Caravan And Trailer Loads - Vauxhall ASTRA Owner's Manual

Caravan and trailer loads

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
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).
Roof racks, Caravan and trailer towing
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 – page 312.
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