Instruction manual

Before the Journey 3

Touring - 03/11-1 - englisch (EN) - 0731070 - HYW-0102-01EN 33

3.5.3 Caravan Load, Nose Weight

and Axle Load

The caravan load (Fig. 5,1) stipulated in the

towing vehicle documents provides information

as to the maximum weight which the towing ve-

hicle is permitted to tow. The caravan load re-

fers to the actual weight of the caravan and not

to the maximum permissible gross weight of the

caravan. An example: The towing vehicle can

tow 1,200 kg. If the caravan weighs 900 kg,

then one can load it with an additional 300 kg. A

caravan with a higher permissible gross weight,

however, must not be loaded with weight ex-

ceeding 1,200 kg.

Fig. 5 Caravan load, nose weight and axle

load

1 Caravan load

2 Nose weight

3Axle load

The nose weight (Fig. 5,2) provides information pertaining to which force the caravan drawbar can

apply to the caravan coupling of the towing vehicle. Information is to be found in caravan coupling

descriptions and the vehicle documents. Therefore, a caravan coupling with a permissible nose

weight of 50 kg is not to support a loaded caravan which has a nose weight of 75 kg. Additionally,

for the permissible gross weight the nose weight must be taken into consideration. If necessary the

payload in the towing vehicle must be reduced by the amount of the nose weight.

The axle load (Fig. 5,3) is also stipulated in the vehicle documents of the towing vehicle. It provides

information concerning the highest permissible load for the front and rear axles and is not to be ex-

ceeded by a caravan. The load must also be uniformly distributed within the caravan. The above il-

lustration shows where which forces act on the car and caravan.

> The information on the towing ve-

hicle documents is important for

the selection of the car and cara-

van.

HYW02770