Operation Manual

Driv in g and op e ra tio n166
Driv ing chara cteristics, tow ing tip s
In the case of caravans / trailers with
brakes 3, a tta ch the breakaway stopping
cable to the eye 3 or loop around coupling
ball b ar if no ey e is ava ila ble.
Ensure cable is crossed under the coupling
socket to ensure the caravan / tra iler nose
cannot drop to the ground if it becomes
separated from the trailer hitch.
Do not allow the cable to drag along the
ground and always allow enough sla ck to
permit full turning. Follow the instructions
supplied w ith the towing equipment.
Before coupling the caravan / tra iler,
lubricate the ball of the caravan / trailer
towing device. However, do not do so if a
stabilizer which acts on the coupling ball is
being used to dam p rolling motions.
Handling is greatly influenced by the
loading of the caravan / trailer. Loads
should therefore be secured so that they
cannot slip and should be plac ed in the
centre of the ca ra van / trailer if possible,
i.e . abov e the axle .
Vauxhall genuine parts and accessories
which ca n be subsequently fitted aid trailer
operation, e.g. large mirrors for wide
caravans / trailers.
In the case of caravans / trailers with low
directional stability, it is advisa ble to use a
friction-type stabiliz er to da mp rolling
motions.
Do not drive faster than 50 m ph (80 km/h),
even in countries where higher speeds are
permitted.
When driving uphill, do not drive faster
than 20 mph (30 km/h) in 1st gear, or
30 mp h (5 0 km/ h) in 2nd gear.
Make sure that you have enough room
when cornering and a void sud den
manoeuvres.
If the caravan / trailer starts to sway, drive
more slowly, d o not a ttempt to correct the
steering and b ra ke sharply if necessary.
If it is necessary to apply the brakes fully,
depress the brake pedal as hard as
possible.
The cooling fan is electrically operated.
The fan cooling capacity is not, therefore,
dependent on engine speed. It is not
necessary, w hen driving uphill, to shift
down into a lower g ear if the vehicle can
climb in a higher gea r.
When coupled to a ca ra van / trailer, the
ve hicle requires more braking effort whe n
driving dow n long gradients, so select the
same gear as you would when driving
uphill and drive at roug hly the same speed.
Automatic transmission in Automatic
mode will select the driving programme
with the optim um engine braking effect.
Remem ber that b raking distanc es for
vehicles towing caravans / trailers with and
without brakes is always greater than for
vehicles not towing a caravan / trailer. For
caravans / trailers with brakes, follow the
instructions carefully. Do not m ake any
modifications to the brake system .
Always c heck lights on caravans / trailers
before towing. Ensure national regulations
are observed.
The fog tail light on the vehicle is
deactivated when towing a caravan /
trailer.
When reversing, if possible, ha ve someone
provide assistance.
Drive slowly and shift down into a lower
gear when descending steep grad ients
rather than holding the footbrake
depressed, to avoid overheating and
re duc ed b rake efficiency.