4.3 Connecting
Connecting: Connect the caravan (see Section 4.4). The coupling jaw and the ball must inter-
lock and are not to be loosely superposed. The coupling jaw must completely
surround the ball.
Attach the breakaway brake cable with a loop around the towing ball on the
coupling device of the tow vehicle. Take the length of the cable into account:
The cable may not drag on the ground or initiate the braking function when
driving through curves.
Crank the jockey wheel up as far as possible. Adjust the running role in parallel
to the direction of travel and to the draw box.
Insert the connector plug of the caravan in the socket of the towing vehicle.
Ensure that the hooks of the safety cover engage with the plug. The hooks pre-
vent the plug from becoming loose during the journey.
Put the connection cable in a loose loop across the drawbar. Make sure that it
does not touch the ground.
Check whether the tow coupling is mounted correctly on the coupling ball. Pay
attention to the safety indicator.
Check whether corner steadies and jockey wheel are raised.
Check the caravan lighting system whilst the towing vehicle is connected.
X Care is to be taken when connecting and detaching a trailer. Risk of accident
and injury!
X No persons are to be between the towing vehicle and the trailer during posi-
tioning for connecting and detaching.
X Observe the permissible nose weight and rear axle load of the towing
vehicle. Nose weight and rear axle load must not be exceeded. The values of
the nose weight and rear axle load are included in the documents of the
vehicle and the tow coupling.
X Ensure that the interior of the coupling is not soiled and that the movable
parts of the coupling (not the ball retainer) are lubricated.
X The tow ball is not to be lubricated when using a stabiliser. The friction pads
are pressed against the coupling ball and thereby generate an anti-rolling
moment. This anti-rolling effect is only guaranteed when the towing vehicle
coupling head is free of lubricant and other residues. When lubricating the
stabiliser ensure that no lubricant is on the friction pads.
Z Caravan with an overrun brake: Do not connect or detach caravan with the
overrun brake on.
Z Tow coupling with detachable ball neck: If the ball neck is installed incorrectly,
the trailer can break away. Observe the instruction manual issued by the tow
coupling manufacturer.
Z In order to connect the vehicle, crank the supporting jockey wheel down and
set it down on the ground.
Z Do not use the stabilising lever of the stabiliser as a maneuvering aid.
Z Check whether the caravan connecting plug fits into the towing vehicle socket.
If the connecting plug and socket differ, ask authorised dealers and workshops
for adaption possibilities.
Z Further information on the stabiliser can be obtained in the manufacturer's
instruction manual.
