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Roof racks, caravan and trailer towing
Coupling socket load
The coupling socket load is the load
exerted by the caravan / trailer on the
coupling ball. It can be varied by changing
the weight distribution when loading the
caravan / trailer.
The maximum permissible coupling socket
load (75 kg) is specified on the towing
equipment identification plate and in the
vehicle documents. Always aim for the
maximum load, especially in the case of
heavy caravans / trailers. The coupling
socket load should never fall below 25 kg.
When measuring the coupling socket load,
make sure that the drawbar of the loaded
caravan / trailer is at the same height as it
will be when the caravan / trailer is coupled
with the towing vehicle loaded. Particularly
important for caravans / trailers with
tandem axle.
Rear axle load during towing
With a trailer coupled and the towing
vehicle fully loaded (including all
occupants), the permissible rear axle
load (see identification plate or vehicle
documents) may be exceeded by 65 kg
and the permissible Gross Vehicle Weight
by 45 kg for the Hatchback. For the Estate,
the permissible rear axle load may be
exceeded by 60 kg and the permissible
Gross Vehicle Weight by 30 kg. If the
permissible rear axle load is exceeded
a maximum speed of 60 mph (100 km/h)
applies (50 mph (80 km/h) if approved for
use as a commercial vehicle). If national
regulations specify a lower maximum
speed for vehicles towing a trailer, this
must be observed.
Picture no: 17213t.tif
Tyre pressure
Increase the tyre pressure on the towing
vehicle to the value specified for a full
load – see page 326. Check the pressure
of the spare wheel and caravan / trailer
wheels.
Trailer Stability Assist
3
(
TSA)
Trailer Stability Assist monitors vehicle
movements when towing a caravan or
trailer. If the system detects lurching
movements, engine power is reduced and
the vehicle / trailer combination is
selectively braked until the lurching ceases.