If you decide to tow a trailer

Before using the Kia Opirus to tow a trailer, at least 800 km must have been driven to break in the vehicle. In the initial phase, speed must also be limited to a maximum of 80 km/h to protect the vehicle mechanically. This chapter also covers permissible towing loads and their effect on the gross vehicle weight. Correct loading and tongue weight distribution are essential to ensure the stability of the combination and therefore driving safety.

Please observe the following important points if you decide to tow a trailer: - Consider using a stabilizer (anti-sway device).

Obtain the relevant information from your trailer dealer.

- Do not begin towing a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km.

During the first 800 km of towing, do not drive faster than 80 km/h, and pull away slowly from a standstill. In this way, the engine and other components of your vehicle are broken in for towing.

- Always drive at an appropriate speed and observe the legal regulations.

- The key factor when towing is the towed weight:

Trailer weight

How heavy may a trailer be with regard to safety? The permissible gross weight of a trailer is specified. However, this permissible gross weight may sometimes be too high.

The maximum weight depends on the operating conditions. For example, factors such as speed, driving on gradients, road conditions and outside temperatures, as well as the extent to which your vehicle has previously been used for towing, are decisive. Furthermore, the maximum gross weight of the trailer may depend on the individual equipment of your vehicle.

In any case, the maximum permissible gross weight of the trailer entered in the vehicle documents is decisive.

Tongue weight

The tongue weight of a trailer is an important value because it affects the gross weight of the towing vehicle.

The gross vehicle weight consists of the curb weight of the towing vehicle, the weight of the cargo and the weight of the occupants. When towing, the tongue weight of the trailer must be added to the gross vehicle weight, because the additional tongue weight loads the towing vehicle in the same way as additional cargo.

Check the tongue weight of your trailer after loading and weighing it. If the measured tongue weight does not match the specification, it can be corrected by shifting the trailer load forward or backward.

• Never load a trailer with more weight at the rear than at the front. Distribute the load so that approx. 60% of the weight is in front of the trailer axle and approx. 40% of the weight is behind the trailer axle.
• Never exceed the maximum weights of the trailer and/or the towing equipment. Both overloading and improper loading of a trailer can cause property damage and personal injury. Have the gross weight and loading condition checked on a public vehicle scale.
• An improperly loaded trailer can cause you to lose control of the combination.

Proper preparation of the Kia Opirus 2003–2011 for towing is essential for safety and reliability. From the stabilizer to optimal weight distribution, every measure contributes to stability.

Observing the tongue weight and loading the trailer correctly is particularly important. Only then will the Kia Opirus remain a dependable partner on the road when towing.

Regular weight checks and careful loading significantly improve handling and reduce the risk of accidents.