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Roof racks, caravan and trailer towing
Picture no: 17227t.tif
Driving characteristics,
towing tips
In the case of caravans / trailers with
brakes, attach breakaway stopping cable
to eye.
Before attaching the caravan / trailer,
lubricate the ball of the caravan / trailer
towing device. However, do not lubricate
the ball if a stabiliser, which acts on the
coupling ball, is being used to damp
snaking.
Check caravan / trailer lighting before
starting to drive. The fog tail light on the
vehicle is deactivated when towing a
caravan / trailer.
Trailers with LED turn signals must have a
provision enables light monitoring for
commercial bulbs.
Turn signal control indicator – see page 40.
Parking distance sensors
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are
deactivated when towing.
Handling is greatly influenced by the
loading of the caravan / trailer. Loads
should therefore be secured so that they
cannot slip and be placed in the centre of
the caravan / trailer if possible, i.e. above
the axle.
In the case of trailers with low driving
stability or caravans with a permitted
gross vehicle weight of over 1300 kg
(
Hatchback) / 1200 kg (Estate), do not
exceed a speed of 50 mph (80 km/h); the
use of a friction-type stabiliser is highly
recommended.
Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h)
if possible, even in countries where higher
speeds are permitted.
Make sure that you have enough room
when cornering and avoid sudden
manoeuvres.
If the caravan / trailer starts to sway, drive
more slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if necessary.
If it is necessary to apply the brakes fully,
depress the brake pedal as hard as
possible.
Remember that the braking distance for
vehicles towing caravans / trailers with and
without brake is always greater than that
for vehicles not towing a caravan / trailer.
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