Hitching: tips for your safety
WITH the summer vacations approaching, more and more trailers are on the road again: The range extends from caravans and boat trailers to trailers for additional vacation luggage. Despite a trailer hitch, not every car is allowed to tow every trailer: The decisive factors are the permissible trailer load and the drawbar load, both of which can be found in the vehicle documents. While [...]
Despite a trailer hitch, not every car is allowed to tow every trailer: The decisive factors are the permissible trailer load and the drawbar load, both of which can be found in the vehicle documents. While the towing capacity indicates the greatest actual weight of a trailer to be coupled to the car, the drawbar load reveals the weight that may press vertically on the towing device of the towing vehicle.
Driving stability of the trailer
The correct loading is also important: Heavy items are always placed near the axles so as to have as little impact as possible on the driving stability of the trailer. Smaller items are secured with belts, straps or transport nets so that they do not become projectiles during emergency braking. Important: The trunk of the towing vehicle should not be loaded too heavily, otherwise the rear end will be pressed down and the trailer will no longer sit securely on the coupling.
Changed driving characteristics
Especially those who do not frequently travel with a trailer must first get used to the changed driving characteristics. The braking distance and cornering radius increase, as does the attack surface for crosswinds.
Curves should therefore be approached with greater caution and the distance to the vehicle in front should be greater than usual. If the vehicle starts to lurch, a firm step on the brakes will help - but jerky steering maneuvers should be avoided.
