2013 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG roof rack

Side view

Fig. 1 Vehicle side overview.
Key to fig. 1:
(1) Fuel filler flap
(2) Side window with window diversity antenna for:
– Radio
– Central locking
(3) Roof antenna for:
– Cell phone
– Navigation
(4) Roof rack
(5) Outside door handle
(6) Outside mirror
– Additional turn signal light
(7) Lift points for the jack
(8) Receiver for the trailer hitch

Rear view

Fig. 3 Vehicle rear overview.
Key to fig. 3:
(1) Roof antenna for:
– Cell phone
– Navigation
(2) High-mounted brake light
(3) Rear window
– Rear window defroster
(4) Rear window wiper
(5) Taillights
(6) Area of:
– Button to open the rear hatch
– Camera of the Rear Assist
– License plate lighting
(7) Rear license plate bracket
(8) Sensors for rear Park Distance Control
(9) Rear towing eye mount behind a cover
(10) Receiver for the trailer hitch

Driving with an open rear hatch can lead to serious personal injury. If you have to drive with an open
rear hatch, make sure that all objects and the lid itself are properly secured and take appropriate
measures to keep toxic exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
.WARNING
Driving with an unlatched or open rear hatch can lead to serious personal injuries.
x Never transport objects larger than those fitting completely into the luggage compartment,
because the rear hatch cannot be closed properly.
x After closing the lid, always pull up on it to make sure that it is properly closed and cannot
open suddenly when the vehicle is moving.
x Always stow all objects securely in the luggage compartment. Loose objects can fall out
of the luggage compartment and injure others on the road behind you.
x Drive CARefully; anticipate what other drivers will do.
x Avoid abrupt or sudden driving or braking maneuvers, because the unlatched rear hatch
can move suddenly.
x Always mark objects sticking out from the luggage compartment clearly for others to see.
Obey all applicable legal requirements.
x Never use the rear hatch to “clamp” or “hold” objects protruding from the luggage
compartment.
x Always remove any luggage rack or other rack mounted on the rear hatch (along with any
luggage on the rack) before driving with an open rear hatch.
.WARNING
Driving with an open rear hatch can cause poisonous CARbon monoxide in the engine
exhaust to get into the passenger compartment.
x CARbon monoxide causes drowsiness, inattentiveness, poisoning, and loss of
consciousness. It can lead to accidents and severe personal injuries.
x Always keep the rear hatch closed while driving to help keep poisonous exhaust fumes
from being drawn into the vehicle.
x Never transport objects that are too large to fit completely into the luggage area, because
then the rear hatch cannot be fully closed.
x If you absolutely must drive with an open rear hatch, do the following to reduce the risk of
CARbon monoxide poisoning:
– Close all windows and the power sunroof.
– Switch off the climate control system's air recirculation feature.
– Open all air vents in the instrument panel.
– Set the fresh air fan to the highest speed.
.NOTICE
The open rear hatch changes the vehicle's length and height.
Driving a loaded vehicle

x Securely stow all luggage .
x Drive especially carefully and accelerate gently.
x Avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
x Brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
x If applicable, observe information about driving with a trailer .
x If applicable, observe information about driving with a roof rack .
.WARNING
Heavy loads can change the way your vehicle handles and increase stopping distances.
Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured can shift suddenly, causing loss of
control and serious injury.
x Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.
x Always remember when transporting heavy objects that they change the vehicle's center
of gravity and also the way it handles
– Always distribute the load as evenly as possible.
– Secure heavy objects properly as far forward in the luggage compartment as possible.
– Use your vehicle's luggage compartment tie-downs with suitable straps.
x Always tie down heavy items securely with suitable straps.
x Securely latch the rear seat backrest in the upright position.
x Never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the
safety compliance sticker on the left door jamb. Exceeding permissible weight can cause the
vehicle to skid and handle differently.
x Always adapt 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.
x Always accelerate gently and avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
x Always brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
Weights and axle weights

Roof rack

Securing a load on the roof rack