Towing Equipment - Opel Automobile Owner's Manual

146 Driving and operating
The permissible trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In
general, they are valid for gradients
up to max. 12 %.
The permitted 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 due to the air
becoming thinner, therefore reducing
climbing ability, the permissible gross
train weight also decreases by 10 %
for every 1000 metres of additional
altitude. The gross train weight does
not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than
8 %, e.g. motorways).
The permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is
specified on the identification plate
3 199.
Vertical coupling load
The vertical coupling load is the load
exerted by the trailer on the coupling
ball. It can be varied by changing the
weight distribution when loading the
trailer.
The maximum permissible vertical
coupling load (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
trailers. The vertical coupling load
should never fall below 25 kg.
Rear axle load
When the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded, the
permissible rear axle load (see
identification plate or vehicle
documents) may be exceeded by
90 kg for the Saloon and 85 kg for the
Station wagon, the gross vehicle
weight rating may be exceeded by
65 kg for the Saloon and 60 kg for the
Station wagon. If the permissible rear
axle load is exceeded, a maximum
speed of 100 km/h (60 mph) applies.

Towing equipment

Caution
The folding coupling ball bar
cannot be removed from the
vehicle. When driving without
a trailer, fold in the coupling ball
bar.
9 Warning
Make sure that no one is in the
pivot zone of the coupling ball bar.
Risk of body injury.
When releasing the stowed
coupling ball bar, make sure to
stand left of the grip.