Operation Manual
Before the journey
4
31Caravan - 12-11 - EN
Tow load The tow load (Fig. 5,1) stipulated in the towing vehicle documents provides infor-
mation as to the maximum weight which the towing vehicle is permitted to tow.
The tow load refers to the actual weight of the caravan and not to the maximum
permissible gross weight of the caravan.
Example The towing vehicle may tow 1200 kg. If the caravan has a maximum permissible
gross weight of 1200 kg and in fact weighs 900 kg, it can be loaded with another
300 kg. If however the caravan has a maximum permissible gross weight of
1400 kg, it may only be loaded to a maximum of 1200 kg.
Nose weight The nose weight (Fig. 5,2) specifies how much weight the caravan drawbar can
apply to the tow coupling of the towing vehicle. Information is to be found in
description of the tow coupling and the vehicle documents. Therefore, a tow cou-
pling with a permissible nose weight of 50 kg may not 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 maximum permissible gross weight for the towing vehicle and for the caravan
is not to be exceeded.
Only when the nose weight is adapted optimal to the towing vehicle and caravan
combination, the towing vehicle and caravan achieves its maximum stability and
safety in highway traffic. The optimal nose weight is simultaneously the maximum
possible nose weight.
Please refer to the vehicle documents and the description of the tow coupling
for the maximum permissible nose weight.
If different values are specified in the vehicle documents and in the description
of the tow coupling: Select the lowest value. This value is the maximum pos-
sible nose weight for the towing vehicle and caravan.
Check the nose weight before each journey, e.g. with a nose weighing scales. To
obtain a correct value, position the nose weighing scales vertical under the cou-
pling jaw and place the caravan drawbar horizontal.
The payload in the caravan must be distributed in such a way that the measured
nose weight comes as close as possible to the maximum permissible nose
weight. The maximum permissible nose weight is not be exceeded.
Axle load The axle load (Fig. 5,3) is also specified in the vehicle documents of the towing
vehicle and provides information concerning the permissible maximum load for
the front and rear axles. The axle load may not be exceeded by a trailer. The above
illustration shows where which forces act on the car and caravan.
Fig. 5 Caravan load, nose weight and
axle load
1 Tow load
2 Nose weight
3 Axle load