Caravan And Trailer Loads; Coupling Socket Load; Rear Axle Load During Towing - Vauxhall Combo Owner's Manual

Caravan and trailer loads

The permissible caravan / trailer loads are
vehicle-dependent 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 coupled. 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%.
1)
Observe national regulations.
1)
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 Vehicle Weight of the towing
vehicle must not exceed the maximum
permitted towing weight. For example, if
the permitted Gross Vehicle Weight is
utilised, the caravan / trailer 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 196.
Roof racks, caravan and trailer towing

Coupling socket load

The coupling socket load is the load
exerted by the caravan / trailer on the
coupling ball. It can be varied by changing
the weight distribution when loading the
caravan / trailer.
The maximum permissible coupling socket
load (50 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
caravan / trailer is at the same height as it
will be when the caravan / trailer is coupled
with the towing vehicle loaded. Particularly
important for caravans / trailers with
tandem axle.

Rear axle load during towing

The permissible axle loads must not be
exceeded.
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