Vauxhall Signum, Owner'S Manual

Page: 227 / 310

222 Driving and operation
Caravan/trailer towing
Caravan and trailer loads
1)
The permissible caravan/trailer loads are
vehicle- and engine-dependent maximum
values which must not be exceeded. The
actual caravan/trailer load is the difference
between the actual gross weight of the
caravan/trailer and the actual coupling
socket load with the caravan/trailer
attached. When the caravan/trailer load is
being checked, therefore, only the
caravan/trailer wheels – and not the jockey
wheel – must be standing on the weighing
apparatus.
The permissible caravan/trailer loads for
your vehicle are given in the vehicle
documents. Unless otherwise stated, they
are valid for gradients up to max. 12%.
The permissible caravan/trailer load should
be fully utilised only by drivers who are
adequately experienced in towing large or
heavy caravans/trailers.
The permitted caravan/trailer load applies
up to the specified incline and up to an
altitude of 1000 metres above sea level.
Since engine power decreases as altitude
increases because of the air becoming
thinner, therefore reducing climbing ability,
the permitted towing weight also
decreases by 10% for every 1000 metres of
additional altitude. The towing weight
does not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than 8%,
e.g. motorways).
The actual caravan/trailer load plus the
actual gross weight of the towing vehicle
must not exceed the maximum permitted
towing weight. For example, if the
permitted gross vehicle weight is utilised,
the trailer/caravan load must only be used
until the maximum permitted towing
weight is reached. The maximum
permitted towing weight is shown on the
identification plate, see page 278.
Coupling socket load
The coupling socket load is the load
exerted by the trailer/caravan on the
coupling ball. It can be varied by changing
the weight distribution when loading the
trailer/caravan.
The maximum permissible coupling socket
load (78 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
trailer/caravan is at the same height as it
will be when the trailer/caravan is coupled
with the towing vehicle loaded. Particularly
important for trailers/caravans with
tandem axle.
1)
Observe national regulations.