The MasterCraft Trailer Congratulations on your choice of a MasterCraft trailer–the ideal match for MasterCraft boats. The quality, innovation, selection and value are unmatched in the industry. Please take a few minutes to read this manual completely before the use of your MasterCraft trailer for the first time. It will help you answer most of the remaining questions you may have about your new trailer. If you still have questions after reviewing this manual, be sure to contact your MasterCraft dealer.
Note: The information given in this manual may not be applicable to international rules of the road. If you have any questions, please contact your local authority. Visit us on the web at www.mastercraft.com. If you have specific questions about your MasterCraft trailer, feel free to contact your dealer for additional information and guidance.
Warnings and Cautions Throughout this manual the terms “warning” and “caution” appear, alerting the trailer owner or operator to dangerous or potentially dangerous situations that may arise. Those terms have the following respective meanings whenever they appear herein: This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. 1. Before towing this trailer, be sure to read and familiarize yourself with this manual. (Page 7) 2: The total weight of your boat, engine, fuel, water and gear must not exceed the trailer’s maximum load-carrying capacity. Overloading can cause serious injury or property damage.
7: To reduce the risk of serious injury, death or property damage, make certain that all the trailer lights are in proper working order. (Page 14) 8: 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.Your MasterCraft dealer can provide you with the proper torque specifications (measured in foot-pounds). (Page 15) 9: Also keep the wheel bearings lubricated.
Quick Tips Here are some quick tips for maintaining your trailer in tip-top condition: • Chips in the paint, especially on the axles and frame result when these surfaces are subjected to repeated or severe hits by external objects. Usually, this is gravel or asphalt chips thrown up by the rear tires of the tow vehicles. Over time, rust may develop where paint has been chipped away and this is not covered by the trailer’s warranty.
Introduction With the purchase of your new, custom-built MasterCraft trailer you have added value to your MasterCraft boating enjoyment. You can now enjoy almost any of the thousands of recreational waterways in the country. As the manufacturer, MasterCraft has provided you with a vehicle designed specifically for many years of attractive, convenient, troublefree service. Now, it is up to you to give it proper care and maintenance to be sure it will continue to perform safely and satisfactorily.
The total weight of your boat, engine, fuel, water and gear must not exceed the trailer’s maximum load-carrying capacity. Overloading can cause serious injury or property damage. NOTE: Maximum loadcarrying capacity is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rate (“GVWR”), less the weight of the empty trailer. Load-Carry Capacity Check the metallic certification label attached to the left, forward side of your trailer. It will show the maximum load-carrying capacity of the trailer.
Do not tow boat with wakeboards or skis left in board and/or ski racks. Doing so may create a hazard for or cause damage to vehicles following behind you as the boards and/or skis may become disengaged while traveling, or may result in damage to your vehicle or boat, which damage would not be covered by your warranty.
TheThere Trailer Hitch are two basic types of trailer hitches: A weight-carrying hitch and a weight-distributing hitch. A weight-carrying hitch is recommended for your MasterCraft. Before deciding which type of hitch to use, also consult your automobile manufacturer on recommendations for your car or truck. Be sure that the total weight of your trailer-boat rig does not exceed the hitch’s load capacity. The maximum weight it can handle is stamped on the hitch.
Serious injury or death or property damage can result if the total weight on your loaded trailer exceeds the capacity of the hitch on your tow vehicle. Safety cables The safety cables on your MasterCraft trailer provide added insurance that it will not become detached from the towing vehicle when underway. Before each trip, you should make sure that the proper cables are correctly attached between the towing vehicle and the trailer.
Trailer Winch Assembly Upon each use of the winch, check for the proper ratchet operation. Do not use the winch if it is damaged. Seek immediate repairs. Maintain a firm grip on the winch handle at all times. Never release the handle when the ratchet lever is in the unlocked position with a load on the winch. The handle will spin violently under these conditions, which could cause personal injury. Never use the winch handle as a handle for pulling or maneuvering the entire trailer or other equipment.
MasterCylinder Level Regularly verify that the brake fluid level comes to the top of the reservoir. MasterCraft 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 conclusion of the boating season. If at any time you suspect a braking issue, check the fluid level. Trailer Coupling Your trailer coupling is designed to have the required strength when a hitch ball is in its socket.
The coupling should not be allowed to lay on the ground where dirt or sand can enter the socket. This can cause excessive wear when the trailer is towed again, or it can cause the locking mechanism to jam. If the coupler becomes damaged it must be repaired or replaced before 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 promote safety.
• Be sure the white ground wire is properly connected to the trailer frame. Replace any parts that are damaged or badly worn. • A small amount of waterproof grease on the plug contacts and light bulb bases will help prevent rust and corrosion. • Before every trip, check for burned-out or broken bulbs, cracked or broken light lenses, etc. • Be sure to unplug the light each time before backing into the water. Extra plugs are available from your MasterCraft dealer.
As part of the regular maintenance, keep the axle assembly properly lubricated. This procedure is best performed by your MasterCraft dealer. The fill plug in the hub nose must be removed so that 80- to 90-weight motor oil can be added. “Never-seize compound” is applied to the fill plug, which is re-installed and torqued to 7-ft-lbs. If at any time the oil in the hub appears milky, the system must be serviced immediately.
Lubrication Currently, trailers feature oil-bath bearings. Earlier models were equipped with easy lubricating hubs. However, water invades and seeps through the smallest opening. When a warm hub is submerged in cold water, any air inside the hub will contact and draw water through the best of seals. Trailers equipped with the Bearing Buddy II with Auto Check simplify the process of keeping watch for proper lubrication.
Keep your tires properly inflated. Failure to maintain the correct pressure may result in tire failure and loss of control, which may result in serious injury or death or property damage. TiresT h e m o s t c o m m o n cause of trailer tire trouble is under-inflation. It is important, therefore, that you always maintain correct air pressure as indicated by the tire manufacturer on the tire’s sidewalls. Always check the air pressure when the tires are cold.
Trailer brakes must be maintained in good working condition. The loss of adequate braking could result in serious injury or death or property damage. Your MasterCraft trailer brakes are designed to operate automatically when the tow vehicle’s brakes are applied. These are known as surge brakes. When the tow vehicle slows down or stops, the forward momentum (surge)of the trailer against the hitch ball applies pressure to a master cylinder in the trailer coupler.
Like any mechanical assembly, a jack requires maintenance to function properly over a long period of time. The drive gear and the rack-and-pinion should be greased. The caster and wheel bearing should be oiled frequently. Failure to swing up the jack before towing may result in damage to your trailer. Tie-Downs Ensuring that your MasterCraft is held securely in place on the trailer’s hull support, especially when underway, is extremely important.
• Cross the safety cables under the coupling. • Allow only enough slack in the safety cables to handle turns. When hitching your trailer, you should always observe each item of the “Trailer Check List.” Hitching your trailer to your tow vehicle can be a one-person job, but it is easier if you have a second person to help you. Here are the basic steps: • Back your tow vehicle as close as possible to the trailer. It’s easier– and safer– than pulling the trailer to your car or truck.
first trip to the lake with your trailer, make at least one short trial run to familiarize 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.
• Always be courteous. Make it as easy as possible 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.
weight of the trailer rig and tow vehicle? Is it wide enough? How deep is the water at the end of the ramp? Some launch ramps may be slippery when wet. Use great care when walking, standing or loading and unloading boats on or around any launch ramps. • • • Prepare for launching. Install your drain plugs and detach the trailer tie-downs. Back your trailer down to the ramp. If possible have someone stand to one side of the ramp to direct you. Backing up a trailer can be tricky.
Storage When your MasterCraft trailer will not be in use for several months, you can help it continue to give you good performance by taking the following steps: • If at all possible, park your boat-trailer rig 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.
Trailering Tips • The jack and lug wrench that came with your tow vehicle may also work on your trailer, but don’t count on it! Check to make sure. • Your trailer will look better and last longer if you rinse it off with fresh water several times a year. If your boat is in brackish or salt water, the trailer should be rinsed thoroughly after every trip. An annual washing with a mild detergent and waxing with an auto wax also will help to keep your trailer bright and clean.
• Before towing ensure that the tower on the boat (if so equipped) is secure, whether it is upright and locked in place or has been lowered. Also be certain that there is sufficient overhead clearance before removing the boat/trailer from cover, or when towing that the unit will clear any overhead items such as trees, bridges, overhead power lines, overpasses, etc. This trailer is manufactured to meet the applicable federal safety standards at the time of manufacture.
Limited Warranty Statement (NOTE: The MasterCraft Limited Warranty Statement was written to cover boats and/or trailers.) 1. Limited Warranty and Term. MasterCraft Boat Company, Inc. (“MasterCraft”) warrants to the original retail purchaser that the following components of each new boat 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.
(a) damage caused by misuse, negligence, accident, collision or impact with any object; (b) damage caused by any improper alteration or modification to the boat or any of its component parts or accessories, including damage resulting from alteration, modification, repair or replacement in such a way as to increase the cubic-inch capacity or horsepower output of the engine and boat as originally manufactured; (c) damage caused by the use of improper or contaminated fuel or fluids; ( d ) damage caused by
AND TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, MASTERCRAFT DISCLAIMS, AND THE OWNER HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES, ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS OR ANY KIND OR NATURE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OTHER THAN THOSE WARRANTIES WHICH ARE IMPLIED BY, AND ARE INCAPABLE OF EXCLUSION, RESTRICTION OR MODIFICATION UNDER, APPLICABLE LAW.
Only one (1) transfer under the provisions of this Section 6 (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 boat or 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 periods set forth in Section 1 above.
Maintenance Before Initial Use: • Read the Owners Manual completely. Before Every Trip: • Verify that the tongue weight and load is within proper specification. • Check the brake fluid reservoir to ensure it is at least threequarters 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.
