Trailer towing
Introduction
In this section you’ll find information about:
Technical requirement
Hitching up and connecting a trailer
Loading the trailer
Driving with a trailer
Ball mount
Retrofitting a trailer hitch
Maximum permissible trailer weight
Obey country-specific requirements about trailer towing and trailer hitches.
Your Volkswagen was mainly designed for carrying passengers. If you plan to tow a trailer, please
remember your vehicle will be performing a job for which it was not primarily intended. The additional
load will affect durability, handling, fuel economy, and perfo rma nc e, an d may require the vehicle to be
serviced more often.
Trailer towing not only places more stress on the vehicle, it calls for more concentration from the
driver. Always follow the operating and driving instructions given, and u se comm on s en se .
Under winter conditions, install winter tires on the vehicle and the trailer.
Tongue weight
The maximum permissible trailer tongue weight exerted on the ball mount must not exceed 616 lbs
(280 kg).
More information:
Anti-theft alarm system
Lights
Brakes
Saving fuel and helping the environment
Starting assistance systems
Tires and wheels
Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications
WARNING
.
Riding in a trailer is dangerous and may be illegal.
WARNING
.
Improper use of the trailer hitch ca n c aus e accidents and injuries. An improperl y in st alled,
incorrect, or damaged trailer hitch can cause the trailer to separate from th e towing vehicle
and cause serious personal injuries.
Only use an undamaged, properly mounted trailer hitch.
Never repair or modify the trailer hi tch.
To reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions, and the risk to pedestrians and cyclists
when the vehicle is parked, always remove the ball moun t when you are not towing a trailer.
Never install a “weight distributing” or “load equalizing” trailer hitch on your vehicle. The
vehicle was not designed for these kinds of trailer hitches. The trai ler hi tch attac h men t can
fail, causing the trailer to tear loose from the vehicle.
WARNING
.
Improper trailer towing can cau se l oss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.
Driving with a trailer and CARrying heavy or large things can change the way the vehicle
handles, increase the distance it needs to stop safely, and cause accidents.
Always secure the load properly with suitable and undamaged straps so that the load will
not shift.
Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the
vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.
Reduce your speed even more than you otherwise would when going downhill and under
unfavorable load, weather, or wind conditions.
Trailers with a high center of gravity tip more easily than trailers with a low center of
gravity.
Always avoid sudden maneuvers and hard braking.
Be especially CAReful when passing other vehicles.
Reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest sign of sw aying .
Never try to stop the swaying by accelerating.
Always obey speed limits. In some areas, the spee d li mits for vehicles towing trailers are
lower than for vehicles without trailers. Never drive faster than 50 mph - 80 km/h (under
exceptional circumstances 60 mph - 100 km/h) when towing a trailer. This applies even if the
local speed limit is higher.
If you are driving a new vehicle or a vehicle with a new or reb ui lt engine, do not tow a trailer
.
during the break-in period , about 600 miles (1,000 km) .
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need maintena nce mo re oft e n be ca use of the ex tr a load it
.
has to move.
When you are not towing, remove the trailer hitch ball. This helps ke ep the traile r hitch from
.
causing damage to your vehicle and to others if your vehicle is hit from behind.
Some models need a trailer hitch to tow or tow-start other vehicles. You may want to always
.
CARry the ball mount in the vehicle after it has been removed. Be sure to stow it securely.
Technical requirements
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Use only a weight-carrying trailer hitch designed and approved for the gross weight of the trailer you
want to tow. The trailer hitch must be suitable for your vehicle and trailer and must be securely bolted
to the appropriate place on the vehicle chassis. Use only a trailer hitch with a removable ball mount.
Always check with the trailer hitch manufacturer to make s ur e that you a re usin g t he co rre ct trailer
hitch and CARefully follow the hitch manufacturer's inst ructions. N ever in st al l a “weight di stributin g” or
“load equalizing” trailer hitch on your vehicle. The ve hi cle is n ot de signed for this kind of trailer hitch
.
⇒
Your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility has the genuine
Volkswagen hitch receiver, ball mount and electrical kit that has been specifically approved for your
vehicle.
Do not use a bumper-mounted trailer hitch
Never install a trailer hitch on the bumper or on the bumper attachments. The trailer hitch must not
interfere with the impact-absorbing bumper system. Do not make any changes to the vehicle exhaust
and brake systems. From time to time, check that all trailer hitch mou nt i ng bolt s a re sec u r ely faste n ed.
When you are not towing, remove the trailer hitch. This helps ke ep th e trailer hitch from causing
damage if your vehicle is hit from behind.
Engine cooling system
Towing a trailer makes the engine and its cooling system work harder. It is important that the engine
cooling system is up to the job. Make sure that the cooling system has enou gh coolant.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer has its own brakes, make sure it meets all regulations. The trailer brake system must
never be directly connected to the vehicle's brake system.
Safety chains
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer.
Trailer taillights
Trailer lights must meet all regulations.
Never connect the trailer lights directly to the electrical system of your vehicle. Be sure to check with
your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility about correct wiring,
switches and relays.
Never connect the trailer lights directly to the electrical system of your vehicle.
Outside mirrors
If you cannot see the traffic behind you using the regular outside mirrors, then you must install
extended mirrors. Extended mirrors may also be req uired by law in some countries/states/ provin ces.
Always adjust the outside mirrors before driving. It's vital that you alw ays have a cl ear view to the rear
of the vehicle.
Maximum power consumption for the trailer
Do not exceed the power ratings listed in the chart below.
Electrical load Maximum power
Taillights total 100 watts
Turn signals per side 54 watts
Side marker lights total 108 watts
Electrical load Maximum power
Taillights total 54 watts
WARNING
.
An improperly installed or incorrect trailer hitch can cause a trailer to separate from the
tow vehicle and cause serious personal injuries.
If you don't have to tow a trailer any more, remove the entire trailer hitch. Always seal all
bolt holes to prevent water and deadly exhaust fumes from getting into the vehicle.
NOTICE
.
If the trailer lights are not connected properly, the vehicle's el ec tronics may be damaged.
If the trailer uses too much electricity, the vehicle's ele ctron i cs may be damaged.
Never connect the electrical system for the trailer directly to the electrical connections for
the rear lights or to any other unsuitable power sources. Use only a suitabl e connector to
provide power to the trailer.
If you tow a trailer frequently, Volkswage n recomm e nd s having the vehicle serviced between
.
the regular maintenance and inspection intervals because of the extra load it has to pull.
In some countries an additional fire extinguish er must be CARried if the total weight of the trailer
.
exceeds 5,512 lbs. (2,500 kg).
Hitching up and connecting a trailer
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Safety chains
Always make sure that the safety chains are prope rly att ache d to the to wing vehicle. Leave enough
slack in the chains so that you can go around corners wi thout stretching the chains. The safety chains
must not drag on the ground, however.
Trailer electrical socket
The vehicle is equipped with a setup for connecting a trailer socket. The electrical connection between
the towing vehicle and the trailer is a conventional 7 pin trailer socket.
Trailer taillights
Make sure that the trailer lights work properly and meet legal requirem e nts. Do n ot exce e d the
maximum power consumption for the trailer.
WARNING
.
Improper connections to the vehicle electrical system can cause malfunctions that affect the
entire vehicle electrical system, which can lead to accidents and serious personal injury.
Have any work on the electrical system done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Never connect the electrical system for the trailer directly to the electrical connections for
the rear lights or to any other unsuitable power sources. Use only a suitable connector to
provide power to the trailer.
NOTICE
.
Never attach a trailer to the vehicle or leave it attached to the vehicle when the trailer is
supported by a trailer jack or blocks. Various things (such as a cha ng e in trailer or vehicle load
or a flat tire) can lower or raise the vehicle. This subjects the trailer hitch and the trailer to
strong forces that can damage the vehicle or the trailer.
Any problems with the vehicle's electrical system when atta ch ed to a trail e r s ho ul d be che ck ed
.
by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
If the engine is switched off and accessories in the trailer are on and use electri city from the
.
vehicle, the vehicle battery will be drained as long as the electrical systems of the vehicle and the
trailer are connected.
Loading the trailer
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Maximum permissible trailer weight and tongue weight
Maximum permissible trailer weight is the load that the vehicle can tow ⇒ . The tongue load or
tongue weight is the load pressing down on the trailer hitch ball mount.
The maximum permissible trailer weight and tongue w eight f o r your vehicle are listed is this Manual.
The trailer load and tongue weight on the type identification plate for the trailer hitch are only test
values. The vehicle-specific figures are often lower than these values. In some countries, but generally
not in the United States, the vehicle-specific figures are listed in the official vehicle documents.
Specifications in official vehicle documents alwa ys ta k e precedence.
To help ensure optimum handling and driving safety, Volkswagen recommends always using the
maximum permissible tongue weight. If the tongue weight is too low, the vehicle and trailer will not
handle as well.
Tongue weight increases the load on the rear axle and, in turn, reduces the remaining load your
vehicle can CARry, Determining the correct load limit.
Combined towing weight
Combined towing weight is the weight of the loaded towing vehicle plus the weight of the loaded
trailer.
This vehicle has not been designed to tow a Class II trailer and must never be retrofit ted to tow a
Class II trailer. Always make sure that your vehicle has been designed to tow the trailer you want to
use and that is legal to tow the trailer where you will be driving.
Loading the trailer
The weight distribution in the vehicle and trailer must be balanc ed. Use t he ma ximum permissible
tongue weight and make sure that the load in the trailer is evenly distributed and that it is not frontheavy or tail-heavy:
Distribute the load in the trailer so that heavy objects are directly above the axle or as cl o s e as
possible to the axle.
Secure loads properly on the trailer.
Tire pressure
Always follow the trailer manufacturer's tire pressure recommendations for the trailer tires.
When towing, inflate the towing vehicle's tires to the maximum permissible pressure listed on the tire
pressure label.
WARNING
.
Exceeding the gross weight ratings for axle, tongue, vehicle, trailer or combined weight can
cause accidents and serious personal injury.
Never exceed the specified values.
Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the Gross Axle Weight
Ratings. Never let the combined front and rear weights exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating.
WARNING
.
Trailer loads that are not properly secured can shift when the vehicle is moving or braking
and suddenly change t he way the veh icle handles, causing accidents and sev e re injuries.
Always load the trailer properly.
Always secure the load properly with suitable, undamaged straps that can be tightened so
that the load cannot shift.
Driving with a trailer
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Headlight settings
Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehicle enough for t h e low be ams to blind other road
users. Use the headlight range adjustment feature to lower the light cones as requir ed. If your vehicle
does not have headlight range adjustment, have the headlights adjusted by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Vehicles with Xenon headlights self-adjust to vehicle
load and do not need manual adjustment.
Special towing considerations
If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This helps to
prevent sudden brake shock and helps prevent trailer wheels from locking up.
Due to the combined towing weight including the higher gross vehi cle weight, the stopping distance
is longer.
Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, shift into a lower gear so that the
engine helps to brake the vehicle. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and might fail.
The vehicle's center of gravity and, in turn, the vehicle's handling, will change because of the trailer
load and the increased combined towing weight of the vehicle and trailer.
Weight distribution is especially bad if the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer is loaded. If you
absolutely must drive with this combination, drive with extra CARe and at a reduced speed.
Starting off with a trailer on hills
Depending on how steep the hill is and the combined towing weight, a parked vehicle with trailer can
roll backwards when you first start moving.
When starting off with a trailer on a hill:
Depress and hold the brake pedal.
Pull and hold the
button to use the electronic parking brake to keep the vehicle and trailer from
rolling backwards.
Put the transmission in Drive (D).
Release the brake pedal.
Drive ahead slowly at first.
Do not release the
button until the engine has enough driving power for the vehicl e to start
moving.
Drive ahead slowly
WARNING
.
Improper trailer towing can cau se l oss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.
Driving with a trailer and CARrying heavy or bulky items changes th e way the vehicle
handles and increases the distance it needs to stop safely.
Always watch what is happening up ahead and around you. Brake earlier than you would
if you were not towing a trailer.
Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the
vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.
Reduce your speed even more than you otherwise would when going downhill and under
unfavorable load, weather, or wind conditions.
Drive especially CARefully and accelerate gently. Always avoid sudden maneuvers and
hard braking.
Be especially CAReful when passing other vehicles.
Reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows even the slight es t sign of swaying.
Never try to stop the swaying by accelerating.
Always obey speed limits. In some areas speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are lower
than for vehicles without trailers.
Ball mount
Fig. 107 Dimensions of the ball mount support.
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
If you must tow a trailer, you must have the necessary electrical wiring and socket together with a
suitable trailer hitch installed. Because towing a trailer places a great deal of stress on the vehicle, the
attachment of a trailer to the vehicle and the dimensions of the re ceiver and ball mount are very
important so that the extra forces the vehicle has to withsta nd c an be pr op erl y handled.
Depending on its equipment, certain parts required for the installation of a trailer hitch may alre ady
have been installed at the factory. If your vehicle doe s not already have the preparation package
installed, your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility can install the
necessary parts and equipment incl udi n g the pr oper trailer hitch for you.
The receiver used requires both a ball mount and a ball that meet special requirements regarding
geometry and size. This applies to both the height of the ball above the su rface where it attaches
⇒ fig. 107 (A), and the pin-to-ball distance (B).
These dimensions are important because they help determine the way that the forces that arise during
towing are applied to the receiver and its attachments to the vehicle. I f you buy a diffe rent ball mount
and ball, make sure that they meet the following specifications.
Ball mount dimensions
The drop height (A) from the center of the ball to the center of the hole for the securing pin on the
ball mount must be at least 1
The pin-to-ball distance (B) from the center of the ball to the center of the hole for the securing pin
on the ball mount must be no more than 6
1
/4 inches (32.3 mm) and at most 27 /8 inches (73 mm).
1
/8 inches (157.3 mm).
The ball diameter must be no more than 2 inches (51 mm).
Volkswagen recommends that you have an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility install the electrical system and socket.
A ball mount and ball combination that does not meet thes e specifications can damage your vehicl e
and may even fail in use ⇒
.
Never install a “weight distributing” or “load equalizing” trailer hitch on your vehicle. T he v ehicle is not
designed for this kind of trailer hitch ⇒
WARNING
.
.
An improperly installed or unsuitable trailer hitch can cause the trailer to separate from the
towing vehicle and result in a major accident with serious personal i njur i es.
Have any trailer hitch retrofit or other w ork on a trailer hitch done by a qualified workshop.
CAUTION
.
The ball mount sticks out behind the re ar bumper and can cause injury to pedestri ans and
cyclists.
To reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions, and the risk to pedestrians and cyclists
when the vehicle is parked, always remove the ball CARrier w hen you are not towing a trailer.
NOTICE
.
Never use a ball larger than 2 inches (51 mm) on your vehicle. The vehicle was not designed
to tow heavier trailers with a receiver larger than the specified ball. The increased loads can
damage the attachment points for the trailer hit ch.
Never use an adapter to increase the size of the trailer hitch receiver to more than 2 inches
(50.8 mm) to tow a trailer that is heavier than the maximum permissible trailer w eight that your
vehicle can tow.
You can use an adapter if required for the proper installation o f a bic ycle rack or other
similar CARrier as long as the maximum weight limits are observed. When using bicycle racks
or similar CARriers make sure that the rear lights are not blocked.
Only use trailer hitches that are appr oved by the hitch manufacture r for your vehicle and
model.
Retrofitting a trailer hitch
Fig. 108 Dimensions and attachment points for retrofitting a trailer hitch.
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Volkswagen recommends having the trailer hitch retrofit performed by a qualified workshop because
cooling system modifications or the installation of heat shields may be necessary. Volkswagen
recommends that you see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility before having a hitch installed on your vehicle.
When retrofitting a trailer hitch, the specified distance dimensions must be strictly adhered to. Under
no circumstances may the distance from the center of the hitch ball to the surface of the road
⇒ fig. 108 (F) be less than the specified minimum. This minimum h eig ht must b e pre sent e v e n when
the vehicle is fully loaded and subject to the maximum tongue weight.
Distance dimensions :
(A) Attachment points.
5
/
(B) 42
(C) at least 2
1
(D) 5
(E) 2
/
1
/
(F) from 13
inches (1074.6 mm)
.
16
9
/
inches (65 mm)
.
16
inches (131 mm)
.
8
inches (52 mm)
.
16
3
/
inches to 161 /
.
4
inches (350 - 420 mm)
.
2
(G) 1315 /
(H) 41
(I) 46
.
inches (354.5 mm)
.
16
5
/
inches (1050 mm)
.
16
7
/
inches (1180 mm)
.
16
WARNING
Improper or incorrect connections to the vehicle electrical system can cause malfunctions
that affect the entire vehicle electrical system and cause accidents and serious personal
injury.
Never connect the electrical system of the trailer directl y to the electri cal co nn ec tions of
the rear lights or other unsuitable power sources. Use only a suitable connec tor to provide
power to the trailer. Use only a suitable connector to provide power to the trailer.
Have any trailer hitch retrofit or other w ork on a trailer hitch done by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
.
An improperly installed or unsuitable trailer hitch can cause the trailer to separate from the
towing vehicle and result in a major accident with serious personal injuries.
Only use trailer hitches that are approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle and mod el.
.
Maximum permissible trailer weight
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Maximum permissible trailer weights lbs. kg
Trailer with brakes 7716 3500
Trailer without brakes 1650 748
Trailer hitch tongue load 617 280
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and the Gross Axle Weight Rating m ust not be exceeded, even with
a trailer. These ratings are listed on the safety compliance label on the left front door jamb When a
trailer is towed, the weight of the ball mount and the tongue weight of the trailer are adde d to the
vehicle weight, Determining the correct load limit.
The trailer weight ratings given above are valid only up to altitudes of 3000 ft (1000 m) above sea
level. The maximum permissible combined towin g we ight must b e red uced by about 10% for every
3000 ft (1000 m), or portion thereof, of additional altitude.
WARNING
.
Exceeding the gross trailer weight rating and tongue weight can cause accidents and serious
personal injury.
Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the Gross Axle Weight
Ratings. Never let the combined front and rear weights exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating.
NOTICE
.
Exceeding the gross weight ratings can cause extensive vehicle damage that is not covered by
any Volkswagen Limited Warranty .
NOTICE
.
Towing a trailer of any kind with a vehicle that has a diesel engine and aut oma ti c tr ans m ission
will cause overheating and expensive engine as well as other damage to your vehi cl e that will
not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. Never install a trailer hitch on one of
these vehicles.
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