Driving Characteristics, Towing Tips - Vauxhall Vectra Operation & Maintenance Instructions Manual

Driving characteristics, towing
tips
For trailers with brake, attach break-away
cable to eye 3 or loop around coupling ball
bar if no eye available.
Before attaching the trailer/caravan,
lubricate the ball of the trailer/caravan
towing device. However, do not lubricate
the ball if a stabiliser, which acts on the
coupling ball, is being used to damp
hunting.
Check caravan/trailer lighting before
starting to drive. The fog tail lights on the
vehicle are deactivated when towing a
caravan or trailer.
Caravan/trailers with LED turn signals must
have a provision that makes it possible to
monitor standard light bulbs.
Turn signal control indicator – see page 34.
The parking distance sensor system at the
rear 3 is deactivated when towing a
caravan/trailer.
Handling is greatly influenced by the
loading of the trailer/caravan. Loads
should therefore be secured so that they
cannot slip and be placed in the centre of
the trailer/caravan if possible, i.e. above
the axle.
In the case of trailers with low driving
stability or caravans with a permitted gross
vehicle weight of 1400 kg (Saloon / hatch) /
1500 kg (estate), do not exceed a speed of
50 mph (80 km/h); the use of a friction-type
stabiliser is highly recommended.
Roof Racks, Caravan and Trailer Towing
Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h)
if possible, even in countries where higher
speeds are permitted.
Make sure that you have enough room
when cornering and avoid sudden
manoeuvres.
If the trailer/caravan starts to sway, drive
more slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if necessary.
If it is necessary to apply the brakes fully,
depress the brake pedal as hard as
possible.
Remember that the braking distance for
vehicles towing caravans/trailers with and
without brake is always greater than that
for vehicles not towing a caravan/trailer.
When driving downhill, the brakes are
under considerably more load when towing
a caravan/trailer. For this reason, drive in
the same gear as if driving uphill and drive
at a similar speed.
Automatic transmission 3 or Easytronic 3
in automatic mode will automatically
select the driving programme with the
optimum engine braking effect.
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