Time and time again there are problems with reading the vehicle registration papers properly. Does my vehicle have a tow load and if yes, what is it? What is the key number of the vehicle? How do I know which towbar and electrical kit fit the relevant vehicle? The search for the right information is over, as Westfalia-Automotive explains!

 By definition, the "key number is given in vehicle registration certificates I and II (previously: vehicle licence and vehicle title) and indicates the manufacturer, type and class of a vehicle." (source: Wikipedia).

In the new vehicle licence and vehicle title, the manufacturer key number is found under 2.1. and the type key number under 2.2.

The vehicle can be identified using the vehicle key number. This number is given in the vehicle licence and vehicle title. The manufacturer key number or HSN is the first numerical 4-digit vehicle key number listed. Each vehicle manufacturer has its own number. The second alphanumeric 3-digit vehicle key number listed is also called type key number or TSN. It identifies the vehicle type and model.

The EU vehicle registration certificate has been issued in Germany since 1.10.2015. The two numbers are found as follows:

·         Manufacturer key number: 2.1

·         Type key number: 2.2

The vehicle selection and search according to key numbers is based on Tecdoc data and simplifies vehicle selection. The right products for the relevant vehicle can be found even faster.

The tow load is approved by the vehicle manufacturers for each vehicle type and recorded in the vehicle licence. The details are found as follows:

·         Braked tow load: O1

·         Unbraked tow load O2

Individual vehicle-specific additional information is found in the free text field in the vehicle licence.

If no tow load is given for the vehicle then it is not approved for trailer operation!

Westfalia-Automotive has no influence on the details given in the vehicle licence, e.g. regarding weight increase etc. It is worth noting that Westfalia hitches are often tested for higher tow loads, but the the maximum tow load for the vehicle is stipulated in the vehicle licence. This means that the "weakest link" prescribes the valid weight (e.g. towbar 1.5 tonnes / vehicle 1.2 tonnes to max. 1.2 tonnes tow load).