Coupling up a trailer
Trailer coupled ready for use
X
Make sure that the selector lever of the auto-
matic transmission is in position P.
X
On vehicles with an automatic transmission,
ensure that the transmission is in position P.
X
Engage the vehicle's parking brake.
X
Close all doors.
X
Position the trailer horizontally behind your
vehicle.
i
The height of the ball neck changes accord-
ing to the load on the vehicle. In this case, use
a trailer with a height-adjustable trailer draw-
bar.
X
Couple the trailer.
X
Establish all electrical and other connections
to the trailer. When doing so, hook the break-
away cable of the trailer into the eyelet on the
ball coupling.
X
Remove the objects that are preventing the
trailer from rolling, e.g. wheel chocks.
X
Release the trailer parking brake.
i
The subharness of the vehicle has a cable
connection to the brake lamp indicator lamp.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most federal states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
R
safety chains between the towing vehicle and
the trailer. The chains should be cross-wound
under the trailer drawbar. They must be fas-
tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough slack in the chains. This allows
you to drive round tight corners.
R
a separate brake system for certain types of
trailer.
R
a safety shut-off for braked trailers. Find out
the specific requirements according to the
applicable laws.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety shut-off applies the
trailer brakes.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed restric-
tions. Make sure your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion complies with local laws. This not only
means where you live, but also anywhere you
are driving to. Information is available from the
police and local authorities.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
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Practice driving around bends, stopping and
backing up at a place where there is no traffic.
This enables you to gain experience and get
used to the new handling characteristics.
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Before driving, check:
-
that the trailer tow hitch and ball coupling
are secure
-
that the safety switch for a braked trailer is
functioning properly
-
that the safety chains are secure and not
damaged
-
that the electrical connections are secure
-
that the lights are working
-
that the wheels are in good order and the
tire pressure is correct
R
Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R
If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull the vehicle/trailer combination
away carefully. Brake manually using the
brake controller and check that the brakes
are working.
R
Secure the load on the trailer according to the
applicable specifications and current stand-
ards on securing loads (
Y
page 235).
166
Towing a trailer
Driv
ing
and
pa
rk
ing
