Method and device for operating a motor vehicle with a tow bar

The procedure involves fixing a draw bar (1) laterally at the rear of the vehicle. The draw bar consists of a carrier (2) having a rod (4) with ball head (3) and a force determining device (7). The towing can be improved if forces (8,9) exerted by pulled trailer weight on the draw bar are determined by the force determining device and conveyed to the control mechanism (10,12,13,14,15,16,17) of the towing vehicle. The force determining device can be fixed to the carrier or to the draw bar itself. The force exerted by the towing vehicle on draw bar in pulling direction is determined by the control mechanism and conveyed to the pneumatic and/or hydraulic suspension of the towing vehicle i.e. control mechanism. An independent claim is also included for a device for towing a vehicle with a draw bar.