Trailer towing
186Trailer towingTrailer towingTechnical requirements
The towing bracket must meet certain technical requirements.Your car is intended mainly for transporting passengers and luggage.
However, if suitably equipped, it can also be used to tow a trailer or caravan.
If your vehicle has been factory-supplied with a towing bracket, all of the
necessary technical and legal aspects fo r trailing towing have been taking
into account during manufacturing.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pole socket for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle. If the trailer has a 7-pole connector you
can use an adapter cable. This can be purchased from any SEAT Dealer.
If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the car is purchased, this must be done
according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer
⇒ page 195.
WARNING
If a towing bracket is retrofitted, the installation should be carried out by a
specialist garage.•
Particularly in high outdoor temperatures, it is not possible to drive up
long steep gradients without a suitable cooling system. The engine would
heat up.
•
Incorrect installation can result in a safety risk!
Notes on towing
There are a number of points which need to be checked before
towing a trailer or caravan.– Observe the maximum permitted trailer weights ⇒page 282.Trailer weights
Never exceed the maximum permitted trailer weights.
If you do not load the trailer up to the maximum permitted trailer weight, you
can then climb correspondingly steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the car and trailer must be reduced by about 10% for every subse-
quent 1000 m (or part thereof) . This figure refers to the combined weight of
the (loaded) vehicle and (loaded) trailer.
The figures for the draw bar weight that appear on the identification plate of
the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct figures for
your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for the towing
bracket, are given in the registration documents and on ⇒page 274. Also
refer to ⇒ page 282.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them
moving.
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Trailer towing187
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted
draw bar
weight on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressures on your car, and adjust for “full load” conditions
(refer to the sticker listing the tyre pressures on the door pillar). It may also be
necessary to adjust the tyre pressures on the trailer according to the recom-
mendations of the trailer manufacturer.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors
fitted. The two exterior mi rrors should be fitted on folding arms. Adjust the
mirrors to give sufficient rear vision.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, check the headlight beam settings with the trailer
hitched up. If necessary, alter the height of the headlight beams by means of
the headlight range control. See ⇒page 116.
Power supply
When you remove the ignition key, the power supply to the trailer is inter-
rupted.
Removable ball joint coupling
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket are equipped with a removable
ball joint coupling. This is stored in the spare wheel well in the luggage
compartment together with the necessary fitting instructions.
Note
If you frequently tow, we recommend you also have vehicle serviced between
services.
Notes on towing
Towing a trailer involves additi onal attention by the driver.Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced we ight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the car and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. Therefore,
it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in an unfavour-
able road, weather or wind conditions. This especially applies when driving
downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest
sign of swaying. Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Anticipate hazards and brake in good time. If towing a trailer with an inertia
brake , first brake gently and then more severely. This will prevent brake
tapping by the trailer wheels when they lock. Select a low gear in due course
before going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine
braking to slow down the vehicle.
Swaying and pitching can be reduced by stabiliser aids. We recommend
having stabiliser aids installed when towing trailers with a high trailer load.
They can be purchased and installed at a Dealer.
Reheating
When climbing long hills in hot weather wi th the engine running fast in low
gear, you should keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 60.
Reduce speed immediately if the needle moves to the right end of the scale.
If the temperature warning light
in the instrument cluster should start
flashing, stop the car and let the engine cool down by running it at idling
speed for a few minutes.
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Trailer towing
188Equipment and accessories
Before mounting equipment and accessories (e.g. bicycle
rack) please observe the following notes.The equipment/accessories mounted must not protrude more than 700 mm
from the ball joint .
The total weight (mounted equipment plus the load) must not exceed 75 kg.
The maximum load depends on where the centre of gravity lies.
The maximum weight decreases as the distance between the centre of gravity
and the ball joint increases.
The following limits apply:
If the distance is 300 mm, the total we ight (incl. the equipment mounted)
must not exceed 75 kg.
If the distance is 600 mm, the total we ight (incl. the equipment mounted)
must not exceed 35 kg. Only bicycle racks for
a maximum of three bicycles may be used.
Equipment and accessories mounted on the towing bracket
SEAT recommends that you only mount equipment (e.g. bicycle rack) which
has been officially approved on the ball joint. If you wish to attach other
equipment please make sure that it has been approved by the manufacturer
for use on the ball joint. If you mount unsuitable equipment, this can cause
damage to the towing bracket. In an extreme case, damage to the towing
bracket could cause it to break ⇒.
WARNING
•
If you wish to mount equipment which has not been approved by SEAT,
please ensure that it is suitable for use on SEAT vehicles.
•
The use of unsuitable accessory equipment can result in severe damage
to the towing bracket, and it could then break while pulling a trailer - Risk
of accident.
•
Never use tools of any kind when fitting and removing the ball joint.
This would damage the locking device , no longer guaranteeing the correct
working order of the bracket. This could lead to an accident.
Fig. 147 Load distribu-
tion of equipment and
accessories
A1A1
AAAB
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Trailer towing
196If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be
completed according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The attachment points for the towing bracket are on the lower part of the
vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball coupling and the ground should
never be lower than the indicated value, even with a fully loaded vehicle and
including the maximum resting weight.
Elevation values for securing the towing bracket:
65 mm (minimum)
403
629 mm
1112 mm
from 350 a to 420 mm (fully loaded vehicle)
1,000 mm
Fitting a towing bracket•
Driving with a trailer involves an extra effort for the vehicle. Therefore,
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact an Authorised Service Centre
to check whether your cooling system needs modification.
•
Submit to the legal requirements in your country (e.g. the fitting of a sepa-
rate warning lamp).
•
Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper, must be removed and
reinstalled. The towing bracket securin g bolts must be tightened using a
torque wrench, and an electrical socket must be connected to the vehicle's
electrical system. The above-mentione d require specialized knowledge and
tools.
•
Figures in the illustration show the elevation value and the attachment
points which must be considered if you are retrofitting a towing bracket.
WARNING
Towing brackets should be fitted by specialists.
•
If the towing bracket is incorrectly installed, there is serious danger of
accident.
•
For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the towing bracket.Caution
•
If the electrical socket is incorrectly installed, this could cause damage to
the vehicle's electrical system.Note
For the sportive finish, fitting a trailer bracket is not recommended due to the
design of the bumpers.
AA
ABACADAEAFAG
WARNING (continued)
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General notes on the technical data 279
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Data on fuel consumptionFuel consumption
The consumption and emission details shown on the vehi cle data sticker differ from one vehicle to another.The fuel consumption and CO
2 emissions of the vehicle can be found on the
vehicle data sticker.
The fuel consumption and emissions figures given are based on the vehicle
weight category, which is determine d according to the engine/gearbox
combination and the equipment fitted. The consumption and emission figures are calculated in accordance with the
EC test requirements 1999/100/EC. The
se test requirements specify a real-
istic test method based on normal everyday driving.
The following test conditions are applied:
Note
•
Actual consumption may vary from quoted test values, depending on
personal driving style, road and traffic conditions, the weather and the
vehicle condition. Urban cycle
The urban cycle starts with an engine cold start. City driving is then simulated.
Extra urban cycle In the extra urban cycle simulation the vehicle frequently accelerates and brakes in all gears, as in normal everyday driving.
The
road speed ranges from 0 to 120 km/h.
Total consumption The average total consumption is calculated with a weightin
g of around 37% for the urban cycle and 63% for the extra urban
cycle.
CO2 emissions The exhaust gases are collected during both driving cycles to calculate carbon dioxide emissions. The gas composition is then
analysed to evaluate the CO
2 content and other emissions.
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General notes on the technical data
280WeightsKerb weight refers to the basic model with a fuel tank filled to 90% capacity
and without optional extras. The figure quoted includes 75 kg to allow for the
weight of the driver.
For special versions and optional equipment fittings or for the addition of
accessories, the weight of the vehicle will increase ⇒.
WARNING
•
Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting
heavy objects; this may affect the vehi cle's handling and lead to an acci-
dent. Always adjust your speed and dr iving style to suit road conditions
and requirements.
•
Never exceed the gross axle weight rating or the gross vehicle weight
rating. If the allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
To w i n g a t r a i l e rTrailer weightsTrailer weights
The trailer weights and drawbar loads approved are selected in intensive
trials according to precisely defined criteria. The approved trailer weights are
valid for vehicles in the EU for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (in certain
circumstances up to 100 km/h). The figu res may be different in other coun-
tries. All data in the official vehicl e documents take precedence over these
data ⇒ . Drawbar load
The
maximum permitted weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball joint
of the towing bracket must not exceed 75 kg.
In the interest of road safety, we recommend that you always tow
approaching the maximum drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the
road will be poor if th e drawbar load is too small.
If the maximum permissible drawbar load cannot be met (e.g. with small,
empty and light-weight single axle trailers or tandem axle trailers with an axle
base of less than 1 metre), at least 4% of the actual trailer weight is a legal
stipulation for a drawbar load.
WARNING
•
For safety reasons, do not exceed the 80 km/h limit. This is also valid in
countries where higher speeds are permitted.
•
Never exceed the maximum trailer weights or the draw bar loading. If
the permissible axle load or the perm issible total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
WheelsTyre pressure, snow chains, wheel boltsTyre pressures
The sticker with the tyre pressure values can be found on the inside of the
tank flap. The tyre pressure values given there are for cold tyres. The slightly
raised pressures of warm tyres must not be reduced ⇒.
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Technical Data283
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Petrol engine 1.6l 75 kW (102 HP)General engine data
Performance figures
WeightsPower output in kW (bhp)
rpm 75 (102) / 5600
Maximum torque in Nm at 1/min 148 / 3800
No. of cylinders/ cubic capacity in cm
3
4 / 1595
Compression 10,3 +/- 0,3
Fuel Super 95 RON
a)/Normal 91 RON
b)
a)Research- Octane- Number = Measure of the antidetonator petrol power.b)Slight power lossMaximum speed in km/h 190
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 8,6
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 12,6
Gross vehicle weight in kg 1870
Weight in working order (with driver) in kg 1385
Front gross axle weight in kg 990
Rear gross axle weight in kg 1010
Permitted roof load in kg 75
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Technical Data
284Trailer weights
Engine oil capacityPetrol engine 1.8l 110 kW (150 HP)General engine data
Performance figures Trailer without brakes
690
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% 1400
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% 1200
Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change 3.6 litres
Power output in kW (HP) rpm 110 (150) / 5700
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 220 / 1800
No. of cylinders/ cubic capacity in cm
3
4 / 1781
Compression 9,5 +/- 0,3
Fuel Super 98 RON
a)/Super 95 RON
b)
a)Research- Octane- Number = Measure of the antidetonator petrol power.b)Slight power loss.Maximum speed in km/h 217
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 6,3
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 9,3
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