239
Roof racks, caravan and trailer towing
Caravan and trailer loads
1)
The permissible caravan / trailer loads are
vehicle-dependent and engine-dependent
maximum values which must not be
exceeded. The actual caravan / trailer load
is the difference between the actual gross
weight of the caravan / trailer and the
actual coupling socket load with the
caravan / trailer coupled. When the
caravan / trailer load is being checked,
therefore, only the caravan / trailer wheels
–
and not the jockey wheel – must be
standing on the weighing apparatus.
The permissible caravan / trailer loads for
your vehicle are given in the vehicle
documents. Unless otherwise stated, they
are valid for gradients up to max. 12 %.
The permissible caravan / trailer load
should be fully utilised only by drivers who
are adequately experienced in towing
large or heavy caravans / trailers.
The permitted caravan / trailer load
applies up to the specified incline and up to
an altitude of 1000 metres above sea-level.
Since engine power decreases as altitude
increases because of the air becoming
thinner, therefore reducing climbing ability,
the permitted towing weight also
decreases by 10 % for every 1000 metres of
additional altitude. The towing weight
does not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than 8 %,
e.g. motorways).
The actual caravan / trailer load plus the
actual gross weight of the towing vehicle
must not exceed the maximum permitted
towing weight. For example, if the
permitted Gross Vehicle Weight is utilised,
the caravan / trailer load must only be used
until the maximum permitted towing
weight is reached. The maximum
permitted towing weight is shown on
the identification plate - see page 306.
1)
Observe national regulations.