Safe on the road with your passenger car trailer
Many drivers focus mainly on their towing vehicle. But trailers have to take on heavy loads day after day. It is therefore all the more important to pay the required attention to the towed units as well. Proper maintenance and regular checks not only extend the lifetime of the trailer but also ensure maximum safety in operation. Find out what to look out for here.
Safety: What matters with passenger car trailers
Passenger car trailers are getting older and older in this country. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority, the average age of towed units for passenger cars is currently almost 19 years. It is therefore especially important, particularly with older models, to pay attention to safety. Here’s what matters.
Checklist: Ready to go after the winter break
This is what you can and should do yourself: After a long period of inactivity, inspect the trailer thoroughly. These are the most important points:
- Bodywork & superstructure: Are there any damages or loose parts?
- Tyres: Check air pressure, tread depth, and for possible cracks
- Lights & electrics: Are all lights working?
- Brakes & towing connection: Check for smooth operation and signs of wear
- Inspection & service appointments: Are all checks up to date?
If you are unsure after your inspection round, it is advisable to have a specialist workshop perform a check.
Brakes: When is an upgrade worthwhile?
Especially with older trailer models, a modern braking system can make a significant difference to safety. The AAA brakes from AL-KO VT shorten braking distances and also ensure greater driving comfort. As soon as the pads on your old brakes are worn, you should consider a replacement. Retrofitting is possible for AL-KO VT axles from model year 1999 onwards. After retrofitting, there is no need for a repeat technical inspection (TÜV) appointment.
More safety with the AAA
With its AAA (AL-KO Automatic Adjustment) Premium Brake, AL-KO VT has made a decisive improvement to braking technology. As soon as the brake pads become too loose, the brake automatically makes the necessary adjustment. This protects the brake linings, maximises the lifespan of the wheel brake, and minimises the braking distance.
Nevertheless, regular maintenance is essential. Brake linkage or Bowden cables must be readjusted regularly, and the drum brakes must be serviced. This ensures optimal transmission of braking forces and allows you to achieve the shortest possible braking distance for your vehicle combination.
Greater driving comfort with the AAA
The AAA from AL-KO VT ensures even transmission of braking forces and makes reversing with a trailer as easy as driving forwards.
Older drum brake models tend to shudder: small irregularities that are noticeable in the towing vehicle when braking. The AAA from AL-KO VT reliably eliminates this effect.
In addition, older drum brake models activate the brake function when reversing. With the AAA from AL-KO VT, this is a thing of the past. Thanks to a special mechanism in the brake drums, it automatically detects when the vehicle is reversing. You no longer need to intervene manually.
Conclusion
Tips for safe driving with a trailer
- Distribute the load correctly:
Place heavy items in the centre, observe permissible nose weight. - Secure the load:
Straps and nets prevent load shifting. - Allow for longer braking distances:
Trailers significantly increase your stopping distance. - Take corners more carefully:
Drive slower to avoid snaking. - Practice reversing:
An open area is ideal for practice.
You can read more about safe driving and braking with trailers from our Service Manager Florian Vorreiter here on the blog:
Tasks best left to the professionals
Keep these tasks in mind and have them carried out by a specialist workshop or an AL-KO VT Service Centre. This way you will enjoy your trailer for many years to come:
- Regular inspection:
After no more than 1,500 km or six months, carry out the first brake check. Afterwards, have the pad wear inspected every 10,000 km or annually – or sooner if frequently driving in mountainous regions. - Adjusting the wheel brake:
Adjustment is carried out directly on the wheel brake using the adjusting nut, not on the linkage. The remaining thickness of the pad must be at least 2 mm. - Every two years, open the wheel brakes, inspect internal parts for function and mobility, clean, and lubricate with heat-resistant grease.
- Replace brake shoes:
Renew brake shoes at the latest every five to six years or if the pad thickness is too low. - Check wheels and cables:
Check wheel bolts regularly with the specified torque and re-tighten if necessary. Bowden cables should be protected from moisture to prevent corrosion and failures. Ideally use AL-KO VT Profi Longlife Bowden cables.
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