The breakaway rope is essential for trailer travel, as it secures the trailer in an emergency and initiates emergency braking. Already when attaching the trailer, the breakaway rope is an important point that needs to be taken into account and should be included in every routine. In Germany there are different ways to attach the breakaway rope: either you attach the rope to the specially designed eyelet using a snap hook or you use a holder for the breakaway cable. But how is this regulated in neighboring countries, and what do you have to pay attention to when traveling on holiday within the EU?

The breakaway rope in the Netherlands

Even when traveling in the country of caravans, the Netherlands, a breakaway cable is important for all trailers (unbraked and braked). The breakaway rope must be attached to the towing vehicle or trailer hitch using an eyelet or bracket. In addition, it must also be secured against slipping, so simply wrapping the rope around the ball rod of the trailer hitch is not sufficient. Therefore a breakaway cable holder is required, which is mounted on the ball rod. If your vehicle has an eyelet specifically designed for the breakaway rope, this is also permitted. The Dutch Automobile Club ANWB has also put together all the information about it.

The breakaway rope when traveling in Austria and Switzerland

Although a breakaway rope must be used when towing a trailer in Austria, no slip protection such as a breakaway rope holder is required. Its use is still recommended.
In Switzerland, too, the breakaway rope must be secured against slipping off the trailer hitch, so a breakaway cable holder is also necessary there. However, this is not the case with removable trailer hitches, where breakaway cable holders are only permitted on foreign vehicles. On Swiss vehicles, the breakaway cable must be attached to a part that is permanently installed on the vehicle. This can also be in the form of an eyelet, but this must also be permanently installed on the vehicle and not, for example, part of the removable ball rod.

This is how you use the breakaway rope correctly in Scandinavia

What is important to pay attention to in Denmark, is that the breakaway rope, which was placed around the ball rod, cannot slip off. An eyelet must then be used or a holder must be installed to prevent it from slipping.
In Norway, a safety rope is also required for unbraked trailers. It must consist of two chains or steel ropes and must have a certain breaking strength just like the hook or fastening to which the rope is attached. This must at least correspond to the maximum permissible total weight of the trailer. In addition, the links in the chain may be so short that the trailer hitch cannot function in any way, for example when turning.

The regulations in Spain and Slovenia

In Spain, a breakaway cable is required for braked trailers, but this is not necessary for unbraked trailers. It is important to ensure that a safety rope or a chain must be attached instead. Both can be placed around the ball rod, but the ADAC recommends a slip protection device, for example in the form of a breakaway rope holder or an eyelet on the vehicle.
The rules are similar in Slovenia: a breakaway rope is required for braked trailers, and a chain or safety rope for unbraked trailers. However, it is important to note the following: If the trailer comes off the trailer hitch, the trailer hitch must not touch the ground. In addition, continued travel must be guaranteed for at least as long as it takes to remove the trailer from the danger zone. Here, too, a loop placed around the ball neck is generally sufficient, but a slip protection is recommended by the ADAC.
In principle, anti-slip protection in the form of a breakaway rope holder always makes sense. In some of the countries mentioned, heavy fines are due if the breakaway rope is not secured and detaches from the towing vehicle.

With the Dacia Duster III, Dacia’s popular SUV is entering the next generation and is presented as a versatile vehicle with a new, modern look. Our range now includes a removable trailer hitch that can be easily retrofitted and demonstrates the pulling power of the new Duster.

The trailer hitch in our range is removable and also fits 4×4 models. The ball rod can be operated in just a few steps using a rotary wheel. The modern appearance of the Duster III is not affected by our trailer hitch; no visible interventions in the vehicle’s appearance are required with our removable trailer hitch.

The benefits of the detachable towbar for Dacia Duster III 06/2024 model

• vertically detachable towbar, MVG towbar 2040
• No visible cut-out required 
• automatic system removal by twist grip
• automatic locking device when fitting
• also fitting for 4×4 (DJF)

Technical data for detachable towbar

• D-value: 9,8 kN
• Towing capacity: 2067 kg
• Trailer load: 90 kg

The detachable towbar for your Dacia Duster III 06/2024 model can be found in our MVG-shop. The item number is 0989 AS.

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Check out the video as well:

Find out more about our products in our other shops:

www.mvg-ahk.at
www.mvg-ahk.ch
www.mvg-ahk.lu
www.mvg-ahk.be
www.mvg-ahk.nl

Now new in our range, we also offer you the right trailer hitch for retrofitting the Renault Symbioz from 2024. The Renault Symbioz is the latest SUV from Renault and can also be used ideally for towing a trailer by retrofitting the trailer hitch.

Our trailer hitch is equipped with the MVG automatic system 2040, so that the towbar can be removed at any time when not in use. We attach great importance to a high level of operating comfort; interventions in the vehicle’s appearance are not necessary.

The benefits of the detachable towbar for Renault Symbioz from 2024

• vertically detachable towbar, MVG towbar 2040 
• no cut-out required
• automatic system removal by twist grip
• automatic locking device when fitting
• easy handling

Technical data for detachable towbar 

• D-value: 8,8 kN
• Towing capacity: 1756 kg
• Trailer load: 95 kg

The towbar for your Renault Symbioz can be found in our MVG-shop. The item number is 2640 AR. See more in the video below:

Social and community engagement is important to us at MVG every year. We are happy to get involved locally and make a contribution to society. We are particularly pleased to be able to support the youth fire department of the Eschweiler Volunteer Fire Department with a donation. It was also a great pleasure for us to hand over the donation on site.

We were able to welcome seven young people from the youth fire department and talk to them. They were accompanied by the head of the Eschweiler fire department, senior fire officer Axel Johnen, the deputy head of the Eschweiler fire department, city fire inspector Stefan Preuß, and the deputy head of the youth fire department, fire chief Kevin Cosslar.

Helping people as motivation

A total of 68 young people between the ages of 10 and 17 are currently active in five groups in the youth fire department; everyone aged 10 and over is welcome. “The work in the youth fire department is primarily characterized by exercises and sporting events, but also by joint activities such as excursions or game evenings,” explains Kevin Cosslar. The youth groups meet around three to four times a month.

Firefighting technology training takes place during youth work, which introduces those interested to the work of the fire brigade and provides them with age-appropriate training in theory and practice in the area of ​​first aid. Responsibility, community, helping others and team spirit are the basic values ​​that are taught to the young people and are lived in the volunteer fire department. Tobias is 15 years old and explains why he joined the fire department: “I want to be able to help people who can’t help themselves.”

Youth work as a source of young talent

Chief Fire Officer Axel Johnen emphasizes how important it is to introduce young people to the work of the fire brigade: “The youth fire brigade is our training ground for young talent; the young people can then complete basic training at the age of 17. Around 80-90 percent of those who complete this basic training come from our youth fire department.” Sometimes they even switch to the professional fire department after that.

Most people find their way into the fire department through friends or family, the annual fire department festival is also an important contact point for getting in touch with interested parties. Fabian also remembers that. He is 17 and part of the youth fire department: “I came to the fire department through friends, and at the fire department festival I was able to take a closer look at everything.” Our donation is now being used to promote young talent for the fire department and support the youth work, for example for a tent camp.

Anyone can take part in the youth fire brigade, even a non-binding try out is no problem. If you are interested, just take a look at the fire department’s website.

New to Renault is the Renault Captur III (RJBH) from 06/2024. With this model, Renault’s popular SUV takes the next step and presents itself as a full hybrid model. The Captur III can also be used for towing a trailer; we offer you the right trailer hitch for an easy retrofitting.

The trailer coupling in our range is removable; thanks to the MVG automatic system 2040, the towbar can be removed at any time when not in use. Visible interventions in the vehicle’s appearance are not necessary with the trailer hitch.

The benefits of the detachable towbar for Renault Captur III (RJBH) from 06/2024

• vertically detachable towbar, MVG towbar 2040 
• no visible cut-out required
• automatic system removal by twist grip
• automatic locking device when fitting
• easy handling

Technical data for detachable towbar 

• D-value: 8,8 kN
• Towing capacity: 1756 kg
• Trailer load: 95 kg

The towbar for your Renault Captur III can be found in our MVG-shop. The item number is 2640 AA. 

During the holiday season, rear-mounted bike racks are popular companions to easily transport your own bikes. Depending on where you go on vacation, different rules than in Germany apply to this transport.

In Germany, for example, a third license plate must be used if the carrier covers the license plate on the vehicle. In addition, the carrier may protrude a maximum of 150 cm at the back and the bicycles may protrude a maximum of 20 cm on the sides. Special labeling for the bicycle racks and/or their load is not required in Germany. However, any lamps that may be hidden on the vehicle must work on the rear bike carrier.
It’s similar in Austria too: In Germany we are allowed to protrude 20 cm on the sides of bicycles. If the license plate is not readable and is covered up, a third license plate must be used. If taillights and reflectors are used, it is mandatory to use a light bar.

Rules for rear bike racks in Belgium and the Netherlands

In Belgium it is a little different, where the width of the vehicle with a bike rack cannot exceed a total of 255 cm. In addition, the vehicle’s license plate and lighting must be fully visible; if this is not the case, both a separate lighting bar and a third license plate are required. What is also special is that a bicycle rack with its own rear fog light is also required for vehicles with a Belgian license plate.
In the Netherlands, bicycles are also allowed to protrude 20 cm, so the maximum width is 255 cm. The rear bike carrier may protrude a maximum of one meter to the rear. A third license plate and extra lighting must be used if this is obscured by the use of the rack on the vehicle. As in Germany, special labeling of the rear bicycle carrier is not required.

Rear bike rack in southern Europe

In Italy, bicycles may protrude a maximum of 30 cm on each side when transported; a red and white marking board is also mandatory there. This must have dimensions of 50×50 cm. We have summarized all the information about this in a separate blog post. When it comes to the license plate and the lighting, in Italy you have to remember that both have to be fully visible. If this is not guaranteed, you will have to use a separate light bar and a third license plate.
Also in Spain, light bars and the third license plate are required under the same conditions. In addition, a square, red and white striped sign measuring 50×50 cm is mandatory there, even if there are no bicycles loaded on the rack.

In Spain’s neighboring country Portugal, it is initially advised to transport bicycles on the roof with a roof rack. If a rear bike carrier is used, the carrier and the bicycles must not be wider than the car. It must also be proven that the carrier is approved for the transport of bicycles and that the carrier is demonstrably suitable for transport. At the rear, the rear bike rack is only allowed to protrude 45 cm, which is significantly less than in all other countries. Important to know: For carriers that are mounted on the towbar, this is measured from the trailer hitch. In addition, in Portugal the necessary measures apply if the license plate and lighting are obscured (use of third license plate and light bar). The warning sign is also mandatory.

Regulations in Northern Europe

In Northern Ireland the regulations are quite simple, bikes are only allowed to protrude a maximum of 30.5cm on each side. If the license plate is covered, it must be replaced by a third license plate; the same applies to the lighting.
In Sweden, bicycles are only allowed to protrude a maximum of 20 cm on each side and a third license plate must always be attached. The lighting must also be fully visible, otherwise a light bar is required. There are also country stickers.

Driving with a trailer is and remains a closed book for many, despite having a driving license. However, with a few small tips, trailering will become easier. We have summrized the most important tips for you that you should definitely keep in mind as an inexperienced driver. 

Pay attention to the maximum permissible loads

No matter whether you want to tow a braked or unbraked trailer, a maximum trailer load is entered in the vehicle registration document for your towing vehicle. The same applies to your trailer hitch, which is also tested and approved for a trailer load. Before you set off, put together the values ​​of the towing vehicle and trailer coupling and check how much you can really tow and how heavy your trailer will be. Be sure to pay attention to the lowest of the values, as this is decisive. The values ​​should under no circumstances be exceeded, this is dangerous for your journey and can also be noticed negatively during a police check. 

Load your trailer correctly

So that your trailer lies safely on the road and the journey runs as smoothly as possible, it is important to load the trailer correctly. In the first step, it is important to keep an eye on the permissible support load. Under no circumstances should you exceed the tongue load of the towing vehicle or that of the trailer hitch. However, it is not a problem to fully use the lower of the two values, you just should not exceed the lower value (and therefore also the higher one). 

Make sure to place heavy transport items above the axle of the trailer if possible. If you distribute the loads differently, you will change the optimal road holding of the trailer and possibly influence the optimal braking effect of the trailer. In addition, the heaviest loads should always be stored as low as possible in the trailer; a large cabinet that is transported upright, for example, can easily fall into the trailer when cornering and braking movements happen. However, when lying down, the weight of the trailer is better distributed. 

Before driving, you should always secure your transported goods against slipping, tipping over and falling down. Otherwise, the loads could shift as a result of braking, cornering and any necessary evasive maneuvers while driving. You should also secure cargo well that sticks out of the back of the trailer. In addition, you are obliged to mark these cargos. 

The correct driving license for your trailer ride

You need the appropriate driving license to travel with the trailer. In Germany there are three driving licenses that allow driving with a trailer, namely the driving license classes B, B96 and BE. The three classes differ mainly in the permissible total mass of the combination that you can tow with the trailer. You can find out more about this in our blog posts about driving licenses. 

You’ve been driving the trailer and have already parked, but you’re not done yet. The parked trailer should also be secured, especially against rolling away. You can find out what you need to pay attention to and what liability is like in an emergency in our blog post. 

How to properly secure the trailer

If you park a trailer outside of your private property, you should definitely secure the trailer sufficiently. It can always happen that the trailer rolls away, is hit by strong gusts or – if it is parked on the street – is involved in a possible accident by other road users or even causes something worse. Of course, a parked trailer that moves unexpectedly is not desirable, even on private property, so we always recommend securing it properly. 

The best way to secure a parked trailer is with wheel chocks. To do this, you should first check whether the road is sloping in one direction, and if so, secure the trailer with a wheel chock before unhooking it from the towing vehicle so that it does not roll away when unhooking it. 

But even if the road has no slope or incline, securing it with a wheel chock makes sense: with a wheel chock in front of and behind the wheels you can prevent all movements forwards and backwards, or at least limit these movements, for example in a storm or if another vehicle hits the trailer. It is best to make sure that you park the trailer in a protected area, for example in a driveway or a dead end or on the edge of a parking lot, where the chances of the trailer moving unintentionally due to outer circumstances are already limited. 

You can also secure the trailer against theft, for example with an immobilizer and a lock for the drawbar. 

Liability for your trailer

Your trailer – like your car – must have liability insurance. So if the trailer starts rolling on a sloping road and damage is caused, you are covered. However, it is also helpful if you have additionally secured the trailer as described above. 

Also interesting for you: In 2023 there was a ruling by the Federal Court of Justice in which the trailer’s liability insurance was also asked to pay, even though the parked trailer was only in an accident with one had set another car in motion and was virtually passively involved in the accident. It was said that there was a risk of uncontrolled movement by the trailer and that this risk existed as long as the trailer was parked in public traffic. 

The KIA EV9 impresses as the latest, large-framed SUV and offers plenty of space in combination with a powerful character. In order to be able to tow a trailer with your SUV, you also need to have the right trailer hitch. We have developed the right trailer hitch to easily retrofit the KIA EV9.

Our trailer hitch is equipped with the MVG system 2040 and is removable. A rotary wheel is used to remove the ball rod, which is easy to handle. The removable towbar adapts well to the look of the KIA.

The benefits of the detachable towbar for KIA EV9 from 07/2023

• vertically detachable towbar, MVG towbar 2040 
• optimal appearance on the vehicle
• automatic system removal by twist grip
• automatic locking device when fitting
• easy handling

Technical data for detachable towbar for KIA EV9 from 07/2023

• D-value: 14 kN
• Towing capacity: 2550 kg
• Trailer load: 150 kg

The towbar for your KIA EV9 from 07/2023 can be found in our MVG-shop. The item number is 3797 A. In addition, you will also find the right electrical kit for retrofitting your KIA in the shop.

Find out more about our products in our other shops:

www.mvg-ahk.at
www.mvg-ahk.ch
www.mvg-ahk.lu
www.mvg-ahk.be
www.mvg-ahk.nl

As the latest model from Jeep, the Jeep Avenger now impresses as a large SUV for the whole family and as a powerful partner for towing a trailer. The Jeep Avenger from 2023 can be converted into a towing vehicle at any time with the retrofittable trailer hitch.

Our range also includes a suitable trailer hitch for retrofitting the Jeep Avenger. Our trailer hitch is removable and does not interfere with the look of the SUV. The trailer hitch is easy to use and can be removed in just a few steps when not in use.

The benefits of the detachable towbar for Jeep Avenger from 2023

• vertically detachable towbar, MVG towbar 2040 
• no cut-out required by using the original cut-out
• automatic system removal by twist grip
• automatic locking device when fitting
• easy handling

Technical data for detachable towbar for Jeep Avenger from 2023

• D-value: 7,5 kN
• Towing capacity: 1221 kg
• Trailer load: 75 kg

The towbar for your Jeep Avenger from 2023 can be found in our MVG-shop. The item number is 0852 A. In addition, you will also find the right electrical kit for retrofitting your Jeep in the shop.

Find out more about our products in our other shops:

www.mvg-ahk.at
www.mvg-ahk.ch
www.mvg-ahk.lu
www.mvg-ahk.be
www.mvg-ahk.nl