The vertical load: What do you have to watch out for if your vehicle has a lower vertical load than your AHK?
A higher vertical load with the towbar than with the vehicle will be the case most of the time. The trailer hitch can usually withstand higher loads than the towing vehicle. Towbars made by MVG are tested for fatigue strength according to the European Directives 94/20 / EC, ECE R55 or Carlos TC. In addition, the towing hitches are always tested for maximum D values and towing loads, so it can certainly come about that the hitch is approved for higher values than a vehicle.
The values of the vehicles are dependent on various factors, the entire construction of the vehicle must be aligned with the values specified by the vehicle manufacturer for reference to the vertical load, so that the vehicle „endures“ the acting forces during trailer travel. If you have a vehicle with a vertical load or towed load less than the value of the towbar, then you must comply with this lower value. The lowest value is decisive.
Why is that so important? Assuming the values of the vehicle are the lower values and are not met, this can have different effects on the vehicle. As a rule, for example, the engine and the chassis are adapted to the trailer operation already in the development of the vehicles and included in the calculations. Thus, if the values are not met or exceeded, this can possibly have an effect, for example, on the drive train, the chassis, the cooling system or even the transmission. Therefore, it is important to always follow the instructions of the manufacturer, in the manual for your vehicle you will certainly find information about it.
