Trailer Manual
The MasterCraft Trailer Congratulations on the selection of a MasterCraft trailer. It is the ideal match for MasterCraft boats. The quality, innovation, selection and value of MasterCraft trailers are unmatched in the industry. Please take a few minutes to read this Manual completely before using the MasterCraft trailer for the first time. It provides substantial information about the trailer. If you still have questions after reviewing this Manual, be sure to contact a MasterCraft dealer.
The maintenance, service and repair procedures described in this Manual should be performed only by trained and authorized factory personnel or dealer technicians. To avoid serious injury or damage to the boat or its components, all steps in each procedure and all safety recommendations should be strictly observed.
local ordinances regarding driving and towing. MasterCraft also recommends a thorough review of applicable insurance coverage and any insurance carrier’s restrictions and coverage for towing, as well as a review and adherence to recommendations presented in the tow vehicle’s Owner’s Manual. WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death. 1. Before towing this trailer, be sure to read and familiarize yourself with this Manual. 2.
11. Keep tires properly inflated. Inspect each tire’s pressure before each use. Refer to the tire sidewall for proper inflation. Failure to maintain the correct tire pressure may result in tire failure and loss of control, which may result in serious injury or death and/or property damage. 12. 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.
this 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 care should be taken to travel as slowly as practical when traveling on gravel or other loose surfaces. • To ensure proper operation of the trailer jack, wipe it down and lubricate it on a regular basis. • If the trailer is backed into salt water, you must completely and thoroughly wash the trailer in fresh water to retard rusting.
Introduction With the purchase of a new MasterCraft trailer, custom-built to integrate with a MasterCraft boat, value has been added to the boating experience. Thousands of recreational waterways are now available. As the manufacturer, MasterCraft has provided a vehicle designed specifically for many years of attractive, trouble-free service. Now, it is up to the owner and/ or operator to give it proper care and maintenance to be sure it will continue to perform safely and satisfactorily.
Load-Carrying Capacity Check the metallic certification label attached to the front left side of the trailer. It will show the maximum load-carrying capacity of the trailer. It will also show the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (“GVWR”) is the estimated total weight of a road vehicle that is loaded to capacity, including the weight of the vehicle itself. Therefore, the maximum load-carrying capacity of the trailer is the GVWR, less the weight of the empty trailer.
Weight Distribution Improper weight distribution can cause a boat trailer to fishtail (sway from side to side) as it moves down the highway, putting excessive strains on both trailer and towing equipment, which increases gas consumption and may potentially cause an accident. The most effective way to guard against fishtailing is to make sure the weight load on the trailer is properly distributed.
A truck or van using a step bumper as the hitch platform will need to have safety cable attachments such as eye-bolts, as well as a hitch ball, which has been installed according to the Society of Automotive Engineers; SAE J684 Standard. Installing a light or heavy-duty hitch can be a major undertaking. The hitch and its installation must meet the SAE J684 Standard. It is recommended that the job be done by a professional. An authorized MasterCraft dealer can offer advice.
As noted above, the trailer hitch should provide a place for attaching safety cables, through holes or rings on both sides of the hitch ball. It is strongly recommended, and most states require, that the cables be criss-crossed under the trailer tongue (e.g., the cables on the left side of the trailer tongue should be attached to the hole or ring on the left side of the hitch ball, and the right cable should be attached to the hole or ring on the left side of the hitch ball).
Never use the winch handle as a handle for pulling or maneuvering the entire trailer or other equipment. Never pull on the winch handle against a locked ratchet. Never exceed the rated capacity of the winch. Excessive loads may cause premature failure and result in serious injury. Never apply a load on the winch with the strap fully extended. Keep at least two full turns of the strap that’s on the reel. Inspect the condition of the winch strap.
Master Cylinder Level Regularly verify that the brake fluid level comes to the top of the reservoir (as marked). MasterCraft’s specification for brake fluid is type DOT3 Premium. As part of an annual maintenance program, consumers should check the fluid level both at the beginning and at the end of the boating season. The manufacturer specifies that the brake fluid be replaced every two (2) years at minimum. If at any time you suspect a braking issue, check the fluid level.
If the coupler becomes damaged it must be repaired or replaced prior to towing. When the coupling is placed on the ball, the latch should close firmly. Keep the latch mechanism lightly oiled and clean. Always install a lock pin in the coupler to help ensure that the coupling does not become disengaged. Before each use make certain that all trailer lights are in proper working order, to reduce the risk of serious injury, death and/or property damage.
Wheels and Hubs Because they are often exposed to water, trailer wheels and tires require more attention than the wheels on a family vehicle. The three major items to check are lug nuts, lubrication and tire pressure. Maintain the proper torque on the lug nuts attached to the wheel bolts. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or property damage. An authorized MasterCraft dealer can provide the proper torque specifications (measured in foot-pounds). Keep the wheel bearings lubricated.
When tightening the lug nuts, use the correctly sized wrench. The wrong size can round off the lug nuts and render them useless. If you lose a lug nut, replace it promptly. The correct size varies with different models, so verify the proper size with an authorized MasterCraft dealer. Take special care to ensure that the replacement lug nut is the correct type. While the threads of the lug nut may match, it may be a size that does not hold the wheel securely against the hub, even when fully tightened.
the lug nut torque is not maintained over more than one re-torque application because this indicates there is something potentially wrong with the lug nuts, nut studs, wheels and/or hubs and should be corrected. • Contact an authorized MasterCraft dealer immediately if any persistent lug nut loosening (or any other lug, wheel or axle problem) occurs. • In the event of a wheel separating from the trailer during use, notify an authorized MasterCraft dealer.
would indicate water intrusion and the lubricant should be replaced. Also check the seals for damage. When on a trip, make it a habit to check the wheel hubs every time you stop for gas or refreshments. If the hub feels abnormally hot, the bearings and brake should be inspected before continuing the trip. The oil level in the bearing cavity of the rotor should always be maintained at the top of the logo on the face of the cap (halfway up the sight glass).
When trailer tires become worn or damaged, replace them with new tires. An authorized MasterCraft dealer can help you. For safety and convenience, inflate tires to the air pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tire, but always carry a spare wheel and tire in case of unexpected or sudden issues with a tire. During times of storage, maintain the proper tire inflation, shield tires from UV rays, and relieve the load on the tires by supporting the trailer frame with concrete blocks or jack stands.
against the hitch ball applies pressure to a master cylinder in the trailer coupler. This pressure activates the trailer brakes through a hydraulic system, much like the brakes on an automobile. Try the brakes before each trip. On a regular basis, have the brake linings inspected, necessary adjustments made and any damaged or worn parts replaced. Wet brakes usually do not hold especially well. If the wheels have been in water, several brake applications at slow speeds should dry them out.
Tie-Downs Ensuring that a MasterCraft boat will be held securely in place on the trailer’s hull support, especially when underway, is extremely important. If the boat is not firmly and properly secured, the boat can be damaged as it bounces against the hull supports. MasterCraft’s Boat Buddy System is located on the winch stand. Ask an authorized MasterCraft dealer to demonstrate the proper use of the Boat Buddy System.
safer—than pulling the trailer to the car or truck. • Check to be sure the coupler locking device is released. • Raise the front end of the trailer with the trailer jack, position the coupler directly over the hitch ball and lower the trailer until it is all the way down onto the hitch ball. • Check under the coupling to be certain that the ball clamp is below the ball and not riding on top of the ball. • Lock the coupler to the hitch ball.
• Check the rear view mirrors. If not already equipped with them, install outside rear view mirrors on both sides of the tow vehicle. Make it a habit to check the mirrors at frequent intervals to be sure the trailer and boat are riding properly. • Swing wider. Trailer wheels are closer to the inside of turns than the wheels on the tow vehicle. This means swinging wider at curves and corners. • Pass with extra care.
a very slow speed and try to avoid braking, except when the wheels are straight ahead and the trailer and tow vehicle are in line. If the trailer begins to fish-tail under acceleration to highway speed, back off the accelerator a little, and it should cease. If it begins again upon acceleration, stop and check the load. If the load is not evenly distributed, or if it is too far back so that the hitch load becomes too light, the result can be fish-tailing. Redistribute the load before continuing.
• Prepare for launching. Install the drain plugs and detach the trailer tiedowns. • Slowly back the trailer down the ramp. If possible, have someone stand to one side of the ramp to provide directions. Backing up a trailer can be tricky. A good way to simplify the procedure is to grasp the steering wheel with one hand at its lowest point (6 o’clock). To make the trailer go right, move your hand on the wheel to the right; to make the trailer go left, move your hand to the left.
Storage When the MasterCraft trailer will not be in use for several months, the following steps may increase the life and performance of the trailer: • If at all possible, park the boat trailer in a protected area such as a garage, carport or similar shelter. • Service or re-pack the wheel bearings. • Loosen the tie-downs and winch strap, but be sure the boat is still resting properly on the hull supports.
with an auto wax will also help to keep the trailer bright and clean. • Make up a special boating kit and carry it with you on all trips. The kit should include a spare wheel and tire, lug wrench, wheel chocks, bearing grease, spare strap for tie-downs and winch, extra lights, wheel bearings and road flares. • Some insurance policies do not provide coverage when towing a trailer. Check the policy or call the insurance agent to be certain that coverage exists.
Limited Warranty Statement 1. Limited Warranty and Term. MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC (“MasterCraft”) warrants to the original retail purchaser that the trailer shall be free from material defects in materials and workmanship to the extent set forth below, under normal use and when operated and maintained in accordance with MasterCraft’s instructions, for the period indicated: 1.1 Trailer and Trailer Component Parts.
and/or (l) all warranted coverage will expire after ninety (90) days on trailers used for commercial purposes. 3. Disclaimer and Limitation of Implied Warranties. THE EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH HEREIN IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
Only one (1) transfer under the provisions of this Section 5 (from the original retail purchaser to the second owner), within the applicable time period, may be made. In the event of a sale or transfer of the trailer by a second owner to a subsequent purchaser, all coverage under this Limited Warranty shall immediately be terminated and the Limited Warranty shall become null and void. No transfer of this Limited Warranty will operate to extend the warranty period set forth in Section 1 above.
Maintenance Before Initial Use: • Read the Owner’s Manual completely. Before Every Trip: • Verify that the tongue weight and load are within proper specification. • Check the brake fluid reservoir to ensure it is at least three-quarters full. • Examine the actuator for wear, bent parts, corroded/seized parts or other damage. • Test the actuator to verify the brakes are working prior to use. • Verify all lights are working properly. • Verify the coupler latch is locked to the ball properly.
MasterCraft Boat Company, L.L.C.
