Vauxhall Astra 2023 - Trailer Towing

Driving and operating 209
Trailer towing
Trailer loads
Caution
BEV:
Use of towing equipment is
permissible for attaching
compatible bicycle carriers only.
Do not use towing equipment for
trailer towing.
The permissible trailer loads are
vehicle and engine-dependent
maximum values which must not be
exceeded. The actual trailer load is
the difference between the actual
gross weight of the trailer and the
actual coupling socket load with the
trailer coupled.
The permissible trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In
general, they are valid for gradients
up to 12%.
The permissible trailer load applies
up to the specified incline and at sea
level. Since engine power decreases
as altitude increases due to the air
becoming thinner, therefore reducing
climbing ability, the permissible gross
train weight also decreases by 10%
for every 1000 m of altitude. The
gross train weight does not have to be
reduced when driving on roads with
slight inclines (less than 8%, e.g.
motorways).
The permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is
specified on the identification plate
3 250.
Vertical coupling load
9 Warning
If attaching accessories to the
trailer hitch such as bicycle
carriers, tow boxes etc., do comply
with the maximum permissible
vertical coupling load.
When using a bicycle carrier, do
not transport more than four
conventional bicycles or two
electric bicycles. Make sure to
place the heaviest bicycle as close
as possible to the vehicle.
The vertical coupling load is the load
exerted by the trailer on the coupling
ball. It can be varied by changing the
weight distribution when loading the
trailer.
The maximum permissible vertical
coupling load (55 kg / BEV: 80 kg) is
specified on the towing equipment
identification plate and in the vehicle
documents.
Always aim for the maximum vertical
coupling load, especially in the case
of heavy trailers. The vertical coupling
load should never fall below 25 kg.
Rear axle load
When the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded, the
permissible rear axle load (see
identification plate or vehicle
documents) may be exceeded by
60 kg, the gross vehicle weight rating
must not be exceeded. If the
permissible rear axle load is
exceeded, a maximum speed of
60 mph applies.