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 14).
z The tyres of the caravan bear at least the speed index "L" (see Chapter 14).
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 17).
Z The driver is responsible for ensuring that the prerequisites for driving at
100 km/h are fulfilled.
Z if the caravan has already been designed by the manufacturer for a speed of
100-km, this is noted in the registration documents of the caravan.
Z Always have the certification of the approval for 100-km operation with you
during the journey.
