tow, you are operating a
vehicle combination that is longer, heavier and some-
times wider and taller than your car or truck. This
means you will have to make a few adjustments in your
normal driving practices to compensate for the differ-
ence. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy trailering:
• Take a shakedown cruise. Before you make your
first major trip or first trip to the lake with your
trailer, make at least one short trial run to familiar-
ize yourself with its handling characteristics. Be sure
everything is working properly.
• Slow down. There is less strain on your car, trailer
and boat at moderate to slow speeds. Also, many
states have lower speed limits for vehicles towing
trailers.
• Allow extra time and space. You’ll need more of
both when passing and stopping.
• Check the rear view mirrors. Install outside
rear view mirrors on both sides of the tow ve-
hicle. Make it a habit to check the mirrors at fre-
quent intervals to be sure your trailer and boat
are riding properly.
• Swing wider. Trailer wheels are closer to the in-
side of turns than the wheels on your car or truck.
MASTERCRAFT TRAILERS
26-9
This means you should swing wider
at curves and corners.
• Pass with extra care. With a
trailer in tow, you’ll need more time
and distance to accelerate, get
around a slower vehicle and return
to the right lane.
• Watch the wind. Be prepared for
sudden changes in air pressure and/
or wind buffeting when larger ve-
hicles pass you from either direction.
Slow down a little and keep a firm
hand on the steering wheel.
• Conserve fuel. Wind resistance
against the boat and trailer can re-
duce your gas mileage significantly, es-
pecially at higher speeds.
• Avoid sudden stops and starts. Even though
your trailer has brakes, a sudden stop can cause
it to skid, slide or even jack-knife. (Be especially
careful to avoid the necessity for quick stops while
turning.) Smooth, gradual starts and stops will
improve your gas mileage and put less strain on
your tie-downs, etc.
• Signal your intentions. Well before you stop,
turn, change lanes or pass, use your light signals to
let other vehicles know what you intend to do.
• Shift to a lower gear. If your tow vehicle has a
manual transmission, traveling in lower gears
when going up steep hills or over sand, gravel or
dirt roads will ease the load on your engine and
transmission. If your tow vehicle has an overdrive
gear (manual or automatic) you may get better gas
mileage in a lower gear. Check the automobile’s
owners manual for their recommended towing
specifications.
• Always be courteous. Make it as easy as pos-
sible for faster-moving vehicles to pass you. Remain
in the slower lane and be prepared to slow down if
they need extra time to return to their proper lane.
• Don’t tailgate. Allow at least one combined car-
and-trailer length between you and the car ahead
for every 10 MPH you are traveling.
If a problem occurs, the general rule is to stay
calm. Don’t panic and don’t do anything any more
suddenly or violently than you have to.
A sudden bumping or fan-tailing may be a flat tire.
Don’t jam on the brakes or mash the accelerator to try
to drive out of it. Stop slowly and in as straight a line as
possible. If conditions permit, allow your rig to coast at
a very slow speed and try to avoid braking, except
when your wheels are straight ahead and the trailer
and tow vehicle are in line.
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