Operation Manual

During the journey
5
41Caravan - 14-09 - EN
5During the journey
Chapter overview
This chapter contains instructions on how to drive the caravan.
The instructions address the following topics:
z driving speed
z brakes
z driving in reverse
5.1 Driving with the caravan
The main differences between driving with a caravan and driving without a caravan
are the increased vehicle width and length, a decreased acceleration and an
increased vehicle stopping distance. Therefore, adapt your driving technique to
the altered road behaviour resulting from driving with a caravan.
The maximum speed for towing vehicles and trailers currently amounts to 80 km/
h in Germany.
If the following prerequisites are fulfilled, the limit is increased to 100 km/h on
motorways and roads solely for motor-powered vehicles:
z The caravan is designed technically for a maximum speed of 100 km/h.
z The maximum permissible gross weight of the towing vehicle may not exceed
3.5 t.
z The towing vehicle is equipped with ABS or an anti-lock device.
z The tyres of the caravan are less than 6 years old (see Chapter 15).
z The tyres of the caravan bear at least the speed index "L" (see Chapter 15).
z The caravan is equipped with hydraulic axle shock absorbers.
z The nose weight corresponds to the maximum possible nose weight (see
Section 4.6.4).
z The 100-km sticker, which is available from the vehicle registration office, is to
be applied to the rear of the caravan.
z The maximum permissible gross weight of the caravan does not exceed the
mass in a ready-to-drive condition of the towing vehicle.
z The caravan is equipped with a stabiliser conforming to ISO 11555-1 or with a
different technical device whose type approval confirms safe operation up to
120 km/h.
Optionally the towing vehicle can be equipped with a special electronic,
dynamic-driving stability system for towing. A confirmation by the manufac-
turer for the stability system has to be available and it has to be entered in the
vehicle documents.
X During the journey no persons are to travel inside the caravan.
X The caravans have been designed for a technically permissible maximum
speed of 100 km/h. Therefore never drive faster than 100 km/h.
X Please always observe the speed limits in the individual countries (see
Chapter 18).
Z During the journey ensure that the angle between the vehicles does not
become too narrow. The corners can bump against each other, thus causing
major damage to the vehicles. As soon as both vehicles are at an approximate
angle of 120° to each other, come to a stop (see Chapter 5.3).
Z In the case of trailer drawbars with support wheels mounted on the side the free
steering angle to the corresponding side is reduced slightly.