Driving and operating
137
Trailer hitch
General information
Only use towing equipment that has
been approved for the vehicle.
Entrust retrofitting of towing
equipment to a workshop. It may be
necessary to make changes that
affect the cooling system, heat
shields or other equipment.
Driving characteristics and
towing tips
Before attaching a trailer, lubricate
the coupling ball. However, do not do
so if a stabiliser, which acts on the
coupling ball, is being used to reduce
snaking movements. It is advisable to
use a stabiliser.
During trailer towing do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph. A maximum speed
of 60 mph is only appropriate if an
oscillation damper is used and the
permissible gross trailer weight does
not exceed the vehicle’s curb weight.
For trailers with low driving stability
and caravan trailers, the use of an
oscillation damper is strongly
recommended.
If the trailer starts snaking, drive more
slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if
necessary.
When driving downhill, drive in the
same gear as if driving uphill and
drive at a similar speed.
If the outside temperature exceeds
37 °C, reduce the load on the trailer
to protect the engine of the vehicle.
At high outside temperatures it is
recommended to leave the engine
running for one or two minutes after
having stopped the vehicle in order to
faciliate cooling.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value
specified for full load.
Towing a trailer increases the braking
distance of the vehicle. To limit the
heating of the brakes, it is
recommended to use the braking
effect of the engine.
By driving uphill, the temperature of
the coolant is increased. To reduce
heating, drive at a reduced speed and
pay attention to the coolant
temperature. If the control indicator of
the engine coolant temperature
gauge illuminates, stop the vehicle
and switch off engine as soon as
possible.
Trailer towing
Trailer loads
The permissible trailer loads are
vehicle and engine-dependent
maximum values which must not be
exceeded. The actual trailer load is
the difference between the actual
gross weight of the trailer and the
actual coupling socket load with the
trailer coupled.
The permissible trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In
general, they are valid for inclines up
to 12%.
The permissible trailer load applies
up to the specified incline and at sea
level. Since engine power decreases
as altitude increases due to the air