STARTING AND DRIVING191
3
TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT
For towing caravans or trailers the car must be fitted with
a certified tow hook and an adequate electrical system. In-
stallation should be carried out by specialised personnel
who will issue the required papers for travelling on roads.
Install any specific and/or additional door mirrors as spec-
ified by the Highway Code.
Remember that when towing a trailer, steep hills are hard-
er to climb, braking spaces increase and overtaking takes
longer depending on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than con-
stantly using the brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the car tow hook reduces
the car’s loading capacity by the same amount. To make
sure that the maximum towable weight is not exceeded
(given in the car registration document) account should
be taken of the fully laden trailer, including accessories
and luggage.
Do not exceed the speed limits specific to each country you
are driving in, in the case of vehicles towing trailers. In
any case, the top speed must not exceed 100 km/h.
The ABS with which the vehicle may be
equipped does not control the braking system
of the trailer. Take specific care when trav-
elling on slippery roads.
Never modify the braking system of the car
to control the trailer brake. The trailer brak-
ing system must be fully independent from
the hydraulic system of the car.
183-194 Delta GB 1ed 26/08/13 12.15 Pagina 191