WARNING
roof rack
Attaching a roof rack, of any type, to vehicles that
are not approved for the use of roof racks can cause
considerable damage to the vehicle.
Introduction to the topic
Depending on the model, the vehicle may be
prepared for mounting a roof rack.
With a roof rack, bulky items can be transported on
the roof of the vehicle.
Attach a roof rack
(variant)
If you are not sure whether the vehicle is prepared
for the installation of a roof rack, consult a
specialized workshop. Volkswagen recommends
going to a Volkswagen dealer for this.
Note and , at the beginning of this ca
chapter, on page 280.
For safety reasons it is necessary to use special
roof racks to transport luggage, bicycles, surfboards,
skis and boats ÿ .
Only use roof racks approved by Volkswagen for
this vehicle.
At Volkswagen dealers you can
If the vehicle is not approved for the use of a roof
rack, do not use one or install one afterwards.
purchase appropriate accessories.
Attach the crossbars and the supporting
structure
WARNING
The crossbars are mounted on the longitudinal roof
bars according to the installation instructions for the
first ones.
When heavy or large objects are transported in
the roof rack, the driving characteristics of the
vehicle vary due to the shift in the center of gravity
and the larger area exposed to the wind.
Once the crossbars have been correctly
assembled, the supporting structure in question can
be fixed on them.
· Always secure the load correctly with proper and
undamaged lashing straps, lashing straps or
lashing straps.
WARNING
Improper attachment and use of the crossbars
and supporting structure can cause the entire rack
to detach from the roof, resulting in accidents and
· Bulky, heavy, long or flat cargo has a negative
effect on the vehicle's aerodynamics, center of
gravity and driving behaviour.
injuries.
· Avoid sudden braking and maneuvers.
· Only use the crossbars and the supporting
structure when they are in perfect condition
and are correctly fixed.
· Always adapt your speed and driving style to
the visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
· Always mount the crossbars and the supporting
structure correctly. Be sure to observe the
assembly instructions provided by the
manufacturer.
WARNING
If a roof rack is not approved for the vehicle or a
roof rack is mounted on a vehicle that is not
approved for the use of roof racks, accidents and
injuries may result.
· Fix the crossbars only in the
points provided for it.
· Always correctly mount special roof racks for
bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc. Be sure to
observe the assembly instructions supplied by
the manufacturer.
· Only use roof racks approved by Volkswagen
for this vehicle.
· Never mount a roof rack on a vehicle that is not
approved for the use of roof racks.
· Check the fastenings of the roof rack before
setting off and, if necessary, tighten them after a
short journey. When you are on long journeys,
check the threaded joints and fixings at every
break you take.
· If you nevertheless install a roof rack, it could
come loose while driving and fall off the roof of
the vehicle.
280
Transport of objects
· Do not carry out any type of modification or
repair on the cross bars or the supporting
structure.
· Always assemble the basic supports and the
supporting structure correctly. Be sure to
observe the assembly instructions supplied by
the manufacturer.
· Fix the basic supports only in the points provided
for it.
Attach a roof rack (saloon)
· Always correctly mount special roof racks for
bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc. Be sure to
observe the assembly instructions provided by
the manufacturer.
sing.
Note and , at the beginning of this ca
chapter, on page 280.
· Check the fastenings of the roof rack before
setting off and, if necessary, tighten them after
a short journey. When you are on long journeys,
check the threaded joints and fixings at every
break you take.
Do not carry out any type of modification or
repair in the basic supports or the supporting
structure.
Load a roof rack
Note and , at the beginning of this ca
chapter, on page 280.
Fig. 198 Fixing points for the basic supports.
Maximum authorized load on the roof
For safety reasons it is necessary to use special roof
racks to transport luggage, bicycles, surfboards, skis
and boats ÿ .
Suitable accessories can be purchased from
Volkswagen dealers.
The maximum authorized load that is allowed to be
transported on the roof is 100 kg (220 lbs).
This figure results from adding the weight of the roof
rack and the weight of the load carried on the roof ÿ .
Attaching the basic supports and the supporting
Always find out the weight of the roof rack and the
load you are going to transport. If necessary, weigh the
load.
structure Mount the basic supports in accordance with
the mounting instructions for the basic supports.
The holes for fixing the basic supports are located
If a roof rack with a lower load capacity is used, it will
in the lower part of the roof rails ÿ fig. 198.
not be possible to take full advantage of the maximum
permissible load on the roof. In this case, only load the
luggage rack up to the weight limit stated in the
manufacturer's mounting instructions.
The holes are only visible when the door is open.
ta.
Once the basic supports have been correctly assembled,
the supporting structure in question can be fixed on them.
Distribute the
load Distribute the load evenly and secure it correctly
ÿ .
WARNING
WARNING
Incorrect fixing and use of the basic supports and the
supporting structure can cause the complete luggage
rack to detach from the roof and cause accidents and
injuries.
Exceeding the maximum permissible roof load can
cause an accident and considerable damage to the
vehicle.
· Never exceed the indicated roof load, the
maximum permissible mass per axle or the
maximum permissible mass of the vehicle.
· Use the basic supports and the supporting
structure only when they are in perfect condition
and are correctly fixed.
3 G 0 0 1 2 7 6 0 A H
281
roof rack
· 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.
· 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 ÿ 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.
— When the roof rack is no longer needed
if you.
— Before entering an automatic washing facility.
WARNING
Improper use of the towing hitch can cause loss of
vehicle control, accidents and serious injury.
— When the height of the vehicle exceeds the required
clearance height, e.g. For example, in a garage.
· Use the towing hitch only if it is in perfect condition
and is correctly fastened.
WARNING
· 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.
· Do not carry out any type of modification or
repair on the towing device.
· 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.
· 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
“with weight distribution” or “load compensation”.
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
2024 VW Passat Owner's Manual
VW Passat B7 Service & Repair Manual
VW Passat B6 Service & Repair Manual
