CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
174
TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
For towing caravans or trailers the car must
be fitted with a certified tow hook and an
adequate electric system. Installation should
be carried out by specialised personnel who
release a special document for circulation on
the road.
Install any specific and/or additional
rearview mirrors as specified by law. Re-
member that when towing a trailer, steep
hills are harder to climb, the braking spaces
increase and overtaking takes longer de-
pending on the overall weight.
Engage a lower gear when driving down-
hill, rather than constantly using the brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the car tow
hook reduces by the same amount the ac-
tual car loading capacity.To make sure the maximum towable
weight is not exceeded (given in the log
book) account should be taken of the fully
laden trailer, including accessories and per-
sonal belongings.
Drive within the specific speed limit in
every country for car trailers. In any case the
maximum speed should never exceed 100
km/h.
INSTALLING
THE TOW HOOK
The towing device should be fastened to
the body by specialised personnel according
to the following instructions and any addi-
tional and/or integrative information sup-
plied by the Manufacturer of the device it-
self.
The towing device must meet current reg-
ulations with reference to Directive
94/20/CEE and subsequent amendments.
For any version the towing device used
must match the towable weight of the car
on which it is to be installed.
For the electric connection a unified con-
nector should be used which is generally
placed on a special bracket normally fas-
tened to the towing device itself. The ABS system with
which the car may be fitted
does not control the trailer
braking system. Particular care is
therefore necessary on slippery
surfaces.
Under no circumstances
should the car brake sys-
tem be altered to control
the trailer brake. The trailer brak-
ing system must be fully indepen-
dent of the car’s hydraulic system.
