Basic characteristics of driving with a trailer (Opel Astra H)

Trailer load

Only drivers with sufficient experience in towing large or heavy trailers should operate the vehicle with the full permitted trailer load.

The permissible trailer load values depend on the type of vehicle and engine, and exceeding them is prohibited. The permissible trailer load is recorded in the vehicle documents. In the absence of a special entry, the permissible trailer load value is applicable for climbs with a slope of no more than 12%. These permissible values characterize the vehicle's capabilities only for the specified climbs at an altitude of up to 1000 m above sea level (NN - normal zero). At high altitudes, due to the rarefaction of the air, engine power is reduced - to calculate the maximum permissible trailer load, it is necessary to reduce its standard value by 10% for every 1000 m above sea level.

Note: When driving on roads with a slight slope (less than 8%), there is no need to reduce the trailer load.

Support load

Support load (vertical load on the towing hitch) - is the force with which the trailer presses on the coupling support of the towing hitch. This force can be adjusted by distributing the weight when loading the trailer.

The maximum permissible support load of the towing vehicle is indicated on the type plate of the towing hitch and in the vehicle documentation. It is necessary to try to always maintain this value, especially for heavy trailers.

Attention: The support load must be at least 25 kg!

When measuring the support load, it is necessary to set the drawbar of the loaded trailer to the same height at which it will be after the trailer is attached to the loaded vehicle. This is especially important for two-axle trailers.

Rear axle load

When a trailer is attached and the towing vehicle is fully loaded, including the weight of all passengers, the load on the rear axle must not exceed the permissible load (see Specifications). If the permissible load on the rear axle is greater, do not exceed the speed of 100 km/h.

Note: If the maximum speed limits set lower speeds when operating a vehicle with a trailer, follow the Rules.

Tire pressure

When operating a vehicle with a trailer, you should constantly ensure that the appropriate air pressure in the tires is maintained depending on the load of the vehicle and trailer (see Specifications), make appropriate adjustments if necessary.