Trailer towing195
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Trailer towingInstructions to followYour vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements
for towing a trailer. For the after-market fitting of a trailer towing bracket see
⇒ page 197.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin co nnector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available in any SEAT dealer.
Trailer weight / draw bar loading
Never exceed the authorised towing limit. If you do not load the trailer up to
the maximum permitted trailer weight , you can then climb correspondingly
steeper slopes.
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 vehicle and trailer co mbination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1,000 m (or part thereof). The gross combination weight is the
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.
When 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. The figures for
trailer weights and draw bar weights that are given on the
data 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 ⇒Section
“Technical data”.
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.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the sticker
on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in
accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the ca se, you should have additional mirrors
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
Note
•
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
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Trailer towing
196•
Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country.
Ball coupling of towing bracket*Depending on the model version, the spherical head on the trailer hook may
be stored in the tool box.
The ball coupling is provided with in structions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and causing
injury.
Note
•
By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed
and it obscures the number plate.
Driving tipsDriving with a trailer always requires extra care.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 weight distribution. Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For
this reason, it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in
an unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially
when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest
sign of snaking
. Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in due course. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then, firmly. This will pr event the jerking that can be
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Se lect 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.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged ascents, driving in a low gear
and high engine speed, always moni tor the temperature indicator for the
coolant ⇒page 53.
Electronic Stabilisation Program*
The ESP* system makes it easier to stabilise the trailer in case it skids or
swings.
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Trailer towing
198If 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)
350 mm to 420 mm (fully laden vehicle)
344 mm
531 mm
1,044 mm
1,040 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.
AA
ABACADAEAFAG
WARNING (continued)
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General notes on the technical data 271
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 vehicle
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 ar e calculated in accordance with the
EC test requirements 1999/100/EC. These 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.
WeightsKerb 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 vehicle's handling and lead to an acci-
dent. Always adjust your speed and driving 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.
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 con-
sumption
The average total consumption is calculated with a weighting
of around 37% for the urba n cycle and 63% for the extra
urban cycle.
CO2 emis-
sions
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 emis-
sions.
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General notes on the technical data
272To 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 the drawbar load is too small.
If the maximum permissible drawbar loa d 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 permissible total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
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Technical Data
274Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (85 bhp)General engine data
Performance figures
Weights Power output in kW (bhp)
rpm 63 (85)/ 5000
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 132/ 3800
No. of cylinders, capacity in cm
3
4/ 1390
Compression 10,5 ± 0,3
Fuel Premium unleaded 95 RON or regular unleaded 91 RON
a)
a)With a slight power lossMaximum speedin km/h 169
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 9,9
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 15,1
Gross vehicle weight in kg 1950
Weight in working order (with driver) in kg 1405
Front gross axle weight in kg 934
Rear gross axle weight in kg 1033
Permitted roof load in kg 75
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 274 Montag, 2. Februar 2009 12:26 12
Technical Data275
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Trailer weights
Engine oil capacity
Petrol engine 1.4 92 kW (125 bhp)General engine data
Performance figures
Trailer without brakes
700
With brakes, gradients up to 8% 1200
With brakes, gradients up to 12% 1000
Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change 2.8 litres
Power output in kW (bhp) rpm 92 (125)/ 5000
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 200/ 1500-4000
No. of cylinders, capacity in cm
3
4/ 1390
Compression 10
Fuel Premium unleaded 95 RON or regular unleaded 91 RON
a)
a)With a slight power lossMaximum speedin km/h 194
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 7,0
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 10,5
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 275 Montag, 2. Februar 2009 12:26 12
Technical Data
276Weights
Trailer weights
Engine oil capacityPetrol engine 1.6 75 kW (102 bhp)General engine data Gross vehicle weight
in kg 2023
Weight in working order (with driver) in kg 1478
Front gross axle weight in kg 1004
Rear gross axle weight in kg 1036
Permitted roof load in kg 75
Trailer without brakes 730
With brakes, gradients up to 8% 1500
With brakes, gradients up to 12% 1300
Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change 3.3 litres
Power output in kW (bhp) rpm 75 (102)/ 5600
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 148/ 3800
No. of cylinders, capacity in cm
3
4/ 1595
Compression 10,3 ± 0,5
Fuel Super Plus unleaded 98 RON or Premium unleaded 95 RON
a)
a)With a slight power loss
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