When towing a trailer with your vehicle, the “braked towing capacity” plays a crucial role in your safety and compliance with legal regulations. But what exactly does this term in the vehicle registration document mean, and what points should you consider when operating a trailer? In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about “braked towing capacity” and how to make your trailer transport legally compliant and safe.
What Does “Braked Towing Capacity” Mean in the Vehicle Registration Document?
The “braked towing capacity” indicates the maximum weight of a trailer with its own brakes that your vehicle can tow. This information can be found in your vehicle registration document (Vehicle Registration Certificate Part I) under section O.1. It refers to trailers equipped with their own braking system, which is automatically activated when the towing vehicle brakes.
Imagine you are planning a vacation with a caravan. Your vehicle, for example a Golf Alltrack towing capacity, has a maximum braked towing capacity of 1,800 kg. This means the caravan, including its load, may weigh a maximum of 1,800 kg, provided it is equipped with its own brakes.
Caravan trailer with brakes
Why is Braked Towing Capacity Important?
The limitation of the towing capacity serves your safety and the safety of other road users. An overly heavy trailer can cause the towing vehicle to lose control when braking, cornering, or driving downhill, and can lead to serious accidents. The trailer’s own brakes support the braking system of the towing vehicle and shorten the braking distance, which is crucial, especially at higher speeds and with heavy loads.
“The towing capacity is not an arbitrary value but is based on complex calculations of vehicle stability,” explains Dr. Ing. Hans Müller, a vehicle safety expert. “It is essential to adhere to this limit to avoid dangerous driving situations.”
What Happens if the Towing Capacity is Exceeded?
Anyone driving with a trailer that is heavier than the permitted towing capacity risks not only fines and penalty points but also the loss of insurance coverage. In the event of an accident, the insurance company may reduce benefits or even refuse to pay completely if overloading of the trailer is proven.
Police checking an overloaded trailer
“Braked Towing Capacity” vs. “Unbraked Towing Capacity”
In addition to “braked towing capacity,” you will also find the “unbraked towing capacity” (section O.2) in the vehicle registration document. This indicates the maximum weight of a trailer without its own brakes that your vehicle can tow. The unbraked towing capacity is always significantly lower than the braked towing capacity, as the towing vehicle has to provide the entire braking force alone.
Finding the Braked Towing Capacity for Your Vehicle
You can find the “braked towing capacity” for your vehicle in your vehicle registration document. If you are unsure or have any questions, our car experts will be happy to assist you with advice and support. Simply contact us via our website and get free advice.
More interesting topics about towing capacity:
- Toyota Yaris Towing Capacity
- Audi A6 Allroad 3.0 TDI Towing Capacity
- Ford Focus Turnier 1.5 EcoBoost Towing Capacity
- ID 7 Towing Capacity
Secure the support of our car professionals now and enjoy your journey with the trailer – safely and worry-free!
