Coupling Socket Load; Rear Axle Load During Towing; Tyre Pressure; Trailer Stability Assist 3 (Tsa) - Vauxhall Vectra Operation & Maintenance Instructions Manual

226 Roof Racks, Caravan and Trailer Towing
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 282.

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 (Saloon / hatch: 78 kg, Estate: 85 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.

Rear axle load during towing

With the caravan/trailer coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded (including all
occupants), the permissible rear axle load
(see identification plate or vehicle
documents) may be exceeded by 40 kg. If
the permissible rear axle load is exceeded,
a maximum speed of 60 mph (100 km/h)
applies. If national regulations specify a
slower maximum speed for vehicles towing
a caravan/trailer, this must be observed.
Picture no: 17213t.tif

Tyre pressure

Adjust the tyre pressure on the towing
vehicle to the value specified for a full load,
see page 299. Also check the pressure of
the caravan/trailer wheels and the spare
wheel.
Trailer Stability Assist
TSA monitors vehicle movements when
towing a caravan or trailer. If the system
detects lurching movements, engine power
is reduced and the vehicle/trailer
combination is selectively braked until the
lurching ceases.
(TSA)
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