Towing a trailer – BMW AG User Manual

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112

Towing a trailer

You are always required to comply
with the speed limit of the country

in which you are driving, but do not
exceed the maximum speed of 80 km/h
(50 mph). Driving at excessive speed
could render the vehicle unstable.

Stopping the trailer from snaking:

If the trailer begins to swing from side
to side, as can happen under excep-
tional circumstances, the outfit can be
stabilised only by immediately and
sharply applying the brakes. Do not try
to counter the trailer's action by turning
the steering wheel unless absolutely
necessary, keep all movements of the
steering wheel as careful as possible,
and watch out for other road users.

Gradients:

In the interests of safety and to avoid
holding up other traffic, do not attempt
to climb gradients steeper than 12 %. If
an application to tow a heavier trailer
has been approved, the limit is 8 %, see
page

163

ff.

Downhill gradients:

Take particular care on downhill gradi-
ents, because a trailer's tendency to
fishtail, or swing from side to side, is
more pronounced on a downhill slope.

On the approach to the downslope,
always shift down to the next-lower
gear, if necessary as far as 1st gear,
and drive down the hill slowly.

Towing a trailer