Böckmann FAQs 

Frequently asked questions about transport, trucks, trailers and how to secure the load securely.

FAQs

There are many questions that we are frequently asked. Here is a summary of the most important questions for everyone.

Question: How can I find a dealer near me?

Dealer Search

You can find a Böckmann sales partner near you with our dealer search option. We have an international network of specialist dealers so that you can obtain competent advice in a wide range of countries.

 

What is the difference between a Böckmann Centre and a sales partner?

Böckmann Centres and Böckmann sales partners

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.

Which driving licence category do I need to drive a trailer?

Holding the correct driving licence is a basic requirement for using trailers. Whether you need a driving licence category B (i.e. a standard car driving licence), B 96 or BE for driving a car trailer depends essentially on the maximum permissible total weight of the vehicle combination.
 

Driving licence category B
Holders of a category B driving licence are permitted to tow a car trailer with a permissible total weight of 750 kg. Trailers with a permissible total weight exceeding 750 kg are permitted only if the sum of the total weight of the towing vehicle and trailer does not exceed 3.5 tonnes.
 
Driving licence category B96
A category B96 driving licence entitles you to drive a combination of a category B towing vehicle and a trailer with a permissible total weight exceeding 750 kg, provided that the permissible total weight of the vehicle combination does not exceed 4.25 tonnes.
 
Driving licence category BE
Licence category BE allows you to drive a combination of a towing vehicle of category B and a trailer, provided that the permissible total weight of the trailer does not exceed 3.5 tonnes.
Please note that not only a valid driving licence entitles you to drive a trailer. Which trailer you are allowed to drive also depends on the towing capacity of your towing vehicle. You will find the towing capacity in your registration certificate (Zulassungsbescheinigung) Part I (formerly vehicle registration document Fahrzeugschein), items O.1 and O.2.
All information given here is based solely on the legal regulations valid in the Federal Republic of Germany and is provided without guarantee.
 
To find out the latest information about driving licence requirements, we recommend  visiting the website of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (Bundesministeriums für Verkehr, Bau und Stadtentwicklung).

Which driving licence category do I need to be able to drive a truck?

To find out more about the driving licence requirements for trucks, please follow the following link to the Driving Instructors' Association (Fahrlehrerverband Baden-Württemberg e.V.)

What is the payload, what is the total weight and what is the unladen weight?

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.

How do I load my car trailer correctly?

Correct loading

  • The load must be distributed evenly and compactly without spaces to prevent it shifting and becoming loose.
  • The load weight must be concentrated on the axle/s.
  • It must be loaded so that the centre of gravity of the load is low.
  • The transported goods should never protrude over the side wall.
  • All items must be secured to prevent slipping.
  • The minimum and maximum coupling support load must be complied with.
Böckmann FAQs | Richtige Beladung und Gewichtsverteilung PKW-Anhänger

Figure 1.:

A trailer has different loading zones. You should take these zones into account when distributing the load on the trailer.

 

Figure 2.:

The centre of gravity should be equally balanced on the axis and not concentrated on one side.

The trailer should not be loaded in this way

Figure 3.:

In this example, the weight is not on the axle.

Böckmann FAQs | Falsche Beladung und Gewichtsverteilung PKW-Anhänger Teil 3
Böckmann FAQs | Falsche Beladung und Gewichtsverteilung PKW-Anhänger

Figure 4.:

In this example, the load is at the front of the trailer and exerts an excessive vertical load on the towing vehicle's coupling. The towing vehicle is pulled down at the rear.

Figure 5.:

The load is at the rear of the trailer and exerts an excessive lever force on the towing vehicle's coupling. The towing vehicle is pulled upwards at the rear. The coupling support load is too low.

Which tyre pressure do I have to comply with?

Tyre pressure at full load

If the tyre pressure is too high or too low it can negatively affect road handling of the vehicle combination, the fuel consumption and the durability of the tyres. Check the tyre pressure before each journey. Refer to the table below for the recommended tyre pressure for each tyre size.

The operating instructions also include an overview of the recommended tyre pressure at full load.

 

In Germany the 100 km/h rule applies. What are the requirements for this rule to apply?

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.

You or your vehicle must meet the following technical requirements:

  • Your vehicle must be equipped with an anti-blocking system
  • The permissible total weight of your vehicle should not exceed 3.5 tonnes
  • The trailer must be suitable for a maximum speed of 100 km/h
  • The trailer tyres are designed for 120 km/h and must have at least the speed index L (=120 km/h)
  • The tyres of the trailer should not be more than six years old

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.

How often does my trailer have to be officially inspected by the TÜV inspection authority?

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.

What applies for maintenance and cleaning of car trailers?

Lubrication and oiling

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.

Cleaning

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.

Where can I get spare parts or accessories for my trailer?

You can order your spare parts or accessories directly from our spare parts warehouse. In our spare parts section you will find information about our spare parts and also contact details for placing an order.

You can naturally also obtain your spare parts from your local dealer.

How often do I have to have the brakes of my trailer checked?

Overrun brake system

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.

What is recommended for taking care of horse trailers?

General cleaning

Cleaning, maintenance and inspection of the trailer are essential for ensuring driving safety, maintaining the value of the trailer and also your warranty claims.

Avoid using a high-pressure cleaner at all costs, as this high-pressure water jet can cause damage to your trailer. Sealing seams and windows in particular can be easily damaged. We recommend the use of a garden hose.

Avoid contact with salt, acids or any corrosive agents. After driving on roads on which salt has been used or after transporting fertilisers or other acidic substances, clean the trailer thoroughly with water immediately both inside and out.

Further details on cleaning and maintenance can be found in your operating instructions.

Böckmann Profi trailer care polish

The Böckmann Profi trailer care polish has water and dirt repellent properties and was designed especially for treating the trailer surfaces. It refreshes the colours very effectively and lends bleached wooden and plastic surfaces a silky sheen. The walls of the tyres and rubber seals are protected against becoming brittle.

This polish is also very easy to use. It only requires thorough prior cleaning with a cold cleaning agent. The polish is then applied evenly with a sponge or cloth. If the surfaces are very bleached, the polish should be applied with a rough sponge. The gloss effect can be enhanced by simple buffing.

We recommend treating your trailer with the Profi trailer polish every six months.

One container contains 1000 ml which is sufficient for two horse trailer applications.

Böckmann Anhänger Pflege für Plywood und Aufbau - Pferdeanhänger

Böckmann-Clean – the special polish for polyester horseboxes

This special polish smooths surfaces roughened by the effects of the weather and lends a glossy sheen to matt paintwork. Insects, tar and stubborn dirt are removed quickly and easily. Contains silicone.

Application:

Clean the vehicle with a general cleaning agent and leave to dry. Then apply Böckmann-Clean with a polishing cloth to the lacquer surface using a circular motion. Work in sections. When using power tools, use a suitable polishing disc. Dried polish on the paintwork surface can be used again when moistened with water. Protect against frost.

Contents: 500 ml

These care products can be ordered from all Böckmann sales partners.

Böckmann Anhänger Pflege für Polyesteranhänger