Böckmann FAQs 

We have a dense network of specialist dealers to provide competent advice to our customers. Böckmann Centres are committed to offering the entire Böckmann portfolio – from car trailers to horse trailers. Our sales partners usually carry other brands in addition to Böckmann, but some of them have also specialised in one range of products.

We regularly receive questions about the different weight designations. For information on which trailer is permitted, take a look at the vehicle documents of the towing vehicle, as these may already stipulate some restrictions. The towing capacity is specified here. This stipulates the weight that your vehicle is allowed to tow. This refers to the weight of the trailer plus the corresponding payload.

The trailer as such has a permissible total weight. This specifies the maximum weight of the trailer as a whole, i.e. with its unladen weight plus payload. The unladen weight is therefore the weight of the trailer and its body alone.

The payload is sometimes referred to synonymously as the load capacity and is usually of great interest to the person using the trailer. The payload describes the theoretically possible load that can be transported without exceeding the permissible total weight. In simple terms, this means that the payload is the maximum load allowed for the vehicle.

Generally, this can be calculated as follows:

Permissible total vehicle weight - unladen weight = payload

Please note that your towing vehicle may not be permitted or able to tow the entire payload that is mathematically possible.

The requirements for the admissibility of the 100 km/h rule for motor vehicle-trailer combinations on motorways have been modified to keep pace with the technical development of the vehicles.

100 km/h rule for motor vehicle-trailer combinations on German motorways and main roads (does not apply to rural roads)

Generally a speed limit of 80 km/h applies to journeys with a trailer. However, if you want to travel at a speed of 100 km/h with the trailer, there are a few points to consider.

In addition, certain weight ratios between the trailer and towing vehicle must be observed. The maximum permissible total weight of the trailer intended to travel at 100 km/h depends on the unladen weight of the towing vehicle (X times the unladen weight). The factor X by which the unladen weight is to be multiplied is shown in the table below.

Technical features of the trailer

• without brake / with brake without hydraulic shock absorbers - X = 0.3
• with brake and hydraulic shock absorbers
• Caravan - X = 0.8 or 1.0*
• Other trailers - X = 1.1 or 1.2*

All braked trailers that are not caravans must also meet the following requirements:
Maximum permissible total weight of the trailer

• The permissible total weight of the trailer must not exceed the permissible towing capacity of the towing vehicle,
  The permissible total weight of the trailer must not exceed the permissible total weight of the towing vehicle.

The values marked with * (asterisk) may be used if

• the trailer is equipped with a suitable coupling with stabilising device (e.g. anti-torsion coupling) or
• the trailer is equipped with a suitable dynamic stability system, or
• the towing vehicle is equipped with a suitable dynamic stability system for trailer operation (stated in the registration certificate).

f you have any further questions regarding the legal regulations, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be pleased to advise you by phone, email and of course in person.

Braked trailers with a permissible total weight of up to 3.5 tonnes registered in Germany must currently be subjected to an official test (TÜV test) every two years in compliance with Article 29 of the StVZO Road Traffic Licensing Regulations). Trailers which are offered for rental must be officially inspected once a year.

In other countries the local regulations apply.

Lubricate the overrun device with grease and lightly oil all moving parts such as bolts, joints of the hand brake lever and bell crank. Clean the coupling head, lightly oil the mechanical parts and grease the ball holder. Check the safety locks and hinges of the Böckmann trailers for smooth running and oil or grease them lightly.

Böckmann trailers can be cleaned with commercially available care products. Treat damaged wooden surfaces with a protective wood varnish. Clean heavily soiled zinc parts. Use a special aluminium polish to treat the aluminium. Thoroughly clean any damage to the zinc coating caused by stone chipping and re-galvanise with a commercially available zinc spray. Avoid contact with salt, acids and any corrosive agents. If the trailer comes into contact with road salt, for example, clean it thoroughly after use. Please do not use high-pressure cleaners, as excessively high pressure can damage the sealing seams.

The brake system of the Böckmann trailer must be checked after travelling approximately 100 km at the latest. If the coupling head with the drawbar can be pushed in by hand by more than one third (approx. 35 mm) of the usable stroke, the brake system must be adjusted. This must be repeated at intervals of 5,000 km, but at least once a year if the number of travelled kilometres is lower. Further information is given in the brake manufacturer's maintenance and operating instructions, which are available from your Böckmann dealer or directly from the works.