www.iFourWinns.com

Millhaven, sorry, I took a picture but I can't post it on here (no photobucket or other account). If you want, I'll email it to you and you can post it. If not, no big deal. Just let me know.

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2003 Four Winns Horizon 210
VP 5.0 GXI SX
"THE GREEN HORNET"

PM sent

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

Steve
I have never seen one of this type but I am inclined to believe that perhaps that hex head bolt does not belong there... try taking your lock and that bolt off and see if that whole flat piece swivels up 90 degrees to the tongue. If I was there with you I would just start taking it part untill we figured out exactly how the coupler works....

Let me know.
Anybody else care to comment?

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

Thanks for posting the pic Millhaven, I appreciate it. When my lock is removed the lever handle goes up and down without issue. When it's attached to the ball though, it's another story. The part that actually goes on the ball moves in and out when braking and accelerating ( a brake actuator or something) and I think the problem lies with that. Any help appreciated.

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2003 Four Winns Horizon 210
VP 5.0 GXI SX
"THE GREEN HORNET"

I am at a loss... I don't know what that little "spade" thing is by the ball socket. Are you sure you have the right ball size? This isn't rocket science.... We have to be missing something simple. What manufacturer and model is the actuator? Maybe we can find something online that will help.

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

That spade moves in and out also, with a little force. 2" ball. I've had 5 different trailers in my life and this hitch is definitely my least favorite. I'll see if I can't find a brand name on it tomorrow morning. There's got to be a trick to it that I'm missing.

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2003 Four Winns Horizon 210
VP 5.0 GXI SX
"THE GREEN HORNET"

It's a Titan Aero-6000. I'm going to play with it a little and look on line for info.

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2003 Four Winns Horizon 210
VP 5.0 GXI SX
"THE GREEN HORNET"

That is how surge brake systems work, when tow vehicle slows, weight of boat pushes on coupler causing it to move in (creating hydraulic pressure which is sent to brake calipers). Now the opposite happens when accelerating, coupler pulls away from brake cylinder, releasing hydraulic pressure to brake system.

Some people complain about the clunk in and out of a surge brake system. I do not care for the system, but it is better than no trailer brakes at all.
Best advice, always ease into braking and accelerating will really reduce the noise and undesirable clunk.


Another cause of coupler compressing harsh/rapidly, brake system is in need of service; new fluid, air in system/needs to be bled, reservoir level low, Master cylinder needs rebuild or replacement, ect...

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

I believe I have the same actuator - I'll take a look when I get home, but some of these have an adjustment to ensure that the ball is tight when latched.

"The spade thing" by the ball hitch is the manual reverse lockout. If you lift it up, then you can reverse without having the disc brakes engage - if you have the wire harness connected, this shouldn't be necessary.

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2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

Thanks everyone. EvilZ, if there's an adjustment on yours that you find please let me know. Maybe mine's a little too tight. The trailer brakes fine and the clunk isn't too bad, just unhooking is a real pain.

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2003 Four Winns Horizon 210
VP 5.0 GXI SX
"THE GREEN HORNET"

I have the same one on mine. The other posters are correct. I am guessing it came with trailers in the 03 time frame. However, yours has a folding tongue and mine does not

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2010 Sea Hunt Triton 220 "Big Whiskey"
2003 FW Freedom 180 Volvo Penta 4.3GL/SX-M "It'll Do Four Now" (Sold)
2012 Avalanche LTZ 4X4

I just installed this adaptor this weekend. Looking forward to not having my brakes lock up. Another great example of this forum educating me and solving a relatively easy problem that I was clueless on. Thanks all!

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Norris Lake, Stardust Marina, Andersonville, TN
2005 Four Winns 230 Horizon 5.7L Volvo Gi/DP
2001 Maxum 1900SR 5.0L V8 (Sold)
2011 Nissan Armada Platnum

Jumping in late on this ... but;

Do you make sure that the ball is forward in the reciever socket and the socket is pulled forward (since you whole ball socket moves in & out to apply the brakes) when you try to unlatch it (pull the truck forward against the trailer)?

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner