tow bar Lancia Thema 2013 Owner handbook (in English)

Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle
Certification Label” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.WARNING!
It is important that you do not ex-
ceed the maximum front or rear
GAWR. A dangerous driving condi-
tion can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of
the vehicle and have a collision.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward
force exerted on the hitch ball by the
trailer. In most cases, it should not be
less than 7% or more than 10% of the
trailer load. Tongue weight must not
exceed the lesser of either the hitch
certification rating, or the trailer
tongue chassis rating. It should never
be less than 4% of the trailer load, and
not less than 25 kg. You must consider
tongue load as part of the load on your
vehicle and its GAWR. Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum
height multiplied by the maximum
width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control can be a me-
chanical telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver
and the trailer tongue that typically
provides adjustable friction associ-
ated with the telescoping motion to
dampen any unwanted trailer sway-
ing motions while traveling.
If equipped, the electronic Trailer
Sway Control (TSC) recognizes a
swaying trailer and automatically ap-
plies individual wheel brakes and/or
reduces engine power to attempt to
eliminate the trailer sway.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the
trailer tongue weight, just as if it were
luggage located at a hitch ball or some
other connecting point of the vehicle.
These kinds of hitches are the mostpopular on the market today and they
are commonly used to tow small- and
medium-sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works
by applying leverage through spring
(load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads to distribute trailer
tongue weight to the tow vehicle's
front axle and the trailer axle(s).
When used in accordance with the
manufacturer's directions, it provides
for a more level ride, offering more
consistent steering and brake control
thereby enhancing towing safety. The
addition of a friction / hydraulic sway
control also dampens sway caused by
traffic and crosswinds and contrib-
utes positively to tow vehicle and
trailer stability. Trailer sway control
and a weight distributing (load equal-
izing) hitch are recommended for
heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and
may be required depending on vehicle
and trailer configuration / loading to
comply with Gross Axle Weight Rat-
ing (GAWR) requirements.
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WARNING!
 An improperly adjusted WeightDistributing Hitch system may
reduce handling, stability, brak-
ing performance, and could result
in a collision.
 Weight Distributing Systems may
not be compatible with Surge
Brake Couplers. Consult with
your hitch and trailer manufac-
turer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional in-
formation.
BREAKAWAY CABLE
ATTACHMENT
European braking regulations for
braked trailers up to 3,500 kg require
trailers to be fitted with either a sec-
ondary coupling or breakaway cable.
The recommended location for at-
taching the normal trailer's break-
away cable is in the stamped slot
located on the sidewall of the hitch
receiver. With Attachment Point

For detachable tow bar, pass the
cable through the attachment point
and clip it back onto itself.For fixed ball tow bar, attach the clip
directly to the designated point. This
alternative must be specifically per-
mitted by the trailer manufacturer
since the clip may not be sufficiently
strong for use in the way.
Without Attachment Points
 For detachable ball tow bar, you
must follow the recommended man-
ufacturer or supplier procedure.
 For fixed ball tow bar, loop the cable around the neck of the tow
ball. If you fit the cable like this, use
a single loop only.
Detachable Ball Clip Loop Method
Fixed Ball Clip Loop Method
Detachable Ball Neck Loop Method
Fixed Ball Neck Loop Method
244

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLETowing ConditionWheels OFF the Ground ALL MODELS
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
 Transmission inNEUTRAL
 48 km/h maxspeed
 24 km maxdistance (5-speed trans)
 48 km maxdistance (8-speed trans)
Wheel Lift
Front
Rear OK
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is
required to prevent damage to your
vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose,
following equipment manufacturer’s
instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other
towing device to main structural
members of the vehicle, not to bum-
pers or associated brackets. State and
local laws applying to vehicles under
tow must be observed.If you must use the accessories (wipers,
defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the
ignition must be in the ON/RUN posi-
tion, not the ACC position.
If the vehicle's battery is discharged,
see “Shift Lever Override” in “What
To Do In Emergencies” for instruc-
tions on shifting the automatic trans-
mission out of the PARK position for
towing.CAUTION!
 Do not use sling type equipment when towing. Damage to the fas-
cia will occur.
 When securing the vehicle to a flatbed truck, do not attach to the
front or rear suspension compo-
nents. Damage to your vehicle
may result from improper towing.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
 Do not push or tow this vehicle with another vehicle as damage to
the bumper fascia and transmis-
sion may result.
 The manufacturer does not rec- ommend towing this vehicle using
a tow dolly. Vehicle damage may
occur.
The manufacturer does not recom-
mend that you tow this vehicle on a
tow dolly. Vehicle damage may occur.
The manufacturer recommends tow-
ing your vehicle with all four wheels
OFF the ground using a flatbed.
266