81DRIVING YOUR CAR
TOWING
A TRAILER
IMPORTANTThe car must be fit-
ted with a homologated tow hitch and
suitable electrical system for towing a
caravan or trailer.
Installation must be carried out by
skilled personnel who will provide
specific documentation for authoris-
ing use on roads.
Fit special wing mirrors in accor-
dance with the highway code.
Remember that towing a trailer
makes it harder for the car to climb
the maximum gradients specified.
Engage a low gear when driving
downhill rather than constantly brak-
ing.
The weight that the trailer exerts on
the car tow hitch coupling reduces the
car carrying capacity by the same
amount. To ensure you do not exceed the
maximum towable weight (indicated
in the log book) you have to take into
account the trailer’s weight fully laden
including the accessories and personal
luggage.
Respect the speed limits enforced in
the country where you are towing the
trailer.TOW HITCH INSTALLATION
The tow hitch must be fixed to the
body by an expert in accordance with
the following instructions and re-
specting the additional and/or integra-
tive information provided by the tow
hitch manufacturer. The tow hitch to
be fitted must comply with the cur-
rent regulations in force with refer-
ence to Directive 94/20/EEC and
amendments. Use a tow hitch suited
for the maximum towable load of the
car version on which the tow hitch is
to be fitted.
Use a unified coupling for the elec-
trical connections. The coupling is
generally fitted on a specific mount
fastened to the tow hitch. The ABS system, if fit-
ted on the car, does not
control the trailer brak-
ing system. Therefore be extra
careful on slippery surfaces.
Under no circumstances
modify the car braking
system for trailer braking
control. The trailer’s braking sys-
tem must be completely inde-
pendent of the car’s hydraulic
system.
