General information
Note: When towing a trailer, the service life of the vehicle and its efficiency are reduced, because. increases the load on the components involved in the transmission of torque (from engine to tires). In this regard, it is not allowed to tow a trailer at the initial stage of vehicle operation with a mileage of less than 800 km! During the first 800 km of the first towing of the trailer, the speed of more than 80 km/h is not allowed!
Comply with legal requirements for maximum trailer towing weight (see specs).
Before towing, make sure that both the trailer and the car itself are in good technical condition. Use only certified coupling devices, the installation of which should be entrusted to experienced specialists. Similar requirements apply to the connection of the brake system and signal lighting devices of the trailer.
Note: On models equipped with a parking assist system, it is not possible to mount a trailer tow hitch.
When towing, try to choose the speed and other driving parameters based on the weight of the trailer.
Remember that a trailer adds to the actual weight of the vehicle, and do not exceed the maximum permitted vehicle weight and maximum rear axle load.
Drawbar hitch
The installation dimensions of the tow hitch are given in Specifications.
With the appropriate configuration at the factory, the vehicle is equipped with a towing device with a removable ball joint.
On the Corsa C, the ball joint is secured with a tie-down strap in the spare wheel well, together with the on-board tool kit (see illustration 32.1). Note: Combo models may be equipped with a non-removable ball joint.
32.1. Storing the removed tow ball
To mount the ball joint:
- Remove plug (see illustration 32.2) from the seat for the ball joint and put it in the luggage compartment, remove the ball joint from the luggage compartment, remove the cover;
- Grasp the latch stops at the top and bottom (1) ball joint and pull it back, fix the latch in this position by pressing the lever (2) (see illustration 32.3);
- Insert the ball joint into the mounting socket and push forward with force until it locks into place (see illustration 32.4), then, pressing the release button, install the protective cover on the latch levers - when the cover is fixed, the button should return to its previous position (see illustration 32.5). If the cover is not fixed - repeat the installation of the ball joint;
- Check the reliability of fixation of the ball joint.
32.2. Removing the ball seat plug | 32.3. Preparing to install the ball joint |
32.4. Drawbar ball in installed position | 32.5. Protective cover installation |
Attention: Driving with a trailer is only allowed with a properly installed ball joint. In case of difficulties during the installation of the support, consult an Opel workshop.
If the trailer is equipped with a brake system, attach the safety cable to the eye (see illustration 32.6).
32.6. Eyelet for attaching the trailer's safety cable
The dismantling of the support is carried out in the reverse order.
Attention: When driving without a trailer, the ball joint must be dismantled without fail!
Attention: It is unacceptable to clean the ball joint by blowing with hot steam or other high pressure devices!
Main characteristics of driving with a trailer
Trailer load
The actual trailer load is the difference between the actual total weight of the trailer and the drawbar load when hitched. To check the trailer load on the scale, only the trailer wheels should be installed.
Only drivers with sufficient experience in towing large or heavy trailers should operate the vehicle with the full permitted trailer load.
The permitted trailer loads depend on the type of vehicle and engine and must not be exceeded. The permissible trailer load is recorded in the vehicle documents. In the absence of a special entry, the value of the permissible trailer load is applicable for slopes with a slope of not more than 12%.
These allowable values characterize the capabilities of the car only for the specified slopes at an altitude of up to 1000 m above sea level (NN - normal zero). At high altitudes, due to rarefied 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 incline (less than 8%) there is no need to reduce the trailer load.
Support load
Support load (drawbar vertical load) - this is the force with which the trailer presses on the coupling support of the tow hitch. This force can be adjusted by distributing the weight when the trailer is loaded.
The maximum permissible drawbar load of the towing vehicle is indicated on the type plate of the tow hitch and in the vehicle documentation (usually 50 kg). You should try to always maintain this value, especially for heavy trailers.
Attention: The support load must be at least 25 kg!
When measuring the drawbar load, it is necessary to set the drawbar of the loaded trailer to the same height at which it will be after attaching the trailer to the loaded vehicle. This is especially important for two-axle trailers.
Rear axle load
On Corsa C models, with the trailer attached and the towing vehicle fully loaded, including the weight of all passengers, the load on the rear axle must not exceed the permissible load (see specs) by more than 45 kg, while the standard gross weight should not be exceeded by more than 15 kg. If, nevertheless, the permissible load on the rear axle is higher, do not exceed the speed of 100 km/h.
Note: If traffic rules establish lower speeds when operating a car with a trailer, follow the Rules.
On the Corsa-Van models, the statutory maximum axle loads must not be exceeded!
Tire pressure
When operating a vehicle with a trailer, you should constantly monitor the maintenance of the appropriate air pressure in the tires, depending on the load of the vehicle and trailer (see specs), make appropriate adjustments if necessary.
Tips for driving with a trailer
When operating a vehicle with a trailer, consider the following recommendations:
a) An additional trailer load significantly affects the operation of all vehicle systems and changes the parameters of the engine, controls, brakes, and other systems.
b) Before starting a trip, check the serviceability of the towing device, the operability of the brake system (with appropriate equipment) and external light signaling of the trailer.
c) Avoid abrupt acceleration and braking, as well as abrupt maneuvers when turning or changing lanes.
d) When towing a trailer, the vehicle is more prone to drift from a straight line due to crosswind gusts, uneven road surfaces and aerodynamic disturbances from passing trucks, etc.
e) Observe the established traffic rules for high-speed traffic, especially on roads with slippery surfaces. The speed limit for vehicles with a trailer is always less than for a conventional vehicle. In any case, when driving with a trailer, it is not recommended to exceed the speed of 80 km/h.
f) On diesel models, on grades of 10% or more, do not exceed 30 km/h in first gear and 50 km/h in second, and with AT equipment, drive in first gear without exceeding 40 km/h.
g) When driving with a trailer, the stopping distance of the car is significantly longer than under normal driving conditions - keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. In the event of emergency braking, keep the brake pedal fully depressed until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
h) If, while driving, «yaw» trailer, reduce the speed of movement until a complete stop - do not try to compensate for the wobbling of the trailer by maneuvering the steering wheel.
i) On long descents, the load on the brakes increases significantly, so engine braking should be used. The choice of gear must be made in accordance with the general rule for driving downhill: «Go downhill in the same gear that the vehicle can go up that slope».
j) After stopping on a steep hill, it may be difficult to start the car, especially on models with manual transmission. In this case, use the parking brake to keep the vehicle from rolling. To start the movement, depress the clutch pedal and set the constant average engine speed by pressing the gas pedal (gasoline engines - from 2500 to 3000 rpm, for diesel engines - from 2000 to 2500 rpm), then slowly release the parking brake lever and release the clutch pedal while gradually increasing the engine speed. On vehicles with AT/Easytronic, fully depress the gas pedal in automatic mode. Before starting off in extreme conditions (high trailer weight, driving in mountainous conditions with steep slopes) turn off unnecessary energy consumers, such as heated rear window, air conditioning, heated front seats.
k) When parking, it is recommended to put wheel chocks on the wheels of the car and trailer - stopping on steep slopes is not recommended. When equipped, always use the trailer parking brake.
l) When loading, the heaviest items should be placed over the axle of the trailer, in addition, follow all the recommendations of the manufacturer.
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