Page 195 of 380
Controls, Safety, Instruments
195
Loading InformationDefinitionsThe towing capacity (gross weight of the trailer)
is the sum of the trailer's empty weight and the
weight of the load.
The vertical coupling load is the weight that the
trailer drawbar exerts on the trailer coupling of the
vehicle.
The rear-axle load is the vehicle weight on the
rear axle plus the weight of the transported load
and the vertical coupling load of the trailer.
The gross weight of the vehicle and trailer is
the sum of the weight of the towing vehicle and the
weight of the trailer.
The Curb weight - actual weight of your vehicle -
vehicle weight including standard and optional
equipment, fluids, emergency tools, and spare tire
assembly. This weight does not include passen-
gers and cargo.
The Gross Vehicle Weight is sum of the curb
weight and the weight of passengers and cargo
combined.
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maxi-
mum total weight of vehicle, passengers, lug-
gage, hitch, trailer tongue load and optional equip-
ment.The Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum
load limit for the front or the rear axle. This infor-
mation is located on the safety comliance sticker
located in the driver’s side door jamb.
For determining the compatibility of the tire and
vehicle load capabilities:
fPlease observe the chapter “TIRES, RIMS,
TRACKS” on Page 358.
The load capacity coefficient (e.g. “106”) is a mi-
nimum requirement.
The Gross Combined Weight Rating is the
maximum total weight rating of vehicle, passen-
gers, cargo and trailer.
The Vehicle Capacity Weight - Load Limit - is
the maximum total weight limit specified of the
load (passengers and cargo) for the vehicle. This
is the maximum weight of passengers and cargo
that can be loaded into the vehicle. This informa-
tion can be found on the tire pressure plate.
If a trailer is being towed, the trailer tongue weight
must be included as part of the cargo load.
The maximum loaded vehicle weight is the
sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle ca-
pacity weight and production options weight.
The load rating is the maximum load that a tire
is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.
The maximum load rating is the load rating for
a tire at the maximum permissble inflation pres-
sure.The cargo capacity is the permissible weight of
cargo, the substracted weight of passengers from
the load limit.
fNever exceed the permissible limits.
Danger!
Risk of personal injury or death.
Injuries are much more likely in an accident
if persons ride in the cargo area.
fPersons must ride only on the seats provided
for this purpose.
fMake sure that everybody fastens their safety
belts.
Risk of personal injury, loss of control and
damage to vehicle.
fNever exceed the specified axle loads. Over-
loading can shorten the service life of the tires
and car, as well as lead to dangerous vehicle
reactions and long braking distances. Damage
due to overloading is not covered by the vehic-le warranty.
Page 198 of 380
198
Controls, Safety, Instruments
Towing a trailer
Warning!
Driving with a trailer
fAlways observe the permissible towing capac-
ity, vertical coupling load and rear-axle load.
Please observe the chapter “WEIGHTS” on
Page 363.
fWhen connected, the trailer must always be
horizontal behind the towing vehicle. If neces-
sary, use a trailer with an adjustable drawbar.
fWhen the vehicle is driven in the mountains, the
engine output decreases as altitude increases.
The maximum weights stated are the values at
sea level. The total permissable weight of the
car-trailer combination must therefore be re-
duced by 10% for each increment of 3,280 ft.
(1,000 meters) altitude. A fractional increment
counts as the full 3,280 ft. (1,000 meters).
Please take this into consideration when plan-
ning your route.Distributing the load
fDistribute the load in the trailer so that heavy
objects are as close to the axle as possible.
Always safeguard all objects against slipping
and tie them down securely.
fYou should make the best possible use of the
trailer coupling's rated vertical coupling load
when loading the trailer, but never exceed it.
Tire pressure
fSelect the vehicle tire pressure for full load
when towing a trailer.
fPlease observe the chapter “Tire pressure ta-
bles”.
fCheck the tire pressure of the trailer's wheels
according to the manufacturer's instructions.Door mirrors
fIf the width of the trailer obstructs your view of
the traffic behind the trailer, you must have ad-
ditional door mirrors fitted.
Headlights, lights
fAlways check the headlight adjustment before
driving with a trailer.
If necessary, correct with the headlight beam
adjustment function.
fCheck whether the plug of the trailer is
plugged into the towing vehicle and whether all
lights function.
Page 350 of 380
350
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
TowingCertain state statutes and local ordinances prohib-
it towing with a chain, rope or even a tow bar. In
addition, damage to your vehicle may result from
improper procedures. Consult your authorized
Porsche dealer for details.Vehicle towingFlat bed towing is the preferred type of towing to
be used on Porsche vehicles. Under certain cir-
cumstances, wheel lifts may be used when the ve-
hicle will not roll.
The vehicle must be towed with all four
wheels off the ground, otherwise damage to
the vehicle may result.Towing hookThe towing hook is contained in the tool kit.
Caution!
Risk of damage to the vehicle.
fUse the towing hook only for an emergency to
remove the vehicle off the road. The towing
hook is to be used only to pull the vehicle onto
the flat bed, tractor or towing aparatus if the
vehicle will roll freely. Under no circumstances
is the vehicle to be secured using the towing
hook.
fNever use the towing hook to tow this or any other vehicle.
Vehicles with Tiptronic
fDo not tow-start vehicles with a Tiptronic
transmission.
The vehicle cannot be tow-started, nor should
this be attempted due to the risk of serious
transmission damage.
Vehicles with manual transmission
Only tow-start vehicles fitted with a catalytic con-
verter when the engine is cold.
If the engine is warm, unburned fuel could damage
the catalytic converter.Front and rear mounting
1. Carefully lever out the appropriate plastic cov-
erA in the bumper with the screwdriver.
The cover is captive and need not be removed
completely.