Kategorie-Archiv: Tipps und Tricks

Depending on the purpose for which you need a trailer, a different trailer type is used. A rigid drawbar trailer is generally used for transport by car, for example to transport a boat or horses. This is certainly the most common trailer in everyday life. But there are two other types of trailers that are used quite often.

Each trailer type has a specific purpose and has special specifications. At the same time, not all trailer types are compatible with a trailer coupling, such as a semi-trailer. So that you can still keep track of the different types, we have put together the three most common trailer types for you. As a rule, a distinction based on the design is used for the various trailer types.

What actually defines a trailer?

A trailer is defined as a vehicle that has a loading area but no drive of its own and is connected to a towing vehicle using a drawbar. A distinction is made between the following three basic designs: rigid drawbar trailer, articulated drawbar trailer and semitrailer.

The rigid drawbar trailer

A rigid drawbar trailer is always used when the connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer, i.e. the drawbar, is rigid. This type of construction is the most common, most of the trailers in daily use follow this type of construction. Trailers of this type usually have one or two axles. The axles are also rigid and not steerable.
Rigid drawbar trailers up to 750 kg are so-called “light” trailers and can be used without their own brake. If the trailer is heavier then overrun brakes are required on the trailer. If the total permissible total weight is over 3.5 tons, a continuous breaking system must be installed. For most of the above mentioned scenarios trailers which are rigid drawbar trailers are used.

The articulated drawbar trailer

The articulated drawbar trailer differs from the rigid drawbar trailer due to its two or more steerable axles. This steering is mostly based on a turntable steering, a so-called king pin is installed as a central joint and enables the trailer to pivot. As a rule, such trailers are not used on most cars. Instead, they are increasingly being used with trucks or tractors, since as a two-axle vehicle they can weigh up to 20 tons in total. With a three-axle vehicle the total weight is already 24 tons.

The semitrailer

Most people will know this trailer as an artculated lorry. The semi-trailer has no drawbar and is not one of the classic trailers for cars. It is usually used on trucks, and the special connection construction between the semi-trailer and ist traction engine enables it to be moved in all directions.

Read more about driving a trailer in our blog post.

A slippery road surface often makes driving with a trailer difficult, with autumn there is now more moisture and leaves on the road surface, so it can quickly become slippery. It is not only important to let your trailer hitch “hibernate” accordingly in autumn, but also to prepare yourself for the trip with the trailer in foliage and cold weather. We have put together the most important points for such trips on slippery roads for you.

Appropriate coupling

Before each trip with the trailer, you should take a careful look. Is the trailer hitch correctly installed? Is the detachable ball rod correctly engaged and locked? Is the trailer also correctly positioned on the ball bar and also engaged? Has the tear rope been attached correctly? Once all these points have been worked through, you are at least a little bit closer to the trip with the trailer. In principle, the points mentioned should of course not only be checked when driving on slippery roads and in cold weather and leaves on the roads, but before each trip. Your safety and that of other road users is particularly important and can quickly be adversely affected by a detached trailer.

Check lighting – before driving

Before driving with the trailer, make sure that the lighting of the trailer and the electronics are checked. Do all turn signals work? Especially when driving in the dark, it is very important that you are seen and safely participate in road traffic.

Slippery road surface: the right tires are essential

Winter tires are mandatory for motor vehicles and enable safe driving in wet, frost and snow and also on a slipper road. For the trailer, you should also make sure that it is correctly and above all frosted. Otherwise, a slippery road quickly becomes an unwanted adventure. Depending on where your journey takes you or where you are traveling, snow chains are also a sensible investment for the trailer. Make absolutely sure that it is ensured as far as possible that the trailer and the towing vehicle cannot slip.

Pay attention to the speed on a slipper road

As with all trips with a trailer, you should always make sure that you keep to the permissible maximum speed. This is not only important to avoid possible fines, but also to ensure the safest possible ride in the rain and wet or frost.

Secure cargo

It is clear that the load must be secured against slipping on every trip in order to prevent the trailer from swaying as far as possible. Should you get stuck in the snow, for example, then you can use a sensibly planned and loaded load to your advantage and rearrange it so that you can easily free yourself from the situation. For everything, safety always comes first. For the transported goods as well as for the whole team!

You can normally drive 80 km/h with a trailer. This is the maximum speed, which is particularly important for driving outside built-up areas and on the motorway. Of course, the prescribed speeds of the road traffic regulations always apply. In exceptional cases, despite the restriction to 80 km/h for teams according to the Road Traffic Regulations, it is possible to increase the speed for driving with a trailer to 100 km/h.

Why is the speed limit important?

The regulation of the speed when driving with a trailer is very important since the trailer clearly influences some factors in driving. A team rolls or spins faster than a normal car, for example. The breaking distance is also significantly influenced and extended by the additional weight. You should always keep this in mind, especially when you apply for the badge and get a Tempo 100 sticker.

Tempo 100 permit: What you need to know

With the Tempo 100 permit it is allowed to drive up to 100 km/h with a trailer. After the changes to the 9th Exceptional Ordinance to the Road Traffic Regulations in Germany, the badge is no longer related to the combination of the towing vehicle and the trailer. The badges had previously been issued for a team of vehicle and trailer, so that it was not possible, for example, to drive the trailer with another vehicle at 100 km/h.

In ordert to get a badge, you have to meet a few requirements: Of course, the trailer must be designed for a speed of 100 km/h and be roadworthy. The tires of the trailer should have at least a speed index of L and an approval for 120 km/h. The tires must not be older than six years.

In addition, the total mass of the trailer must be less than or at most equal to the permissible trailer load and must not exceed the permissible total mass of the towing vehicle. The drawbar load is also an important factor. This is based on the greatest possible vertical load of the towing vehicle or trailer, the lower limit applies as the respective lower value. Finally, the Tempo 100 badge including the seal of the road traffic authority must be attached to the back of the trailer. The manufacturer already indicates whether these points are met in newer vehicles and trailers. If this is not the case, you can, for example, have an expert opinion drawn up by the TÜV, which confirms that the required criteria have been met. You will then receive the badge, which you must then attach to the trailer and which has to be additionally sealed by the road traffic office. The permit to travel at 100 km/h must also be entered in the papers.

You have to pay attention to this when parking the trailer

How, where, when and for how long is it allowed to park your trailer and under what conditions? What to look out for? All of this is regulated in the schedule of penalties. For example, when driving the trailer and then parking it, you must have your wheel chocks with you and protect the trailer against rolling away when parking. It is also not allowed to park the trailer in the same public place for longer than two weeks without the towing vehicle. In principle, you should of course always park your trailer so that ongoing traffic is not disturbed by the trailer.

The interaction of towing vehicle and trailer

Of course, the connection between the vehicle and the trailer is also relevant for driving with a trailer. The towbar must be in good condition and approved. We take over the approval of our products, so our towbars are approved according to regulation ECE 55 (previously 94/20 / EG) and manufactured according to all valid rules and the latest technology. You no longer need to have our trailer couplings checked and registered at a test center, you just have to carry our assembly and operating instructions with you. This is the so-called ABE. It is not permitted to make changes to the towbar yourself as this will invalidate the approval. However, if you have installed a towbar that has been changed, for example, and traffic safety can be influenced, you must expect a fine. A differentiation is made once again as to whether “only” there was a hazard or even an accident. Even if you drive a trailer with a trailer coupling that does not comply with the regulations or if you allow this as a vehicle owner, fines will be imposed.

Below you will find the graduation for the offenses when parking:

• Trailer guided, without carrying chocks: € 5
• Trailers without a car parked in the same place for more than two weeks: € 20
• Team led with improper AHK: € 25
• Driving a team with an incorrect towbar approved as a vehicle owner: € 35
• Team led despite poor connection of vehicle and trailer, which would impair traffic safety: € 135, 1 point
• In spite of a faulty connection between motor vehicle and trailer that would impair traffic safety, the team was at risk: € 165, 1 point
• In spite of a faulty connection between motor vehicle and trailer, which would impair traffic safety, the team led with an accident: € 200, 1 point

You can find more information on the website of the German schedule of penalties.

If you have retrofitted a detachable towbar from us to your car, then you have decided on a product that, if possible, does not interfere with the look of your vehicle and can also be operated easily and easily. Nevertheless, we would like to explain a few steps to you once, in the video we introduce you to everything you need to know about the detachable towbar in the MVG system 2040.

Assembly and disassembly of the trailer hitch

To assemble and start up the towbar, insert the ball rod vertically into the mount from below. The ball bar usually locks automatically, you can hear that clearly. In addition to the click sound, you can also see it on the handwheel that jumps to the green mark. Once this has been done, you can lock the removable ball bar with the lock, so that the towbar cannot be disassembled or stolen. If you want to remove the ball bar again, you first unlock the ball bar. Then you put one hand on the ball bar and one on the handwheel, which can be found on the right of the ball bar. You then have to pull this handwheel to the side, i.e. to the right away from the ball rod, and then turn it backwards. The lock then releases and the ball rod can be removed from the holder downwards.

Assembly not working?

So you pretension the detachable towbar If the assembly does not work as described above, take the ball rod out of the holder again and check whether a silver bolt protrudes from the ball rod at the top. If this is the case, then the ball rod cannot be mounted in this way because it is not preloaded and the locking mechanism cannot therefore work. In order to then pretension the ball bar, you best place it on the floor or on a table. Place it so that the handwheel is facing up. Then you fix the ball bar with one hand and raise the rotary wheel with the other hand. In this position, turn it backwards until the silver bolt disappears into the ball rod and remains there. Then the trailer coupling is pre-tensioned and can be reassembled as usual. If assembly does not work as usual and pretensioning is not possible, then please do not use any tools. The best thing to do is to get in touch with us shortly, we can advise you by phone and give you information whether, for example, a ball rod has to be sent in.

Before or after driving the trailer

Before installing your towbar, you should always check again and again whether the receptacle of the removable towbar is dirty. Especially after driving in rough terrain or through mud puddles you should take a look inside. If the intake is contaminated, it is usually sufficient to simply rinse it out with the water hose. A protective plug is no longer required for most current towbars. If you do not need the towbar, then remove the ball rod. This is especially important for your insurance companies or if you are involved in an accident. Even if you misjudge when parking or driving against a wall, for example, this can have an impact on the ball rod and the liability. The removed ball rod is best stored in the trunk. We always provide you with a bag in which you can safely stow the ball rod and additionally protect your trunk from dirt. It is best to stow the detachable towbar so that it cannot slide back and forth and is instead firmly in one place. The best place in the trunk is often where the first-aid kit is also stored.

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When driving with the trailer, for example when moving or driving away the green waste, it is important to properly secure the load. This is not only necessary because it prevents the load from moving and thus influences the trailer’s travel negatively and starts the trailer to roll, for example. To avoid unnecessary noise, cargo must be secured. Load securing is also specified by the authorities in the catalog of fines. Which violations are relevant for your trip with the trailer?

Load securing violations

If your cargo protrudes beyond the trailer, for example, a fine is due. This is staggered depending on how far the load protrudes and where. If it protrudes three meters to the rear, you have to expect a fine of 20 €. If it protrudes only one meter, but without being marked by a lamp, € 25 is due. It is in any case important that you always clearly mark the protruding loads for other road users. To do this, you have to attach a red flag or a red cloth of a specified size and in a maximum height of 1.50 meters to your load in order to warn other road users.

The height of the load is also relevant. So your vehicle with a load may not be higher than 4.20 meters, otherwise you will have to pay a penalty of € 60. In addition, you will even get a point in Flensburg, Germany. If your load is not secured against falling, the fine is € 35. If the lack of security could even result in a hazard or damage to property, you can expect a penalty of up to € 75 and a point.

When driving, always make sure to stow the load safely and load the trailer well thought out. A non-slippery floor can be helpful, heavy loads should also be stored as deep as possible. Cushion sharp edges and corners, avoid gaps in your cargo and at best fix the cargo in place. For some loads, such as green waste, it makes sense to use a net that prevents the load from flying away. Below you can find the staggering for load securing:

• Avoidable noise from charging not prevented: € 10 
• Cargo protrudes backwards min. 3 meters beyond the vehicle: € 20
• Cargo protrudes backwards min. 1.5 meters above the vehicle at min. 100 km / h: € 20
• Load protrudes to the rear by one meter without being identified by the light: € 25
• Load protrudes forward beyond motor vehicle: € 20
• Cargo not adequately secured against falling: € 35
• Cargo not adequately secured against falling with danger: 60 €, 1 point
• Cargo not adequately secured against falling with property damage: € 75, 1 point
• Cargo not adequately secured against falling with danger: 60 €, 1 point
• Vehicle with a load higher than 4.20 meters: 60 €, 1 point

You can find more information on the website of the German schedule of penalties.

Loading the trailer properly is not that easy. There are a number of things to pay attention to, for example the correct distribution of the load and securing play a major role. Above all, the weight of the load is important, it not only has to be distributed correctly to enable the trailer to travel as smoothly as possible. The permissible total weight of the car/trailer combination must not be exceeded, which of course is also influenced by the payload. The permissible total weight of the train results from the permissible trailer load, the permissible total weight of the vehicle and the unladen weight of the towing vehicle and must not exceed the values ​​in the vehicle registration document.

Overloading the trailer

While overloading cars (PGM up to 7.5 tons) or trailers (CGM up to 2 tons) of over 5% only results in a fine of € 10, with 30% overloading it is already € 235 and one point on one’s driver’s licence. If you are traveling with a truck and trailer, the penalties are higher. In any case, fines and, if necessary, points are also due for the vehicle owner. So if you borrow a car/trailer combination and are caught with an overload, the owner of the combination will also be asked to checkout. The penalties for the keeper are higher, so if the overload is more than 5%, the keeper must already pay € 140 and expect a point.

You must also always pay attention to the vertical load when loading. The vertical load is defined as the load that the trailer coupling is subjected to from above. The vertical load is specified for both your vehicle and the towbar. It is often the case that the two values ​​are different. In this case, the lower value applies and must be observed. If the permissible drawbar load is exceeded, a fine of € 25 must be payed if it is exceeded by up to 50%. If more than 50 % are exceeded, € 60 are due, in addition you have to count on a point on your licence. This offense also has an impact on the vehicle owner.

Below you will find the differentiation for fines and penalties that may arise when overloading your car/trailer combination.

Overloading cars / trucks (PGI up to 7.5 tons) or trailers (PGI up to 2 tons)

• by over 5%: € 10
• by over 10%: € 30
• by over 15%: € 35
• by over 20%: € 95, 1 point
• by over 25%: 140 €, 1 point
• by over 30%: € 235, 1 point

Overloading trucks or trailers (ZGG over 2 tons)

• by 2-5%: € 30
• by over 5%: € 80, 1 point
• by over 10%: 110 €, 1 point
• by over 15%: 140 €, 1 point
• by over 20%: € 190, 1 point
• by over 25%: € 285, 1 point
• by over 30%: € 380, 1 point

Vehicle owner: Overloading trucks or trailers (zGG over 2 tons)

• by 2-5%: € 35
• by over 5%: 140 €, 1 point
• by over 10%: € 235, 1 point
• by over 15%: € 285, 1 point
• by over 20%: € 389, 1 point
• by over 25%: € 425, 1 point
• by over 30%: € 425, 1 point

Drawbar load exceeded

• by up to 50%: € 25
• by more than 50%: € 60, 1 point
• Permissible drawbar load not indicated by sign: € 5

You can find more information on the website of the German schedule of penalties.

COVID-19 has put an end to many planned vacations this year. According to the latest decisions, some trips are now possible again within the EU. Holidays within Germany are thus comparatively inelaborate. This is exactly the right time to rethink the vacation and travel in 2020 and maybe make plans yourself. We have put together a few suggestions for you.

Vacation at home: Excursion by bike

If, despite the new regulations, you may not decide to travel or prefer to vacation at home due to time or financial reasons, a trip to the countryside by bike is just right for you. If you live in the countryside, then get on your bike and start cycling. Unfortunately, this is not possible for everyone, so the bikes have to be transported. In our assortment you will find a selection of different rear bike carriers. We offer products for the transport of 2 bicycles as well as for the transport of 3 bicycles. Even the transport of up to 4 bicycles is possible depending on the model.

Models, such as the Strada Vario 2, are foldable and can be stowed away in the trunk during the bike tour. Clearly, we naturally place great value on the products in our assortment and are eager to choose them aacording to their easy way of use. This makes a trip by bike a mini vacation!

Trend holidays 2020: Camping in Germany and neighboring countries

Traveling in your own car is definitely preferred in times of COVID-19. You are alone and can (almost) get from A to B without any hygiene regulations. Your vacation will be even more relaxed if you also have your “own four walls” with you. With a caravan you take your own little home with you and can explore the most beautiful corners of Germany – or the neighboring countries. How about the North Sea, for example? Or would you prefer hiking in Bavaria?

No matter how you choose, a trailer hitch is the first important step to relaxed travelling with the caravan. Take a look around the shop, you will surely find a suitable model for your vehicle. Fixed towbars are the right decision for you if you are more of a frequent traveler with a trailer even after your vacation. It becomes more comfortable with a practical detachable or a swiveling trailer hitch. Depending on the vehicle model, we offer you all three types of towbars, of course we also have the right electrical kit.

Correct loading from the trailer, maintaining speeds, securing loads, parking and much more is also regulated in the catalog of fines for driving with a trailer. What should you watch out for and, above all, what penalties and fines can you expect when speeding? We have put together the most important points for you.

Speeding when driving with a trailer

In order to be able to define the exceeding of speeds, it is important to know that the maximum speed for cars with trailers is set at 80 km / h. This is especially important for driving outside of built-up areas. If you want to drive faster, you need an additional permit for your car/trailer combination. The risk that arises when the permissible maximum speed is exceeded is classified as high, since speeding can cause your team to lurch or skid at excessive speed. The braking distance is also extended due to the added weight of the trailer.

Exceeding the speed limits inside and outside of built-up areas is basically regulated in the same way as when driving without a trailer. While 10-15 km / h will only be punished with a maximum fine of € 30, higher speeding exceedances both inside and outside of closed towns are also associated with points in Flensburg. From 40 km / h you must also expect driving bans. At over 60 km / h you have to expect points, driving bans and a fine of € 600.
You can find the differentiation below.

Speeding outside of built-up areas

• up to 10 km / h: 15 €
• up to 15 km / h: 25 €
• up to 20 km / h: 10 €, 1 point
• up to 25 km / h: 80 €, 1 point
• up to 30 km / h: € 95, 1 point
• up to 40 km / h: 160 €, 2 points, 1 month driving ban
• up to 50 km / h: € 240, 2 points, 1 month driving ban
• up to 60 km / h: 440 €, 2 points, 2 months driving ban
• over 60 km / h: 600 €, 2 points, 3 months driving ban

Exceeding the pace within closed towns:

• up to 10 km / h: 20 €
• up to 15 km / h: 30 €
• up to 20 km / h: 80 €, 1 point
• up to 25 km / h: € 95, 1 point
• up to 30 km / h: 140 €, 2 points, 1 month driving ban
• up to 40 km / h: € 200, 2 points, 1 month driving ban
• up to 50 km / h: 280 €, 2 points, 2 months driving ban
• up to 60 km / h: 480 €, 2 points, 3 months driving ban

over 60 km / h: 600 €, 2 points, 3 months driving ban

You can find more information on the website of the German schedule of penalties.

There are a number of things to consider when riding with bike carriers, which is why we have put together the most important information for you so that you can not only transport your bikes comfortably with your vehicle, but also safely and correctly.

The bicycle has become an important part of our society. Many use the two-wheelers for short distances to escape the heavy city traffic and to get faster from A to B. For some, cycling is the most popular sport and furthermore it is often used for longer distances. With the beginning of spring, there is of course the opportunity for a bike tour on vacation or short break. But before you can get started, you should first clarify which type of bike carrier is suitable for your car, because not every model can be mounted on every vehicle.

Roof carrier

With a wheel track for the roof rack, you can transport up to four or, depending on the space, more bicycles on the vehicle roof. You can attach and remove the roof rack at any time by yourself on the vehicle roof – usually it is attached to the roof rack. Note that you have to lift the bikes up and down on the roof of the vehicle. The additional cargo on the roof shifts the center of gravity of your vehicle upwards, offers greater air resistance and is more susceptible to cross winds.

Rear bike carrier

One of the most practical possibilities of transportation are rear bike carriers, which are easy to install on the vehicle without much effort. For a rear bike rack you need a trailer hitch, the carrier is then attached to the head of the trailer hitch. When loading the carrier, you should always observe the permissible guidelines for your vehicle and the rear bicycle carrier. In our shop you will find the right rear bike carriers in various designs for up to four bicycles.

You should consider…

When driving with a rear bike carrier, get off the gas. ADAC recommends a top speed of 120 km / h. If the carrier or the bicycles attached to it hide the vehicle’s lights, you should definitely purchase a rear bike carrier that has taillights itself. Alternatively, you can attach additional brake lights to the rack so that you remain visible. If the vehicle’s lights are covered, you must expect a fine of € 20. In some cases, racks and / or bicycles can also hide the license plate, in this case you will need to get a second license plate and attach it to your bike rack. Anyone who cannot show a visible license plate at a police check must expect a fine of € 60. Movable objects such as bicycle baskets or child seats should be stowed inside the vehicle to minimize the safety risk while driving.

The Easter holidays in Germany will start in a few weeks and if you are planning a bike tour on the way, you should inform yourself beforehand about the country-specific features of the destination. The same applies to transit countries and places. As in Austria, a special license plate on the bike carrier is mandatory in Italy and Spain, for example.

In our shop we offer you various rear cycle carriers, just have a look!