Vauxhall 2010 Astra, Owner'S Manual

Page: 240 / 367

236 Driving and operation
The permissible cara van/trailer load should
be fully utilised only by drivers who are
adequately experienced in towing large or
heav y carav ans/trailers.
The permitted carav an/trailer load ap plies
up to the specified incline and up to an
altitude of 1000 m etres abov e sea level.
Since engine power decreases as altitude
increases because of the air becom ing
thinner, therefore reducing climbing ability,
the p ermitted towing weig ht a lso
decreases by 10% for every 1000 m etres of
additional altitude. The towing weight
does not have to be reduced when driv ing
on roads with slight inclines (less than 8%,
e. g. motorwa ys).
The actual carav an/trailer load plus the
actual gross weight of the towing vehicle
must not exceed the maximum permitted
tow ing weight. For example, if the
permitted gross v ehicle weight is utilised,
the trailer/caravan load must only b e used
until the maximum permitted towing
weight is rea ched. The maximum
permitted towing weight is shown on the
identification plate, see p age 308.
Coup ling socket load
The coupling socket load is the load
exerted by the trailer/carav an on the
coupling ball. It can be va ried by changing
the weight distribution when loading the
trailer/caravan.
The m aximum permissible coupling socket
load (75 kg) is specified on the towing
equipment identifica tion plate and in the
vehicle d oc um ents. Always aim for the
ma ximum load, especially in the case of
hea vy ca ravans/trailers. The coupling
socket loa d should never fall below 25 kg.
When measuring the coupling socket load ,
ma ke sure that the drawbar of the loaded
trailer/caravan is at the same height as it
will be when the trailer/caravan is coupled
with the towing vehic le loa ded. Particularly
important for trailers/ca ra vans with
tandem axle.