Towing Trailers; Installing Tow Hook - Fiat 500X Owner's Handbook Manual

WARNING
133) Parking and other potentially
dangerous manoeuvres are, however,
always the driver's responsibility. While
carrying out these manoeuvres, always
make sure that no people (especially
children) or animals are in the area
concerned. The camera is an aid for the
driver, but the driver must never allow
his/her attention to lapse during potentially
dangerous manoeuvres, even those
executed at low speeds. Always keep a
slow speed, so as to promptly brake in the
case of obstacles.
IMPORTANT
69) It is vital, for correct operation, that the
camera is always kept clean and free from
any mud, dirt, snow or ice. Be careful not
to scratch or damage the camera while
cleaning it. Avoid using dry, rough or hard
cloths. The camera must be washed using
clean water, with the addition of car
shampoo if necessary. In washing stations
which use steam or high-pressure jets,
clean the camera quickly, keeping the
nozzle more than 10 cm away from the
sensors. Also, do not apply stickers to the
camera.
144

TOWING TRAILERS

IMPORTANT
134) 135)
For towing caravans or trailers the
vehicle must be fitted with an approved
tow hook and an adequate electrical
system. Should aftermarket installation
be requested, this must be carried out
by specialists.
Install any specific and/or additional
door mirrors as specified by the
Highway Code.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, braking
distances increase and overtaking takes
longer depending on the overall weight
of the trailer. Engage a low gear when
driving downhill, rather than constantly
using the brake. The weight the trailer
exerts on the vehicle tow hook reduces
the vehicle's loading capacity by the
same amount. To make sure that the
maximum towable weight is not
exceeded (given in the vehicle
registration document) account should
be taken of the fully laden trailer,
including accessories and luggage.
Do not exceed the speed limits specific
to each country you are driving in, in the
case of vehicles towing trailers. In any
case, the top speed must not exceed
100 km/h.
Any electric brake must be powered
directly by the battery through a cable
with a cross-section of no less than
2
2.5 mm . In addition to the electrical
branches, the vehicle electrical system
can only be connected to the supply
cable for an electric brake and to the
cable for an internal light for the trailer,
not exceeding 15 W. For connections,
use the preset control unit with a
battery cable with section not less than
2
2.5 mm . The use of auxiliary loads
other than external lights (e.g. electric
brake) must take place with engine
running.
INSTALLING A TOW
HOOK
The towing device should be fastened
to the body by specialised personnel
according to any additional and/or
integrative information supplied by the
Manufacturer of the device. It must also
meet current regulations with reference
to Directive 94/20/EC and subsequent
amendments.
For any version the towing device used
must be right for the towable weight of
the vehicle on which it is to be installed.