Linnepe trailer hitch for all load bearing frame extensions

When it comes to trailer hitches for motorhomes, Linnepe is at the top of the list of experts. All Linnepe trailer couplings are made of steel and are KTL-coated, thus providing permanent protection against rust. The KTL coating (cathodic dip painting) is an effective and long-lasting corrosion protection from the automotive sector, which is scratch-resistant and resistant to stone chipping and salt water. Our trailer couplings always have an EC type approval and are therefore registration-free. By the way, a carrier system can also be installed as an alternative or in addition to the coupling, because in most cases the trailer systems already form the mounting basis for a load carrier system. Often you can also choose between fixed and removable ball for our towbars.

Retrofitting for heavy load
s A trailer coupling can be retrofitted to most motorhomes without any problems. Apart from sufficient motorization, the mounting options on the chassis are important. So the first step for all motorhomes is a look under the vehicle.
Motorhomes usually consist of the vehicle chassis and a superstructure. Motorhome superstructures are almost always built beyond the length of the chassis. The diagram illustrates that an original trailer coupling (AHK) cannot fit because the ball would sit under the body. For this reason, the gap between the chassis end and the body end must be bridged with a frame extension. An AHK or the mounting for a load carrier is then mounted on this frame extension. This gap is called overhang. In order to determine which trailer coupling is the correct one, the following points must first be clarified:

Is an AHK required for a vehicle with (load bearing) frame extension or is an AHK required for a vehicle with non-load bearing frame extension or is an AHK required for a vehicle without frame extension?

The matching trailer hitch I
f a usable, upgradeable frame extension is already installed ex works, only the matching trailer hitch is required. Our specialists have access to an extensive database in which we have listed almost all motorhomes from European production. This means that in addition to the right trailer coupling, the right frame extension can also be determined if one has not yet been fitted. However, since motorhomes are individually equipped, it can happen that, for example, the waste water tank has to be moved, supports converted or add-on parts converted. In such cases a specialist workshop should be consulted.

Decisive: the D-value
The D-value of the construction has a decisive influence on the choice of the right trailer coupling. The D-value is the measure for the strength of the towing device, which is calculated according to a fixed formula. However, several factors play a role, e.g. the permissible gross weight of the towing vehicle and the permissible towable mass, which is fixed invariably by the manufacturer of the base vehicle. There are therefore two different aspects to whether a vehicle has a permissible towable load and whether the D value of the AHK is sufficient. Overall, both must fit. The towing capacity is usually already stated in your vehicle documents, even if no clutch is fitted. However, our extensive data stocks also document which trailer loads are permissible for which chassis.

Also note: the rear axle load
When towing a trailer, the drawbar load acting on the coupling ball also increases the rear axle load of the towing vehicle. This can lead to overloading of the rear axle in some motor homes. It should be noted that the increase in the rear axle load F is greater than the drawbar load S. The increase in rear axle load F can be calculated using the following formula:

F=S x (R+T): R

Example: Wheelbase (R): 2500 mm Overhang (Ü): 1100 mm Drawbar load (S): 75 kg In this case, the increase in the rear axle load due to the weight with which the trailer presses on the coupling ball when the full drawbar load is used would be a whopping 108 kg.