Β· Do not exceed the load capacity of the roof
rack, even if the maximum authorized load on
the roof has not been reached.
driving with trailer
Introduction to the topic
WARNING
The vehicle can be used to pull a trailer if it has
the corresponding technical equipment. The
additional mass towed impacts wear, fuel consumption
and vehicle power, and under certain circumstances
can result in shorter service intervals.
If cargo is loose or not properly secured, it could
fall from the roof rack, causing accidents and
injuries.
Β· Always use suitable and undamaged lashing
straps, fixing straps or lashing straps.
Driving with a trailer puts more effort on the vehicle
and, in turn, requires more concentration from the
driver.
WARNING
When opening the tailgate, make sure that it does
not collide with the load on the roof.
Vehicles with Start-Stop system
For towing hitches that have been retrofitted by a
workshop outside the Volkswagen network, the Start-
Stop system must be manually deactivated before
starting to drive with a trailer and kept deactivated
until throughout the journey ΓΏ p. 144.
Indications of use
Please note and
at the beginning of this ca
chapter, on page 280.
DANGER
Situations in which you have to remove the roof
rack
Never use the trailer to transport people, as it
would endanger your life and it could also be
prohibited.
β When the roof rack is no longer needed
if you.
β Before entering an automatic washing facility.
WARNING
Improper use of the towing hitch can cause loss of
vehicle control, accidents and serious injury.
β When the height of the vehicle exceeds the required
clearance height, e.g. For example, in a garage.
Β· Use the towing hitch only if it is in perfect condition
and is correctly fastened.
WARNING
Β· The height of the vehicle increases with the
mounting of a roof rack, as well as with the load
attached to it. Therefore, make sure that the
height of the vehicle does not exceed the height
limit for driving through, for example, underpasses
or garage doors.
Β· Do not carry out any type of modification or
repair on the towing device.
Β· In order to reduce the danger of
In case of rear-end collisions and to avoid injury
to pedestrians and bicyclists when parked, if
possible, retract or remove the hitch ball when
not using a trailer.
Β· The roof rack and cargo must not interfere with
the roof antenna or obstruct the area of travel of
the glass roof or the tailgate.
Never mount a towing device
βwith weight distributionβ or βload compensationβ.
The vehicle has not been designed for this type
of towing devices. The towing hitch could fail
and the trailer could come loose from the vehicle.
When a roof rack is mounted, the fuel
consumption of
due to the increased aerodynamic resistance.
WARNING
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or
large objects can change the
282
Transport of objects
change the driving characteristics, lengthen the
braking distance and cause accidents.
Do not tow a trailer for the first 1000 km (600
miles) of the engine ΓΏ p. 139.
Β· Always secure the load correctly with proper and
undamaged lashing straps, lashing straps or
lashing straps.
Some rear-mounted towing devices cover
the rear towing eye housing. In these cases,
the towing eye cannot be used for towing starting or
towing other vehicles.
Β· Always adapt your speed and driving style to
the visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions. Slow down, especially when going
downhill.
For this reason, if you have retrofitted the vehicle
with a towing device, always store the ball hitch in
the vehicle when removing it.
Β· Trailers with a high center of gravity are more
likely to roll over than those with a low center
of gravity.
Β· Always drive proactively and cautiously.
Accelerate with special care and caution.
Avoid sudden braking and sudden maneuvers.
Technical requirements
Note at the beginnionngpoafgtheis28,2a.nd , chapter,
Β· Be extremely careful when overtaking.
Immediately reduce speed as soon as
notice that the trailer sways a little.
Engine Cooling System Driving
with a trailer places great strain on the engine and
its cooling system. The engine cooling system will
need to have sufficient coolant and be prepared for
the extra stress of towing.
Β· When towing a trailer, do not go faster than 80
km/h (50 mph) or faster than 100 km/h (60
mph) in exceptional cases. This also applies in
those countries where faster driving is permitted.
Take into account the maximum speed allowed
in the corresponding country for vehicles driving
with a trailer, as it could be lower than that
allowed for vehicles driving without one.
trailer brakes
If the trailer has its own braking system, please
observe the relevant legal provisions.
Β· Never try to βstraighten outβ the towing vehicle
and trailer combination by accelerating.
exterior mirrors
Never mount a towing device
βwith weight distributionβ or βload compensationβ.
If the area behind the trailer cannot be seen with
the standard exterior mirrors of the towing vehicle,
it is necessary to install additional mirrors in
WARNING
accordance with the regulations of the country in
question. The exterior mirrors must be adjusted
before driving off and must provide a sufficient field
of vision to the rear.
If the towing hitch has been retrofitted by a
workshop that does not belong to the Volkswagen
network, the Start-Stop system must always be
deactivated manually when towing a trailer. Failure
to do so could lead to a failure of the brake system,
resulting in an accident and serious injury.
Retrofitting a towing device
Only use a towing hitch that has been approved by
Volkswagen for this vehicle. Always check and
observe the instructions of the towing hitch
manufacturer.
you see.
WARNING
Trailer taillights Trailer
Observe the notes and information regarding
vehicles in category N1 ΓΏ p. 384, Important information
for vehicles in category N1 (light commercial vehicle).
taillights must function properly and comply with
applicable legal provisions. Make sure the
maximum power consumption of the trailer taillights
is not exceeded.
If the connection to a trailer included in the anti-
theft alarm is broken, the anti-theft alarm may
be triggered. ΓΏ p. 83
3 G 0 0 1 2 7 6 0 A H
283
driving with trailer
Driving with a trailer in countries with very hot
or cold climates
Removing the ball hitch from
the towing device
Due to weather conditions, in some countries trailer
driving is not permitted for all engine/gearbox
combinations. If you wish to retrofit a towing hitch,
ask a specialist workshop in advance whether the
vehicle is suitable for this.
,
of this Note and , chapter, onatptahgeeb2e8g2i.nning
WARNING
If the towing device is installed incorrectly or is
not correct, the trailer could come loose from the
towing vehicle. This could cause serious accidents
and fatal injuries.
Β· Never mount a towing device on the bumper or its
mounting. Do not allow the towing hitch to impair
the function of the bumper.
Do not carry out modifications or repairs on the
exhaust system or the brake system.
us.
Fig. 199 On the right side of the luggage compartment:
button for unlocking the ball hitch.
WARNING
The ball hitch for the towing hitch is located on the
bumper. The electrically released ball hitch is
mechanically removed for use and cannot be
disassembled.
Β· If the electrical power consumption of the trailer is
unacceptably high, the vehicle's electronic system
may be damaged.
Never connect the electrical system of the trailer
Unlock the ball hitch and remove it
than directly to the electrical connections of the
rear light groups or to other power sources. Use
only suitable connections for power supplying the
β Park the vehicle ΓΏ p. 185.
β Open the tailgate.
trailer.
β Briefly pull the button ΓΏ fig. 199 located in the trunk.
The ball hitch is unlocked electrically and comes
out automatically. The button control indicator
If you often drive with a trailer, Volks wagen
flashes.
recommends having the vehicle serviced even
β Finish removing the ball hitch until you feel and hear
between inspection intervals due to the increased
that it has engaged and the button control indicator
stress it is subjected to.
comes on permanently
tea.
β Close the tailgate.
Retract ball hitch
β Park the vehicle ΓΏ p. 185.
β Unhitch the trailer and break the connection
electrical connection between it and the vehicle. If
you are using an adapter, remove it from the trailer
power outlet.
β Open the tailgate.
β Briefly pull the button ΓΏ fig. 199 located in the trunk.
The ball hitch is unlocked electrically.
β Insert the hitch ball under the for
blows until you feel and hear that it engages and
284
Transport of objects
turn on the control indicator of the button permanently.
Mounting a bike carrier on the
ball hitch of the towing hitch
β Close the tailgate.
Meaning of the control lamp of the button
of this Note , and , chapter, oant pthaegebe2g8i2n.ning
β If the indicator light of the button ΓΏ fig. 199 remains
on with the tailgate open, the ball hitch is correctly
engaged both when it is withdrawn and when it is
retracted.
Use only Volkswagen-approved bike racks for this
vehicle.
Mount the bike rack in accordance with the
manufacturer's mounting instructions.
β If the button control indicator flashes, it means that
the ball hitch has not yet engaged correctly or that
it is damaged ΓΏ .
Only bike racks that can fit a maximum of three bikes
are allowed ΓΏ .
β The indicator light for the button goes out for
Heavier bikes should be mounted as close to the
vehicle as possible (ball hitch).
approx. 1 minute after closing the tailgate
ro.
Maximum load capacity The
WARNING
maximum load capacity (carrier system plus load)
of the tow ball mounted bike rack is 75 kg. However,
it is not permitted to exceed the maximum permissible
vertical load on the towing device (depending on the
model) ΓΏ p. 286.
Improper use of the towing device can cause injuries
and accidents.
Β· Use the ball hitch only if it is
embedded correctly.
Β· Always make sure that there is no person, animal
or thing in the area of travel of the ball hitch.
WARNING
Improper use of the towing hitch with a ball hitch
mounted bike rack can cause injury and accidents.
Β· Never intervene with a tool or tool while the
ball hitch is in motion.
Β· Never exceed the specified payload or the distance
the load can project backwards.
Β· Never press the button when there is a trailer
hitched or a luggage rack or other accessories
are mounted on the ball hitch.
Β· It is not allowed to fix the bike rack on the neck
of the hitch below the ball, since, due to this
neck shape and depending on the model of the
bike rack, the latter could be mounted in the
wrong position on the vehicle.
If the ball hitch does not fit correctly
or there is a fault in the electrical system or in
the towing device, do not use the device and
have it checked by a specialized workshop.
Β· Read and observe the assembly instructions of
the manufacturer of the bicycle rack.
Β· If the ball has a diameter of less than 49 mm at the
smallest point, do not use the towing device under
any circumstances.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum payload or distance that
the load can overhang to the rear stated in the
manufacturer's mounting instructions can cause
considerable damage to the vehicle.
WARNING
When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure
cleaner or steam cleaner, do not direct the jet directly
at the retractable ball hitch or trailer socket, as this
could damage the seals or wash away the grease
required for assembly. lubrication.
Β· Never exceed the values indicated in the assembly
instructions.
Volkswagen recommends removing, as far as
possible, all accessories from bicycles before
setting off. These accessories can be, e.g. eg,
baskets and panniers, child seats or batteries. This
improves the aerodynamics and the center of gravity
of the carrier system.
It may happen that, at extremely low
temperatures, the ball hitch cannot be actuated.
In these cases it is sufficient to leave the vehicle in a
warmer room, e.g. For example, in a garage.
3 G 0 0 1 2 7 6 0 A H
285
driving with trailer
Β· Only have work to be carried out on the electrical system
carried out by a specialized workshop.
Instructions for driving with a trailer
Never connect the electrical system of the re
of this Note , and , chapter, oant tphaegbee2g8in2n. ing
connect to the electrical connections of the
rear light units of the towing vehicle or to other
power sources.
Trailer socket The electrical
connection between the towing vehicle and the
trailer is established via a 13-pin socket. The pin
assignment corresponds to DIN ISO 11446.
WARNING
Contact between the pins of the trailer power socket
can cause a short circuit, overload the electrical
system or break down the lighting system, which
can result in accidents and serious injuries.
If the trailer has a 7-pin connector, a suitable
adapter must be used.
If you are not sure how the trailer is connected
electrically to the towing vehicle correctly, consult a
specialist workshop. Volkswagen recommends going
to a Volkswagen dealer for this.
Never connect the socket pins together
trailer current.
Β· Have bent pins repaired by a specialized workshop.
WARNING
Include in the burglar alarm
The trailer is included in the anti-theft alarm if the
following conditions are met:
Never leave the trailer coupled to the vehicle if it has
been parked supporting it on its supports or on the
support wheel. If the vehicle goes up or down due to,
for example, a load variation or some type of tire
damage, more pressure will be put on the towing
hitch and trailer, and both the vehicle and the trailer
could be damaged. .
β If the vehicle is factory-equipped with an anti-theft
alarm and towing device.
β If the trailer is electrically connected to the towing
vehicle via the trailer power socket.
β If the electrical system of the vehicle and the trailer
are in perfect condition and have no breakdowns
or damage.
In case of anomalies in the electrical system
of the vehicle or trailer, as well as the anti-
theft alarm, have the vehicle checked by a specialized
workshop.
β If the vehicle has been locked with the key
and the anti-theft alarm is active.
If, with the engine off, there are accessories
on the trailer and the trailer is connected
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is triggered as
soon as the electrical connection to the trailer is
electrically connected to the trailer power outlet,
broken.
the 12-volt battery will discharge.
Include in anti-theft alarm (trailers with LED
If the 12 volt battery is low, the electrical
taillights)
connection to the trailer will be automatically
For technical reasons, trailers with light-emitting
broken.
diode (LED) taillights cannot be included in the anti-
theft alarm.
With the vehicle locked, the alarm does not trigger
load a trailer
when the electrical connection to the trailer is
interrupted if the trailer has LED technology taillights.
of this Note and , ch, apter, onatptahgeeb2e8g2in. ning
WARNING
Technically permissible maximum towable mass
and maximum vertical load on the coupling
The technically permissible maximum towable mass
If the wires are connected improperly or incorrectly,
the trailer could receive excessive electrical current,
which could cause malfunctions in the entire
electronic system of the vehicle, as well as cause
is the load that the vehicle can tow.
accidents and serious injuries.
286
Transport of objects
The vertical load on the coupling is the load exerted vertically
mentation, the maximum authorized mass of the vehicle or
trailer or the maximum authorized mass of the towing vehicle
and trailer combination, accidents and serious injuries may
occur.
from above on the ball hitch of the towing device.
The data on the technically permissible maximum towable
Β· Never exceed the indicated values.
mass and the maximum vertical load on the coupling given on
the type plate of the towing device are only experimental values.
The valid values for the vehicle, often lower than these values,
are listed in the vehicle documentation. Data from the vehicle's
official documentation always have priority.
Β· Never allow the weight on the front and rear axles to exceed
the maximum authorized mass per axle. Never allow the
weight of the front and rear of the vehicle to exceed the
maximum authorized mass.
WARNING
The maximum permissible vertical load of the trailer tongue
on the tow hitch ball is 90 kg (200 lbs).
A displacement of the load could jeopardize the stability and
safety of the tow vehicle and trailer combination, which could
cause accidents and serious injuries.
To promote safety while driving, Volkswagen recommends
always making the most of the maximum permissible vertical
load on the coupling. Insufficient vertical load negatively
influences the driving behavior of the towing vehicle and trailer
combination.
Β· Always load the trailer correctly.
Β· Always secure the load with suitable and undamaged
lashing straps, lashing straps or lashing straps.
The existing vertical load on the coupling increases the weight
on the rear axle and reduces the possible payload of the vehicle.
driving with trailer
Mass of the towing vehicle and trailer
combination The mass of the towing vehicle and trailer
combination is understood to be the sum of the effective
Note at the beginning o2f8t2h.is , and , chapter, on page
masses of the towing vehicle and the laden trailer.
Adjusting the
In some countries trailers are classified into categories.
Volkswagen recommends inquiring at a specialized workshop
about the most suitable trailers.
Headlights When towing a trailer, the front of the vehicle may
lift and if the low beam is on, other road users may be dazzled.
For this reason, lower the beam of light as necessary by
adjusting the range of the headlamps. On vehicles with
Loading a trailer The
dynamic headlamp range control, the headlamps adapt
automatically and therefore require no adjustment.
towing vehicle and trailer combination must be balanced. To do
this, the maximum permissible vertical load on the coupling must
be used to the maximum and the load must be distributed evenly
between the rear and front of the trailer:
Special features of driving with a trailer
β In the case of a trailer with a brake
coasting, brake gently first and then quickly. In this way
you will avoid braking jerks due to the blocking of the trailer
wheels.
β Distribute cargo on the trailer so heavy items are as close
to or on the axle as possible.
β Secure the trailer load correctly.
β Due to the mass of the towing vehicle and trailer
combination, the braking distance increases.
tire pressure
β When going downhill, also use the engine as a brake.
Otherwise the brake system could overheat and possibly
fail.
Trailer tire pressure is governed by the trailer manufacturer's
recommendation.
When driving with a trailer, inflate the tires of the towing
vehicle to the maximum pressure allowed ΓΏ p. 342.
β On vehicles with a manual transmission, shift into a
lower gear before going down a hill.
WARNING
3 G 0 0 1 2 7 6 0 A H
β In Tiptronic mode of the automatic gearbox,
select a lower gear.
If the maximum authorized mass per axle is
exceeded, the maximum authorized vertical load on the curb
287
driving with trailer
β The towed mass and the high total mass of the
Towing vehicle and trailer together modify the center of gravity
and the driving properties of the vehicle.
Β· Be extremely careful when overtaking.
Immediately reduce speed as soon as you feel the slightest
sway to the trailer.
β If the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer loaded, the weight
distribution will be very unfavorable. In these conditions, drive
with special caution and suitably slow.
Β· Never try to βstraighten outβ the towing vehicle and trailer
combination by accelerating.
Β· Take into account the maximum speed for vehicles traveling
with a trailer, as it could be less than that allowed for
vehicles traveling without one.
Starting on an uphill grade with a trailer Depending on the
steepness of the uphill grade and the total mass of the towing
vehicle and trailer combination, the combination may tip
backwards slightly when starting off.
Stabilization of the towing vehicle
and trailer set
To start on an uphill grade with a trailer attached, do the
following:
,
Note at the beginning of this and , chapter, on page 282.
β Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
β Press the key once
parking brake ΓΏ p. 185.
to disengage the electronic
The stabilization of the tow vehicle and trailer combination can
detect if the coupled trailer begins to sway and countersteer
accordingly.
β In case of manual transmission, step on the em pedal
bra thoroughly.
β Engage 1st gear or place selector lever in D/S position. and
The stabilization of the towing vehicle and trailer combination
is an additional function of the electronic stabilization program
(ESC).
hold it in this position to hold the tow vehicle and trailer
β Pull the key
brake.
combination with the electronic parking
If Tow Trailer Stabilization detects trailer sway, it automatically
intervenes in conjunction with steering control assistance to
reduce trailer sway.
β Release the brake pedal.
β Start walking slowly.
β To do this, in the case of manual transmission, release the pe
release the clutch slowly.
Requirements for the stabilization of the tow vehicle and
trailer combination
β Do not release the key
force to start the march.
until the engine has enough motive
β The vehicle is factory-equipped with a towing device or has
been retrofitted with a compatible one.
WARNING
Improperly towing a trailer could result in loss of vehicle control
and serious injury.
β The electronic stabilization program (ESC) and the
acceleration anti-skid regulation (ASR) are active. The control
indicator or does not light up in the instrument panel.
Β· Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or large objects
can change the driving characteristics and increase the
braking distance.
β The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via
the trailer power socket.
Β· Always drive proactively and cautiously. Brake earlier than
usual.
β You are driving at a speed greater than 60 km/h (37 mph)
approx.
β The maximum vertical load is being used on
The coupling.
Β· Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility,
weather, road and traffic conditions. Slow down,
especially when going downhill.
β The trailer must have a rigid drawbar.
β If the trailer has a brake, it must be equipped
with a mechanical inertia brake.
Β· Accelerate with special care and caution. Avoid sudden
braking and sudden maneuvers.
288
Transport of objects